If you’re like me, one of the thousands of people dealing with venous leg ulcers, you know how taxing the summer months can be. Exacerbated by the heat, your already swollen blood vessels dilate even further. This in turn, causes more blood to leak into your venous ulcer-causing sensitivity, throbbing pain, cramps, and muscle fatigue.
Then there is the other side of living with venous leg ulcers. The emotional and mental stress that comes along with the territory. Having to explain that you just can’t make that hiking trip with your child that all the other parents are doing. The worry of coming up with something to say when you’re asked why you are wearing pants in 90-degree weather, or if you’re brave enough to wear shorts, dealing with the resulting stares. Luckily there are solutions available to you.
Treatment
Thanks to advances in technology almost no one has to have surgery anymore to solve their vein disease issues. In 2005 a treatment called Endovenous Laser Therapy or EVLT was developed to treat large varicose veins and venous ulcers. Minimally invasive, this procedure can be accomplished using a catheter and ultrasound technology to insert a laser fiber. As the fiber is withdrawn, it is activated, cauterizing the problem vein which will be then re-absorbed into the body with other healthy veins naturally taking its place. This treatment has a 98% success rate, and the best part is that you walk out the door afterward!
Getting Your Legs Ready For The Summer
Ok, so you’ve done the Endovenous Laser Therapy. What’s next? Well, how long has it been since you exposed your legs directly to sunlight? Probably been awhile, huh? Could they use a workout? Some moisturizer? Not to fear, here are several different things you can do to get your new legs into showing shape in no time!
Get A Body Brush
Body brushes are used to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This is the best place to start. When your legs are dry, just use the brush as you would on your cat or dog.
Shave ‘Em
Shave your legs. Wet skin shaves better and is more elastic than it is when dry. If possible, shave at night. This will give your legs time to heal from any irritation or abrasions you may have experienced during the shaving process. Shaving will get rid of any dead skin you may have missed with the brush.
Smoothen ‘Em
Using a smoothing cream will significantly reduce any after-shave irritation caused by ingrown hairs or shave rash. Use this right after shaving for maximum effect.
Make ‘Em Glow
The best thing to use here is a moisturizing toner with a hint of tanner mixed in. This will firm your legs over time while giving your legs a sun-kissed glow. The moisturizer will keep your skin from drying out and flaking, and keep your legs looking smooth and healthy. Make sure to do this AFTER shaving and smoothing your legs or else you’ll end up with a very splotchy glow.
Don’t Skimp On The Lotion
Use plenty of moisturizing lotion every day at least once a day. If you take hot showers, make that twice. Preferably, your lotion should be packed with natural vitamins and essential oils and with either shea or cocoa butter to maximize moisturization.
Protect Your Skin
Use sunscreen! Always! Even in overcast weather, the sun’s rays can be damaging to your skin. The back of the leg is often overlooked or doesn’t get enough sunscreen so pay particular attention to cover them well, especially when using a spray. For optimum coverage, a cream is recommended. The cream is also good for brighter and healthier vaginal skin.
Bronze It Up
Rather than go for the fake, often orange, tan, build up a natural tan using a bronzer. This may take a little longer, but the natural look is worth it! If you’re naturally pale (like me), you probably want to start out with something around 20 SPF and limit your time in the sun, so you don’t burn, then peel, leaving you back at square one.
Get Fit
There are many exercises that you can do to add a little shape or firmness to your legs that are easy to do at home and not very strenuous to boot. Examples are calf raises, which are just slowly going from standing flat to your tippy toes and back again, lunges, and weightless squats. Yoga is also a trendy and fun way to tone up those muscles!
Contouring
Yes. Contouring has made its way down to the legs. If you haven’t already, now would be an excellent time to begin learning and practicing your contouring abilities. Summer is just around the corner, don’t get left behind!
Stay Hydrated
Keeping hydrated is good common sense anytime, but especially if you want your skin looking beautiful and healthy. Drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids. You can also use a hydrating cream directly after showering to lock in moisture all day long.
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