Pale, bruised, scuffed stems
May 3, 2010 7:17 AM Subscribe
It's almost "show some leg" season and I have a problem.
I like feminine shoes and usually sport a lovely pedicure/have nice feet but my legs are another story. I am very pale skinned and a) I bruise easily, b) mosquitoes love me, and c) I always manage to bump, scrape, scratch, etc. myself as I am both active AND clumsy. My legs are a mess. HiveMind, how can I have better legs? Self tanner? A good exfoliant? A non-nasty bug repellant? Some of each?
Also- I am really only concerned with knee-to-ankle. Crossfit is doing a GREAT job but I am not ready for short-shorts YET.
One option I will NOT consider: tanning beds or broiling self in sun. There is melanoma in my family.
I like feminine shoes and usually sport a lovely pedicure/have nice feet but my legs are another story. I am very pale skinned and a) I bruise easily, b) mosquitoes love me, and c) I always manage to bump, scrape, scratch, etc. myself as I am both active AND clumsy. My legs are a mess. HiveMind, how can I have better legs? Self tanner? A good exfoliant? A non-nasty bug repellant? Some of each?
Also- I am really only concerned with knee-to-ankle. Crossfit is doing a GREAT job but I am not ready for short-shorts YET.
One option I will NOT consider: tanning beds or broiling self in sun. There is melanoma in my family.
I wear jeans through a lot of the summer because I'm not a big fan of my legs either (pale, clumsy, a little veiny in spots, not much appropriate footwear).
However. I like to think that when I do get around to wearing a skirt
or shorts everybody else is so busy worrying about their own legs (pimples, mismatched socks, spilled ketchup) that they have no clue what's wrong with me.
It doesn't always work, but sometimes it quiets my mind enough for me to have a good time. (I've got a dinner to attend tonight. I have been pondering what to wear all morning. The sunburn I got at work yesterday is going to attract all the attention, so I might as well wear a skirt!)
posted by bilabial at 7:29 AM on May 3, 2010
However. I like to think that when I do get around to wearing a skirt
or shorts everybody else is so busy worrying about their own legs (pimples, mismatched socks, spilled ketchup) that they have no clue what's wrong with me.
It doesn't always work, but sometimes it quiets my mind enough for me to have a good time. (I've got a dinner to attend tonight. I have been pondering what to wear all morning. The sunburn I got at work yesterday is going to attract all the attention, so I might as well wear a skirt!)
posted by bilabial at 7:29 AM on May 3, 2010
Exfoliation and a good moisturizer go a long way.
posted by oinopaponton at 7:36 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by oinopaponton at 7:36 AM on May 3, 2010
On the vitamin front, try a vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids, or perhaps just the bioflavonoids (the C with bf will be easier to find, though). It worked for at least one person I know. Anecdotal as hell, I realize.
posted by kindall at 7:36 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by kindall at 7:36 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Great so far :). Any specific exfoliants or moisturizers people love? The Jergens sounds interesting.
posted by pointystick at 7:39 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by pointystick at 7:39 AM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: Try body brushing, also called dry brushing. It's basically using a stiff-bristled brush and moving up from your feet towards your heart. You do it on dry skin, ideally before a shower. It's a great exfoliator, and is also really good for improving your circulation in your legs. I found that after doing it for a week or two my legs looked great - the skin tone was very healthy and the brushing will also slightly help with muscle tone. it takes about five minutes a day and can be very theraputic too!
posted by ukdanae at 7:40 AM on May 3, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by ukdanae at 7:40 AM on May 3, 2010 [5 favorites]
Best answer: I use a scrubby washcloth in the shower for exfoliation and follow up with the Jergens. Oil of Olay also makes a similar self-tanning lotion. You could use also a sugar scrub once a week or so to slough off the dead skin and help promote healing of any scrapes/bites. As for bug repellent, I've always liked Avon's Skin So Soft bug guard, but I don't know how non-nasty it is. It certainly doesn't smell as offensive as, say, OFF.
posted by devinemissk at 7:47 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by devinemissk at 7:47 AM on May 3, 2010
St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub is a nice staple to have around. I think it's for the face, actually, but I use it on my legs and armpits when I shave. They sell it at pretty much every drugstore that I've ever been to.
I've also used Philosophy's Amazing Grace scrub but it's a bit expensive. It's really nice, though.
posted by k8lin at 7:56 AM on May 3, 2010
I've also used Philosophy's Amazing Grace scrub but it's a bit expensive. It's really nice, though.
posted by k8lin at 7:56 AM on May 3, 2010
For temporary touchups, Dermablend can be used. You can use it for coverup on your legs just like you'd use concealer on your face. Really though, most people won't care about a few scuffs and bruises. I've suffered through a lifetime of scarred-up calves and just recently realized that it's no big thing. If your legs are shaped nicely for your body and your skin is clean and moisturized, you're good to go for practically everything other than a formal event.
posted by Mizu at 7:57 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by Mizu at 7:57 AM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: Welcome to my world! I too am a pale-skinned mosquito magnet. Keep in mind that everyone has mosquito bites, scrapes, veins, etc. on their legs. Pale skin is just as beautiful as every other color of skin....don't feel you have to change it or artificially alter it.
