No, you won't look like this Photoshopped model, but smoother summer legs are just a few exfoliating, moisturizing products away. (Getty Images)
With the warmer weather comes blue skies, sunny days, vibrant blooms — and, of course, showing more skin. For those of us with dry, pasty, vein-y or uneven skin (i.e. all of us?), shedding layers can bring a level of self-consciousness, if not downright panic. A first outing in shorts or a shorter skirt can be especially daunting this time of year, as it means displaying a lot of leg. Even the most glamorous gams require at least a little extra TLC before the summer solstice arrives and, more likely, a full glow up.
"Concerns that occur most commonly on legs are dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris [small, red bumps], ingrown hairs and varicose veins," says Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates. "Generally, the best way to care for leg skin is by exfoliating to get rid of dead skin and prevent ingrown hairs, [and] also using hydrating body wash and moisturizer to keep the legs looking soft and shiny."
Of course, long-term leg care is not simply a surface-level affair. "[For the best-looking legs] I recommend trying to be active daily — like walking more — plus staying hydrated and protecting the skin from environmental factors like the sun," Spearman explains. "For other concerns like varicose and spider veins, elevating your legs can help prevent them from forming, and laser treatments can diminish their appearance."
Read on for Spearman's top solutions for all your most pressing leg-skin concerns, but don't be afraid to strut your stuff even if your pins are not camera-ready. My advice: Give yourself a close shave, slather on some inexpensive anti-bump cream, throw on a pretty dress and enjoy the ever-fleeting joy of a warm breeze on your bare, just-fine-as-it-is skin.
No one likes the look of flaky, rough-textured knees and legs, but the good news is, with consistent use, quality products can treat these issues — and treat them fast. Though these formulas are gentle, as with any new topical treatment, consult with a doctor first if you have sensitive skin, particularly if your dermatological issues are severe.
"I recommend wearing compression socks to improve circulation and decrease the chance of varicose veins," Spearman says, particularly "if you are someone who is on your feet for prolonged periods of time."
For decades, Tend Skin has been the go-to product for preventing ingrown hairs and razor bumps — there's truly nothing better on the market. After straying from the treatment for years, I re-upped on Tend Skin last year before a vacation, specifically for my upper thighs, which tend to become a bumpy, itchy mess in the summer after I shave or wax. Once I started applying Tend Skin to the area, the entire issue was resolved. I'll probably never shave without it again.
Spearman recommends regular exfoliation for smoothing leg skin and this body scrub, from beloved brand First Aid Beauty, is specially formulated with glycolic and lactic acids to help treat uneven skin texture or, as the brand claims, "help reduce chicken skin bumps."
It's safe for sensitive skin and especially effective at targeting bumpy upper arms.
"This option is great for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin," says Spearman. "It has no fragrance, which decreases the likelihood of irritation, and has salicylic acid, which is great for exfoliating and softening skin."
The lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion also contains vitamin D and hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into even the driest skin.
If you're looking for a smoothing, hydrating, dermis-nourishing body wash that's safe for even the most sensitive skin, this is the one. Iota makes some of the best skin care on the market and this award-winning formula is particularly stellar — packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins along with clinically proven soothing ingredients like chamomile.
It's among my top products so far for 2025 and one of the few buzzy skin care items I've tried that truly lives up to the hype.
This non-comedogenic lotion — which promises "48-hour moisture" — is another Spearman fave: "It's great for daily use and is another fragrance-free option," she says, adding that she always recommends formulas without fragrance to reduce the chance of irritation. "I also love this one because of its anti-aging properties and firming capabilities. The combination of peptides and niacinamide is great for protecting the skin barrier and visibly firming skin."
If you're looking to hide leg blemishes and want a smoother look overall ( or, in the words of the inimitable Snooki, "If you can't tone it, tan it!") a quality self-tanner might just do the trick.
This fast-developing, low-cost mousse is an excellent choice for first-time self-tanners who want to try a reliable option without shelling out too much cash (it's so good, we named it one of our top self-tanners of the year). The clear formula is infused with coconut water and vitamin E to soften skin and make for an easier application. It develops into a streak-free tan in just two hours and won't transfer to your clothes, sheets or towels while it bakes in. The color itself is subtle — it starts light, but if you're looking for a deeper tan, you can layer it on.
"This is a great option for tightening and firming the skin," Spearman says. "This body cream contains guarana extract, a caffeine-rich ingredient known for its skin-tightening properties. It also features ingredients known as cupuaçu butter, acai oil and Brazil nut oil, which help hydrate and soften the skin. You can apply it all over your body, and it leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft and moisturized."
The bad news is: If you want to diminish the appearance of varicose or spider veins, you'll need to head to a doctor's office. Depending on the type and severity, these can be treated with surgery or, potentially, less invasive procedures like sclerotherapy and laser ablation. However, if you're prone to varicose and spider veins, Spearman says wearing compression socks and regularly elevating your legs can help prevent future outbreaks.
If you want to disguise your leg veins, high-quality self tanners can aid in blurring the blue-purple hue and make the condition look less severe.
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