I had a bit of a rude awakening the other day. Trying on a skirt that I hadn’t worn in ages, I happened to catch sight of my legs in the mirror and…well…it wasn’t pretty. They were pasty white, scaly pretty much all over, and flaking in places, too. I was also sporting a fair few bruises (I’d just been overseas and have a habit of using my legs to help me hoist overweight suitcases places) as well as some newly discovered cellulite. As I said, it wasn’t a pretty sight. So, as you do in these sorts of situations, I had a half-hour wardrobe crisis followed by a mini meltdown, then picked myself up again and decided to find a solution to my (many) leg issues. Here’s what I discovered:

Best fix for white, pasty legs

I definitely don’t believe in sitting out in the sun (and, not to sound preachy and all, but neither should you!), which means that if I want tanned legs it has to come out of a bottle. St Tropez Everyday Perfect Legs is a gradual tanner and instant bronzer in one, which means that you’ll look gorgeously golden in a flash and be able to maintain the colour as it develops over time. It’s also non-transferable so it won’t rub off on your clothes if you’re in a massive rush – bonus!

Best fix for flaking, scaly skin

So you know how we go on and on about the importance of exfoliating your skin? Well, beauties, I have a confession to make: this is definitely a case of “do as I say, not as I do” because I’ve been very, very slack with scrubbing my skin. As a result it’s become dry, scaly and flaky. Not nice to see or to touch. Luckily I was recently sent a tub of Sanctuary Spa Essentials Hot Sugar Scrub. The ‘hot’ factor got me intrigued so I took it home to try – and boy, am I addicted to it now! It literally warms up as you rub it into your skin and releases such a delicious aroma you feel like your bathroom is a day spa. Oh, and thanks to the organic sugar my legs were seriously smooth after use, too – not a scale in sight!

Best fix for cellulite

Can a cream really help to minimise cellulite? I was sceptical myself, but bh’s Nat swore by Elixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème so naturally I had to put it to the test. With regular use I definitely saw a reduction in the appearance of my cellulite and my skin did feel more ‘toned’ so I’m pretty happy with the results so far. Yet to see what happens when my tube runs out though (here's hoping it never does!)

Best fix for bruising, marks and scars

It wasn’t until I had bruise-ridden legs that I realised how much I wanted to get rid of them – so I’m sure anyone with marks and scars would feel the same. A great option for diminishing the appearance of scars, skin discolourations and stretch marks is Hydra-Oil (from $16.95, www.hydra-oil.com). It’s formulated a variety of essential oils (like Argan, rosemary, calendula and lavender) to help fade marks and scars, as well as vitamin E and antioxidants to help protect your skin from future damage.

Have you ever had a similar 'leg crisis'? What bugs you most about the appearance of your legs? Have you tried/do you want to try any of the products mentioned above?

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