Dry skin on the legs can be caused by various factors, including dehydration.

Dry Skin on Your Legs? 5 Causes and Remedies

Don't let dry skin on your legs dull your shine! Read about its causes and treatments for itch-free and moisturized skin.

By: All Things Beauty

April 5, 2023

Read Time: 3 Minutes

Causes of Dry Skin on Legs
Remedies for Dry Skin on Legs

Dry skin on legs is a common condition that can be uncomfortable and, in extreme cases, even painful. According to the American Skin Association, symptoms include dehydration, tightness, itching, and redness. If dry skin is getting in the way of life (or you want to feel confident in shorts again), read on for possible causes and remedies.

Asian woman sitting on the bed, scratching her legs.

Do not scratch your dry skin – it’s sensitive enough as it is.

Asian woman sitting on the ground with a backpack, holding bottled water.

Parched skin can benefit from drinking sufficient water.

Your body needs water to perform essential processes and functions. Dehydration happens when your body uses more water than you consume. It can manifest on your skin and result in itchiness, tightness, and irritation. Although drinking water alone won’t moisturize the skin, adequate fluid intake does help.

Asian woman wearing a hoodie and sunglasses walking on the street.

You can get dry skin on your legs when you’re in a cold climate, especially if you don’t moisturize.

The low humidity in cold and dry climates can contribute to dryness by pulling moisture from your skin. Additionally, indoor heating can worsen your skin’s condition by making the air dryer. It can further irritate your skin and lead to flaking.

Back of an Asian woman holding a bar of soap in the shower.

Using regular soap can be harsh on dry skin.

Our skin has a protective lipid barrier that helps keep the skin moisturized and prevent water loss. Using harsh soaps can compromise this barrier and strip the skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable to irritation. These products can also have fragrances or other additives that can further irritate the skin and contribute to dry skin on legs.

Dove Care & Protect Bar

Asian woman sitting on the edge of the tub, feeling her legs.

Prep your legs before shaving to prevent ingrown hair and dry skin

The most common shaving-related skin problems are razor burn, irritation, and dry skin. Dragging a razor blade over your skin without lubrication is like exfoliating without prepping the skin. It also leaves you more prone to cuts, redness, and stinging.

Hot showers may feel good, but they can strip the skin of moisture.

A nice hot shower in the morning or at night may feel good, but it can cause your skin to become dry. The heat can open your pores and make it easier for moisture to escape your skin. Prolonged hot showers are even worse, as the combination of steam and hot water can aggravate already dry skin.

Asian woman wearing shorts and a headset riding a skateboard.

The earlier you treat dry skin, the sooner your skin recovers.

Asian woman on the bed, hair wrapped in a towel, applying moisturizer on skin.

Look for lotions with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter.

Moisturizing is essential to dry or sensitive skin. This step can help hydrate and nourish, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and healthy-looking. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should apply moisturizer within five minutes of showering. Reapply right away whenever your skin feels dry.

Asian woman wearing a bathrobe and rubbing a scrub on her foot.

Don’t overdo exfoliation, or you’ll irritate your skin.

While the skin naturally sheds dead skin cells, sometimes they can build up and cause the skin to look dull, rough, and dry. Exfoliating can help remove this build-up and reveal fresh, glowing skin. However, avoid exfoliating more than once or twice a week and determine your skin type before choosing an exfoliation method.

Asian woman smiling; enjoying a cool shower

Go for a room-temperature shower to preserve your skin’s natural oils.

Turn the temperature down in the shower to avoid aggravating your condition. Choose between cool or lukewarm water, depending on your preference and tolerance. Cleanse with Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash, which has Nutrium Moisture™ technology to help retain moisture and rehydrate, for visibly soft skin.

Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash

Prep your skin before shaving to avoid dry skin on legs.

Taking the time to shave properly prevents cuts, ingrown hair, and dry skin on legs. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends wetting the skin to soften the hair. Apply shaving cream or gel to minimize friction between the razor and your skin. Shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid razor burn and ingrown issues. Rinse with cool water before applying moisturizer to help hydrate and soothe the skin.

An Asian girl with long hair and white shirt, sitting on the bed and drinking a glass of water.

Staying hydrated is essential to healthy skin.

Hydration can help alleviate dry skin. According to Hydration for Health, women should drink 2000ml of water daily to stay hydrated. But you can also count tea, juice, and other liquids you consume in a day. Eating water-rich foods such as melons and cucumbers also contributes to hydration.

Dry skin on legs can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but you can manage with proper care and attention. Identifying the underlying causes, moisturizing regularly, and being mindful of your bathing habits can help you manage the condition and improve your overall skin health.