Vitamin K will help with the bruising, externally and internally. I made a great little skin cooler last summer that I spritzed on a few times a day to cool my skin down, and guess what....I had virtually no bug bites. It was vinegar and distilled water and fresh lemon juice and a few drops of essential oil of citronella, which you can buy here (and a bunch of other places; that just happens to be where I purchased). I kept it in a spritz bottle and sprayed it on whenever I felt really hot. I'm definitely making up a batch this year, too...it was fantastic! It's all natural, so your skin can drink it up with no ill effects. If you know what Jean Nate products smell like, that's what this smelled like. ukdanae's skin brushing recommendation is fantastic....it really works. Keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated and moisturized will make you look and feel so much better about your legs. It definitely will help with circulation, which will help with everything else! I do it several times a week and my skin is really toned.
I also make my own sugar scrubs, which are basically brown and/or white sugars mixed with spices from your kitchen, and shea butter and or olive oil, and some essential oil if you like, for scent. There are tons of recipes online to make your own. Helps with exfoliating and moisturizing and is a nice treat.
For the clumsiness I recommend yoga and ballet ;P
posted by iconomy at 7:58 AM on May 3, 2010 [11 favorites]
Vitamin K will help with the bruising, externally and internally. I made a great little skin cooler last summer that I spritzed on a few times a day to cool my skin down, and guess what....I had virtually no bug bites. It was vinegar and distilled water and fresh lemon juice and a few drops of essential oil of citronella, which you can buy here (and a bunch of other places; that just happens to be where I purchased). I kept it in a spritz bottle and sprayed it on whenever I felt really hot. I'm definitely making up a batch this year, too...it was fantastic! It's all natural, so your skin can drink it up with no ill effects. If you know what Jean Nate products smell like, that's what this smelled like. ukdanae's skin brushing recommendation is fantastic....it really works. Keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated and moisturized will make you look and feel so much better about your legs. It definitely will help with circulation, which will help with everything else! I do it several times a week and my skin is really toned.
I also make my own sugar scrubs, which are basically brown and/or white sugars mixed with spices from your kitchen, and shea butter and or olive oil, and some essential oil if you like, for scent. There are tons of recipes online to make your own. Helps with exfoliating and moisturizing and is a nice treat.
For the clumsiness I recommend yoga and ballet ;P
posted by iconomy at 7:58 AM on May 3, 2010 [11 favorites]
Are you getting enough iron? I've known a few people who bruised like the dickens and came up iron deficient. I've used that particular Jergens product - I am also very, very pale - and you have to exfoliate before you use it. Your knees and ankles in particular, and then I moisturized those areas *before* applying the Jergens so it wouldn't "grab" that dryer skin and make me mottled. It's a trial and error type thing.
posted by Medieval Maven at 7:59 AM on May 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Medieval Maven at 7:59 AM on May 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
I'm keeping a close eye on this thread for my pale, beat up legs. My problem is that I already have a whack of bug bite scars on my very pale legs, courtesy of a January trip down south. The scars on my arms have mostly went away thanks to some minor sun exposure, so I'm hoping the legs ones will fade once the capris/shorts start entering regular rotation in a few weeks.
People have suggested Vitamin E or Bio-Oil to me, but I haven't tried them yet. Has anyone had any success with those?
posted by melissa at 8:19 AM on May 3, 2010
People have suggested Vitamin E or Bio-Oil to me, but I haven't tried them yet. Has anyone had any success with those?
posted by melissa at 8:19 AM on May 3, 2010
I don't bruise easily, but otherwise have your same situation. I don't exfoliate and moisturize the way I should -- when I do, it makes a world of difference. I'm embarrassed by the blotchy mosquito bites, but I'm amazed to find that absolutely no-one else notices anything except for the most egregiously ugly swollen bites.
I don't do the self-tanning thing, even the subtle stuff. I have really dry skin, and just can't be bothered to do the prep necessary to make that stuff work right.
We milk-colored people need some sort of secret confidence-boosting "no, really, your legs look great" signal to throw at each other in the summertime.
posted by desuetude at 8:34 AM on May 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
I don't do the self-tanning thing, even the subtle stuff. I have really dry skin, and just can't be bothered to do the prep necessary to make that stuff work right.
