Want Smoother, More Even-Toned Legs? Do This, Derms Say

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While retinol doesn’t technically exfoliate the skin, it does help to increase cell turnover, thus aiding in the process of brightening and smoothing. 

If you’re just as concerned about exfoliation as you are easing crepey skin, then a retinol body lotion might be a good addition to your routine. As shown in clinical studies, retinol treatment can stimulate collagen production1 and help decrease the appearance of wrinkling. 

Just as you would on your face, be sure to isolate your retinol product by using it on different evenings than you do an exfoliating serum or body scrub to avoid irritation. Think of it as skin cycling, but for the body. 

Dry brushing is a classic Ayurvedic ritual that involves brushing your full body with a special bristled tool. While there are common claims that dry brushing can clear cellulite or improve immune function, that hasn’t been scientifically proven. 

What we do know is that dry brushing is a form of physical exfoliation that can also increase circulation on the skin. However, it’s still up for debate whether you actually need to manually stimulate circulation (some studies show lymph pumps can improve lymphatic function2) or if simply moving your body is enough. Regardless, studies show that improved circulation is better for skin overall—no matter how you get things going. 

“Dry brushing can be useful as an exfoliating mechanism, but great care must be taken to make sure that the bristles are gentle enough that the skin is not being abraded,” Marcus explains. “Disrupting the skin barrier can lead to increased dryness and do more harm than good."

Just like any form of manual exfoliation, be sure to find a dry brush that works for your skin—again, if your skin gets red and dry afterward, then you should probably switch to something more gentle. Here’s a bit more information about dry brushing, if you’re curious. And if you’re ready to invest, here’s a list of our top picks. 

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If you have sensitive skin or you simply want to skip extra exfoliation steps, then a classic washcloth is the best way to go. You can use a loofah as well, but a cloth is much easier to clean and tends to be a more sustainable option. 

You can even use a washcloth in conjunction with an exfoliating body wash or fine-grained scrub if you need some extra power. 

The exfoliating mitt might just be the easiest tool of all for a strong exfoliation, sans extra steps. All you have to do is slip the mitt over your hand (or grab the exfoliating pad), apply some body wash, and gently massage the body. 

These mitts are great for targeting smaller areas like the bikini line—but you must remember to wash them and let them air dry every few weeks. If your mitt never fully dries, it might start to collect bacteria and even grow mold. 

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“With regular exfoliation, skin will look and feel smoother and more youthful,” medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skin Care Joie Tavernise tells mbg. 

Especially for those who shave their legs or remove hair in general, hyperpigmentation is always a risk. Luckily, exfoliation can help fade dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time, contributing to more even-looking skin on the legs.

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2.

Better penetration of topical moisturizers. 

When your skin is clogged up with dead cells, it’s more difficult for your other products to penetrate (this is true for the whole body, not just the legs). So when you remove that buildup, your topical moisturizers can better penetrate the skin, thus making them more effective. 

And remember: You should always apply a body lotion or body oil after you shower, especially if you’ve just exfoliated. 

If you’re using retinol body cream, be sure to exfoliate the day before (again, classic skin cycling). This way the dead skin gets removed and the retinol can perform to its best ability on the skin. 

4.

Reduced acne or ingrowns. 

Those who are prone to ingrown hairs or leg pimples (yes, you can get zits on your legs) should be exfoliating regularly—and always do so before you shave. 

"Gentle exfoliation can help [loosen] the free edge of hairs that may be trapped under the skin," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. once told mbg. "This can give you a smoother shave and lower the likelihood of razor bumps or irritation." 

If you’re more prone to breakouts than ingrowns, then opt for a salicylic acid exfoliating serum or body wash, as it’s also anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and can penetrate deep into pores. 

5.

May help with "strawberry legs" and KP. 

KP can show up in many places on the body, but it’s commonly found on the backs of the arms and legs. In order to reduce its appearance (no, it cannot be fully cured), look to chemical exfoliants. 

“Exfoliation is one of the key treatments to help with keratosis pilaris, as it is often recommended to use an alpha-hydroxy acid, like glycolic or lactic acid, to help improve skin texture,” Garshick says. 

If you have hypersensitive skin (read: even the simplest of formulas make your skin irritated), you should steer clear of exfoliation. You may be able to occasionally cleanse the skin with a soft washcloth, but be sure to keep the rubbing to a minimum and stop if your skin gets red or inflamed. 

During a bout of eczema, dermatitis, or any other sensitizing skin condition, be sure to skip this step as well. Stick to nourishing and simple moisturizers instead. And perhaps this goes without saying, but you shouldn't exfoliate every single day.

When it comes to exfoliation schedules, it all depends on your skin type. While those with dry or sensitive skin might want to stick with once a week, people with oily skin or those prone to ingrowns may need to exfoliate twice a week. 

The upper limit is twice a week, Marcus says, especially if you’re new to exfoliation. If you want to focus on a smooth shave, then schedule your exfoliation one day prior. See here for more information on an exfoliating cadence.

For those with sensitive skin, fine sugar and oats will be a better option. If you’re looking for a tougher scrub, then coffee grounds and even fine salt will do the trick. 

Best leg exfoliation products