Help your legs recover from summer's heat and 'hustle and bustle'
As summer slowly fades into memory, it's time to address the aftermath of your sun-soaked adventures. As we mentioned in our previous blog posts, summer heat and prolonged sun exposure can be damaging to your legs. Adding to this the return to work and daily routine, can really push your leg health over the line, leaving your legs swollen, tired and sore... But fear not! We are here to help and share our simple yet effective home remedies to help your legs bounce back from the summer’s ‘hustle and bustle’, leaving them feeling refreshed and Happy:
Mild Leg and Feet Exfoliation: Exfoliating your legs and feet can help remove dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation. Once per week, use a gentle exfoliating scrub in the shower, focusing on areas prone to dryness and roughness. This not only rejuvenates your skin but also promotes overall leg comfort.
Hydrating Leg Cream: We recommend investing in a quality leg cream designed to provide intense hydration. Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. Make sure to regularly apply your cream after a shower (especially if you exfoliated your legs) or before bedtime. Incorporating a hydrating cream into your leg care routine will keep the skin on your legs and feet moisturized and supple, preventing dryness and itchiness. Hydrated skin is less prone to irritation and can significantly contribute to overall leg comfort and recovery.
Gentle Leg Massage: A gentle leg massage can promote blood circulation and alleviate muscle tension. Use your hydrating cream or lotion and start massaging from your feet, moving upwards towards your thighs. Apply light pressure and use upward strokes to encourage fluid drainage. You can also use simple tools such as a feet roller or foam roller for a deeper muscle and tissue massage. Tip: If you don’t have a roller, just use a small water bottle. You can freeze it for a more cooling effect. Regular leg massages, even self-administered, can make a significant difference in your leg health.
Elevate Your Legs: Once you are done with your gentle massage, make sure to elevate your legs for 10-15 minutes. One of the easiest and most effective ways to relieve leg swelling and discomfort is to elevate your legs. Lie down and prop your legs up on pillows or cushions, ensuring they are higher than your heart. This reduces the pressure in your leg veins, allowing fluids to drain away from the swollen areas.
Cold Compress: A cold compress can work wonders for soothing swollen legs. Simply wrap a bag of ice or a cold pack in a thin cloth and gently apply it to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes. Cold constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and providing immediate relief. Repeat this as needed throughout the day.
Epsom Salt Water Soaks: Epsom salt is a time-tested remedy for relieving leg fatigue and inflammation. Dissolve a cup of Epsom salt in a warm bath and soak your legs for 15-20 minutes. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can help reduce inflammation and relax tense leg muscles. This soothing soak is an excellent way to unwind after a long day and promote overall leg recovery.
Herbal Remedies: We would like to point out that certain herbs like horse chestnut and butcher's broom have been traditionally used to alleviate leg swelling and discomfort. You can find herbal supplements or creams containing these ingredients at health food stores. Make sure you always consult with a healthcare provider before adding herbal remedies to your routine, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medications.
We’ll sneak a bonus remedy to our list… Our LegDay masks contain nourishing shea butter and calming aloe extract which are ingredients that provide hydration, soothing and relaxation to your fatigued legs. Kill two birds with one stone, and put the masks in the fridge for a couple of hours before applying to your legs. The masks will not only provide the needed hydration but will also cool down the swelling and promote fluid drainage. You can find our LegDay masks here!
Summer's ‘hustle and bustle’ can leave your legs in need of some TLC, but with these home remedies, you can help them recover and rejuvenate. Whether it's exfoliating and hydrating your legs, elevating them, applying cold compresses, or exploring herbal remedies, these simple steps will leave your legs feeling refreshed and ready to face the autumn activities.