We milk-colored people need some sort of secret confidence-boosting "no, really, your legs look great" signal to throw at each other in the summertime.
posted by desuetude at 8:34 AM on May 3, 2010 [2 favorites]
Oh, yeah, I love that Jergens stuff. I have pale, bruised, mosquito-bitten legs too, and a tan makes everyone's legs look better. It's either a plus or a minus that it doesn't stick around for ever and builds gradually; if you don't like it, just stop.
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:45 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:45 AM on May 3, 2010
oh man, me too. as others have said, exfoliating and moisturizing regularly makes a huge difference, but so does wearing brightly colored clothing that distracts from the many colors of your legs. if you're wearing a bright red dress, it'll draw people's eyes away from your legs, and at most they'll notice that your legs are bare and shapely.
also, in terms of bruises, keep in mind that these tell people that you're physically active and maybe even kinda tough. athletic looking legs + bruises = someone who's out doing stuff and not holding back. that's an attractive quality.
posted by dizziest at 8:54 AM on May 3, 2010
also, in terms of bruises, keep in mind that these tell people that you're physically active and maybe even kinda tough. athletic looking legs + bruises = someone who's out doing stuff and not holding back. that's an attractive quality.
posted by dizziest at 8:54 AM on May 3, 2010
iconomy, do you have an actual recipe with measurements/ratios and such? Is the Vitamin K thing just a lotion, or can you get it in liquid form to add to your "cooling concoction"?
No suggestions for the OP, as what I do has already been suggested.
posted by wwartorff at 9:02 AM on May 3, 2010
No suggestions for the OP, as what I do has already been suggested.
posted by wwartorff at 9:02 AM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: Yep, I do! I've gotten a few requests for the recipe for the skin spray.
I used about 2 tablespoons of vinegar, about 10 drops of citronella oil, and the juice of one lemon. I added them to a spray bottle, and filled it up with the distilled water. I think it was a 12 ounce bottle. Shake it before using it. If you grow mint, take a few sprigs and just add them to the spray for more cooling and *possible* bug repelling. Experiment with the proportions! A friend makes the same exact concoction but adds half a cup of vodka instead of the vinegar, which makes it evaporate quicker and gives it more of a spray cologne feel, I think. I've never thought to add vitamin K to the spray, wwartorff....try it!
posted by iconomy at 9:14 AM on May 3, 2010 [17 favorites]
I used about 2 tablespoons of vinegar, about 10 drops of citronella oil, and the juice of one lemon. I added them to a spray bottle, and filled it up with the distilled water. I think it was a 12 ounce bottle. Shake it before using it. If you grow mint, take a few sprigs and just add them to the spray for more cooling and *possible* bug repelling. Experiment with the proportions! A friend makes the same exact concoction but adds half a cup of vodka instead of the vinegar, which makes it evaporate quicker and gives it more of a spray cologne feel, I think. I've never thought to add vitamin K to the spray, wwartorff....try it!
posted by iconomy at 9:14 AM on May 3, 2010 [17 favorites]
Have to add: When I say citronella oil, I mean actual essential oil, as linked to in my first comment. I have no idea what the citronella oil sold en masse to use in things like oil burners or tikis is, and that's not what I used. I wouldn't advise it. The EO is natural and is made from distilling the leaves of the citronella plant.
posted by iconomy at 9:32 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by iconomy at 9:32 AM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: My wife (who also is very pale and prone to bruises/bites) saw this question and insisted that I tell you that she uses this Sally Hansen Airbrushed Legs stuff, and really likes it.
posted by Valuev at 9:35 AM on May 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by Valuev at 9:35 AM on May 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
Definitely reccing Avon's Skin So Soft bug guard - the "plus" version even has waterproof sunblock. It's the best I've used; it doesn't dry out my skin and it smells very nice, and most important, it works.
posted by lemniskate at 9:39 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by lemniskate at 9:39 AM on May 3, 2010
Wait - if you have mosquito bites, how exactly do you exfoliate? Doesn't all that rubbing just make the bites bigger and redder (and feel soooooo goooood)?
posted by CathyG at 9:39 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by CathyG at 9:39 AM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: I was thinking iron, too - not just for the bruising, but for the mosquitoes. My legs used to be a mosquito buffet until my dad told me that taking iron supplements helped fend them off. Works for me.
I have pale, nearly translucent legs and the best stuff ever is Air Stocking in the "natural" color. It's almost like spray-on sheer leg makeup, and it's a lot better and less trouble than you're probably thinking - it makes your legs look more even-toned, but is otherwise invisible. It's hard to find these days, but worth it, at least for dressy occasions.
(I don't use self-tanner or bronzer of any sort because I don't think my natural pallor is unattractive, and I don't want to implicitly endorse tanning.)
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:40 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
I have pale, nearly translucent legs and the best stuff ever is Air Stocking in the "natural" color. It's almost like spray-on sheer leg makeup, and it's a lot better and less trouble than you're probably thinking - it makes your legs look more even-toned, but is otherwise invisible. It's hard to find these days, but worth it, at least for dressy occasions.
