DIY leg scrub: 4 natural recipes against ingrown hair

The legs are a part of the body that is rather prone to ingrown hairs and skin blemishes mainly due to dryness, the use of tight pants or tights and the side effects of hair removal.

This is why constantly undergoing a scrub is an essential step in body care, especially in preparation for hair removal, to eliminate dead cells and dry skin and allow you to remove hair more effectively, giving the skin of the legs uniformity and appearance. softer and more velvety.

If in fact, hydration remains an essential step in our beauty routine, it is also true that before nourishing the skin, we must purify it thoroughly through exfoliation. To do this, we can also rely on natural remedies and practical do-it-yourself solutions, preparing an exfoliant at home, with the use of simple ingredients that we find in the kitchen.

Here are four recipes to make an effective leg scrub suitable for all skin types!

1. Coffee scrub

See also

DIY deodorant: the 4 best recipes for a natural deodorant

DIY lip scrub: 6 natural recipes for perfect lips!

8 natural remedies for pimples!

The first recipe we propose is based on coffee and coconut oil; the first is a natural exfoliant, while the second helps to nourish and envelop the skin with a touch of sweetness.
Coffee also has an effective anti-cellulite action: this is because caffeine is a vasodilator, therefore it stimulates blood circulation, reduces swelling and water retention and tones the tissues. Not only that, this precious product also helps to stimulate and maintain the tan. : the active ingredients contained in it, in fact, stimulate the production of melanin in a natural way, therefore this remedy can be an excellent solution for a beauty treatment to be done at home in the summer.

Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler for 1 minute in the microwave until liquid, put it in an empty jar and add 4 tablespoons of coffee. Mix until you get the consistency you prefer. Then apply on the legs, making circular massages for a few minutes: start from the heel up to the thighs and near the groin area. Finally, rinse with warm water.

Alternatively, instead of coconut oil, you can also use sweet almond oil, one of the remedies that are most used in beauty treatments for face and body.

Those who do not have too sensitive skin can also add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to make the exfoliation more effective and energetic.

This recipe is particularly ideal before hair removal, because it helps to combat ingrown hair by properly preparing the skin for the beauty treatment.

2. Do-it-yourself coarse salt scrub

Coarse salt is undoubtedly the most suitable for obtaining a more effective result, but if you prefer a more delicate action, you can also opt for the fine one.

Take a handful of salt and add three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, to make the mixture more fragrant, also add a few drops of an essential oil with a soothing power, such as lavender.
You can also add a spoonful of low-fat yogurt to make the mixture softer and more delicate.

3. Sugar scrub

This turns out to be another kitchen ingredient with many beauty uses. As a body scrub it is particularly suitable, especially in combination with a product with soothing and nourishing virtues, such as honey and olive oil.

Here are two variations of the sugar-based recipe.

1. In the first case, add three tablespoons of sugar, preferably cane, to two of honey, preferably that of acacia for its emollient properties.

2. The second recipe, on the other hand, replaces olive oil - or coconut, avocado or sweet almond oil - with honey. You can also add a little lemon juice, with its exfoliating and detoxifying power.

As above, if you have particularly sensitive skin, prefer the refined version.

4. Bicarbonate scrub

If you want to prepare a delicate and effective exfolinate at the same time, you can only rely on the help of baking soda.
Add it to a little water, to create a homogeneous and not too liquid mixture and, if you prefer, also add a little lemon juice.

Alternatively, for a creamier consistency, you can also choose to replace the water with a few tablespoons of cleansing milk or yoghurt and add drops of essential oil at the end to give a heavier fragrance.

How to apply it

After having carefully prepared it using all the ingredients described above, we must now spread it well on our legs.

First of all, remember to apply it on damp skin, not completely dry, because it will undoubtedly be a less invasive treatment. A great time to do this is in the shower, before washing. However, take care to choose delicate, nourishing and quality cleansing products, which do not risk irritating the skin of the body.

Now let's move on to the application: as already mentioned above, we must spread it from the bottom upwards, starting from the ankles and at the same time performing decisive and energetic circular massages.
Do not force your hand excessively in the thigh area, especially if you have capillary fragility problems.

After applying it, now go to rinsing: avoid too hot temperatures that can cause the capillaries to break and irritate the skin. To promote better blood circulation and oxygenate the tissues well, take advantage of this moment to make alternating passages of cold and lukewarm water, a real panacea for giving tone to the skin of the face and body.
Finally, dry without rubbing but gently dabbing with a soft towel that does not irritate the skin, which is generally more delicate after an exfoliating beauty treatment.

As a last step, apply a generous amount of a moisturizing and nourishing cream on the entire leg, preferably based on ingredients with soothing and refreshing power such as aloe vera gel, avocado or shea butter. Again, you can rely on a do-it-yourself preparation.

See also: Foods that are good for your skin: how to improve your facial skin by eating!

© iStock Foods that are good for the skin

How often to do it

It is recommended to do this at least once a month, especially if your skin is rather delicate.
In the event that you are particularly prone to ingrown hair, also proceed once a week or every fortnight.

In any case, this aspect strictly depends on the type of skin you have and its condition.

Useful tips for a flawless result!

As mentioned earlier, this treatment is ideal for exfoliating the skin before undergoing hair removal - whichever method you choose - and to help prevent ingrown hairs.
However, avoid doing it close to the hair removal, better anticipate it by a few days, so as to avoid that the skin is excessively sensitive and delicate and can feel more pain or irritation.

Not only that, also avoid exposing yourself to the sun immediately after carrying out the scrub: you would risk irritating the skin and feel burning and discomfort.