Few of us are blessed with perfect pins, so if you’re lacking a little confidence when you stroll down the street, check out these top 5 tips for flawless legs.
5. Get a general health check-up!
We all know what it’s like to reach the end of a long day where it seems that our legs are screaming at us to lie down, and the truth is that your legs actually have a lot to say. If you have achy legs all the time, heaviness in the lower limbs, poor healing, skin changes, a loss of hair, or even persistent verucas, bunions, bruises, or other issues, then these can all suggest a greater underlying health issue.
Get a general health check-up annually and at least then you know that nothing is holding you back from perfect pins.
4. Get moving!
The old adage of use it or lose it really comes to the fore when talking about legs. Without regular activity, muscle tone declines and this means that once slender and shapely legs can become thick and puffy. Better muscle tone also means better circulation, helping to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the legs and to clear waste.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity that makes you at least a little breathless every day. This can include three rounds of 5 minutes of climbing stairs and a 15 minute walk, or a single 30 minute bike ride – it’s up to you!
3. Cut out pro-inflammatory foods!
Eating well is a sure-fire way to improve the health of your legs, and their appearance. A high-fibre diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, essential fatty acids, and easily digested protein from plant foods is ideal for perfect pins. Cut out trans fats, excess sodium, saturated animal fats and other pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic animal foods such as processed meats and dairy, and make sure to drink plenty of water.
Tired and sluggish legs that are puffy with water retention will quickly slim down, feel lighter, and have you back on the dance floor.
2. Quit smoking and cut back on the booze!
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it’ll also help you achieve flawless legs. Smokers have worse circulation, reduced collagen production, increased risk of cancer, and slower healing. All that adds up to dull and saggy skin that doesn’t heal as quickly or as well, increased scarring, and a greater risk of infection in the legs. Alcohol also increases the risk of infections and scarring through impaired healing, as well as making it more likely you’ll have circulatory issues that affect leg health.
So quit smoking now and cut back on the booze and youโll soon see your circulation improve and your legs look and feel better!
1. Exfoliate and Moisturise!
You’ve been working so hard from the inside out, and now it’s time to pay attention to the largest organ in the body, the skin. Your skin helps you regulate body temperature, protects you from outside invaders, and helps you eliminate toxins, but dead skin cells can build up to block pores and lead to bumps, infections, and a reduced ability to do all these important activities.
Gentle, sweeping, upward strokes with an exfoliating glove or brush can help encourage venous return and good circulation while removing dead skin cells and allowing new, youthful skin to shine. Do this daily, or every other day, and follow up with a moisturiser free from parabens, phthalates, bisphenol-A and other nasty chemicals.
Follow these top tips for flawless legs and your pins will soon look just as healthy as you feel!
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