Summertime is the season of shorts, miniskirts and bikinis. This only means that the world will be seeing more of your legs. Needless to say, having great looking legs can make this time of the year so much more memorable.
However, a lot of women are guilty of committing certain habits that are bad for the legs. Worried that you may be doing some of them? Then read on. Below are some everyday practices that can keep you from having head-turning legs. As soon as you spot one that you’re guilty of, vow that you will never to do it again!
Crossing the Legs Too Much
From time to time, it’s perfectly fine to have your legs crossed. After all, scientists say that crossing the legs does not actually cause varicose veins to strike. However, you’re not off the hook if you’re a chronic leg crosser. That’s because this habit can increase pressure in your veins, making it very easy for varicose veins to develop in individuals who are prone to them. If you can’t turn your back to crossing your legs, try to keep it to a minimum.
Sitting All the Time
We all know that leading a sedentary lifestyle is bad for the figure and health. Did you know that it’s also something that can endanger the appearance of your legs? Sitting in front of a computer or TV all the time can actually cause varicose veins due to the pooling of blood in your lower extremities. It’s not just varicose veins that you are at risk of if you love to sit constantly, but also swollen feet and ankles as well as dangerous blood clots!
Refusal to Exercise on a Regular Basis
Performing exercises most especially those that engage the lower extremities helps give you shapelier legs. On the other hand, not getting enough of it can be very bad for your legs. Not only will lack of exercise weaken the leg muscles and cause fat accumulation, but it can also impede blood circulation. Needless to say, it can give those really unsightly varicose veins plenty of opportunity to make your legs appear less than perfect.
Having Poor Eating Habits
Other than exercising on a regular basis, it’s also a good idea for you to embrace healthy eating habits. Being overweight or obese can definitely harm your body, including your legs — just imagine the sheer amount of weight that your legs have to support each and every time! Include plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet to improve circulation in your lower extremities. Also, have antioxidant-containing foods to keep joint pain at bay and maintain beautiful leg skin.
Being a Reckless Shaver
It’s very common among women to keep their legs free of unwanted hair by means of shaving. However, a lot of women are guilty of shaving carelessly, causing all sorts of problems such as nicks and ingrown hair. Make sure that you use shaving cream each time you shave. Also, employ a razor that is meant for shaving the legs, something that has 3 to 4 blades. Don’t forget to replace your razor when it’s already dull or rusty for that perfect shave.
Not Taking Care of Wounds Properly
Regardless if it’s a nick due to shaving, a bite left behind by a pesky mosquito or an accident involving at-home waxing, it is of utmost importance for you to treat a wound promptly and effectively. Fail to do so and you are risking an infection, which may require medical attention if it gets out of control, and it can definitely lead to a really bad scar. Make sure that your medicine cabinet at home contains all wound-caring essentials.
