Fashion trends come and go, but having beautiful legs is something that never goes out of style. However, maintaining sleek and toned legs becomes more challenging as we age. If you notice changes in the appearance of your legs, you may not want to draw attention to issues like varicose or spider veins. That’s understandable. It’s difficult to enjoy activities where your legs are showing when you feel like hiding behind layers of clothes or long pants. Although it may feel discouraging, there are many ways you can become intentional about improving the look of your legs and proudly show them off.
Improve leg circulation: Circulation is crucial when it comes to leg health. One of the best ways to improve your blood flow is by exercising regularly and walking daily. If you work at a professional job where you sit for most of the day, try to stand and move around at least once per hour to keep your legs from swelling or becoming sore. You can also do calf raises while at your desk or use an angled foot platform to keep some movement in your day. Many smartwatches have notifications that alert you to stand once an hour, which is a useful way to remember. If you work in a hospital or workplace where you are on your feet most of the day, remember to wear supportive shoes and/or compressive socks that help keep your blood moving.
Use sun protection: Tanned legs can give you confidence when wearing that cute sundress or pair of shorts, but you want to achieve that beachy glow safely. Keeping your legs safe from dangerous rays is essential and can help prevent skin cancer. The legs are a primary place where women have melanoma, so you need to use sunblock regularly (we love Elta MD for sunscreen, and it’s available in our office) and opt for a sunless tanner when you want that summer glow.
Reduce the amount of hair on your legs: Smooth, hairless legs are a beauty ideal but the concept really can make your aging legs look younger and more toned. Shaving is a simple way to take care of the issue…still, it takes time and frequency that many would like to avoid (if you do choose to shave, experts recommend changing your shaving blades or razors 1-2 times per month to minimize cuts), while laser hair reduction offers a more long-lasting solution. Laser hair reduction also combats the hair at the root, which results in minimal regrowth and a smaller pore appearance. At Renew, we offer the Forever Bare BBL from Sciton technology, which is a safe, fast, and comfortable option. The technology sends low pulses at a high rate and allows even heating of hair follicles for removal (this minimizes missed areas).
Moisturize and hydrate: Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated and can help maintain your skin’s elasticity. Although there is no concrete research about how the body’s absorption of water will make a difference in appearance, data does show that dehydration negatively impacts your skin. Dehydration can cause the skin to lose elasticity and cause a tenting effect (where the skin retains folds). The appearance of healthy skin can also be improved by moisturizers, which can reduce fine lines and hydrate the skin. Data also supports the idea that smoother skin can improve a patient’s quality of life and satisfaction with their skin. Optimal hydration from a moisturizer stems from using it as directed at least once daily and using a medical-grade product (ZO Products are a great option).
Treat spider veins: Veins can become large and unsightly due to aging or medical conditions and can create lowered self-confidence. Varicose veins are raised and swollen blood vessels that can be seen throughout the skin, usually on the legs or pelvic area. They are from a weakening of the blood vessel wall or from faulty blood valves. Spider veins are similar yet smaller and are typically visible on the legs and face. Patients are at risk from heredity, jobs that require a lot of standing, obesity, hormones, birth control medications, or a history of blood clots. These types of veins occur more frequently in women, and the risk increases with age; an estimated 30-60% of adults have varicose or spider veins. The good news is that some procedures can impact these veins’ appearance or remove them altogether. Spider veins can be treated with ClearScan laser or broadband light treatment, and we recommend a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
Aging is a natural process but it doesn’t mean you have to hide your legs away. There are many ways to take back control of how your legs look, from minor lifestyle adjustments to surgical interventions. If you are wondering what treatment might be best for you, reach out to our caring and knowledgeable team at Renew today. We can guide you to the treatment option that suits your practical goals and budget…no matter your age, soon you’ll be ready to sport those sundresses and shorts with confidence.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
