Your guide to prepping your legs for swimsuit season

Believe it or not, summer is on its way. And while the mere thought of breaking out new suede miniskirts and denim midi lengths in the coming weeks is enough to inspire fits of glee, legs may not be as eager for their grand debut—after all, it’s been a beat since they’ve seen the light of day. Luckily, with the help of a few miracle products, even the most reluctant set of limbs will be glowing in no time.

According to New York City dermatologist Elizabeth Hale, MD, the best leg rehabilitation starts with exfoliation. “Throughout winter, skin severely dehydrates, but it’s our legs and feet that dry out the most due to poor circulation,” says Hale. “It’s important to slough off dead skin buildup,” either with a gentle scrub, sonic brush, or a moisturiser that contains an alpha hydroxy acid, like glycolic or lactic. But be warned: “Be extra careful if scrubbing manually,” she explains, “dry skin may become inflamed if you don’t follow with a thick moisturiser.” Hale suggests opting for a concentrated formula packed with ceramides, like CeraVe’s Moisturizing Lotion.

The pro also recommends using a gradual self-tanner a few weeks before the big reveal to camouflage discolouration or spider veins. While an overnight tanning formula is a great last-minute option, “start gradually so the colour appears more naturally.” In addition, Hale strongly advises against indoor tanning. It may be a fast solution for bronzed skin, but “it’s the worst thing you can do to your body, and just one session multiplies skin cancer risk by 20 percent.”

For a quick fix or a healthy gleam, mist on a hydrating oil, like argan, coconut, or something with a hint of shimmer, like Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc Body Oil. It’s guaranteed to transform any pale patches into just-got-back-from-St. Barth’s limbs. Here, six genius essentials for stepping confidently into the new season.

This article originally appeared a Vogue.com

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