(I don't use self-tanner or bronzer of any sort because I don't think my natural pallor is unattractive, and I don't want to implicitly endorse tanning.)
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:40 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Nth gradual self-tanners -- much more forgiving of imprecise application -- and scrubs; Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub is expensive and totally lovely. Buffs and moisturizes.
(But, also Nth the notion that it's not that much of a worry. Think how mangled other people's legs have to be for you to give them a second glance...)
posted by kmennie at 10:06 AM on May 3, 2010
(But, also Nth the notion that it's not that much of a worry. Think how mangled other people's legs have to be for you to give them a second glance...)
posted by kmennie at 10:06 AM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: Depending on your personal style, fishnet stockings can be a workaround-- since they're just net you won't be as overheated/sweaty as with real stockings, but the pattern will help cover up anything you're insecure about. You can get nude-colored ones if black is too goth-- now that I'm not 17 anymore, that's what I do. (As a fellow plaster-white doll, I totally agree with all the "Love Yourself The Way You Are" comments, but I also know that sometimes, I'm just too dang tired to feel empowered and I want to cover up my bruises and bug bites, consarnit.)
posted by neitheror at 10:46 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by neitheror at 10:46 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
I don't like my legs either and as a result rarely wear shorts in public. However, I started wearing airy 3/4 length skirts a couple years back, and I love them - they are very cool in the summer and you can wear all sorts of shoes with them, while only leaving a few inches of visible leg that no one will be looking at anyway. So at least that's another option if you don't get the skin thing sorted out.
posted by wondermouse at 11:02 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by wondermouse at 11:02 AM on May 3, 2010
I don't like my legs either and as a result rarely wear shorts in public. However, I started wearing airy 3/4 length skirts a couple years back, and I love them - they are very cool in the summer and you can wear all sorts of shoes with them, while only leaving a few inches of visible leg that no one will be looking at anyway. So at least that's another option if you don't get the skin thing sorted out.
Another fashion solution would be capri length pants, or capri length leggings (the thin kind, not heavy-weight) with short skirts (or whatever length you are comfortable with). Less of your leg skin is showing, so any imperfections are less noticeable. This works for me, as my problem has always been soccer legs (bruises everywhere plus an attractive tanned section from the top of my calf to my lower-thigh).
Also, the exfoliation and moisture suggestions above will help, as well as a gradual self-tanner that will help disguise discolorations.
posted by JenMarie at 1:09 PM on May 3, 2010
Another fashion solution would be capri length pants, or capri length leggings (the thin kind, not heavy-weight) with short skirts (or whatever length you are comfortable with). Less of your leg skin is showing, so any imperfections are less noticeable. This works for me, as my problem has always been soccer legs (bruises everywhere plus an attractive tanned section from the top of my calf to my lower-thigh).
Also, the exfoliation and moisture suggestions above will help, as well as a gradual self-tanner that will help disguise discolorations.
posted by JenMarie at 1:09 PM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: As another owner of pale, dry legs I often resort to micro fishnets, like these, which add a little something while still being airy and not too goth.
I'm going to be trying some serious exfoliating and moisturizing now though! Thanks for asking this.
posted by grapesaresour at 5:30 PM on May 3, 2010
I'm going to be trying some serious exfoliating and moisturizing now though! Thanks for asking this.
posted by grapesaresour at 5:30 PM on May 3, 2010
Nthing St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub. I use it before shaving, and I use a loofah any other time. I use self tanning lotion in the summer.
I don't know why, but I stopped caring about how bruised my legs were a long time ago. I take my vitamins, but I am a klutz. Not much I can do about that. I wear dresses of all lengths constantly, though sometimes I'll wear leggings on cooler days. I find sexy heels to be a pretty good distraction. :D
posted by Lizsterr at 5:34 PM on May 3, 2010
I don't know why, but I stopped caring about how bruised my legs were a long time ago. I take my vitamins, but I am a klutz. Not much I can do about that. I wear dresses of all lengths constantly, though sometimes I'll wear leggings on cooler days. I find sexy heels to be a pretty good distraction. :D
posted by Lizsterr at 5:34 PM on May 3, 2010
Best answer: Ohh, I hear you... pasty-white skin plus tons of wee scars on the legs...
What I find to work nicely is Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy lotion. It's a pale gold shimmer, and it gives a subtle sheen to the legs, and I've found the sheen helps the eye gloss over small scars. Plus, it avoids the whole fake-bake color... no matter what shade I use, no matter how gentle I am with the tanner, it always, *always* turns some variation of faux-tan orange on my skin.
posted by mornie_alantie at 7:33 PM on May 3, 2010
What I find to work nicely is Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy lotion. It's a pale gold shimmer, and it gives a subtle sheen to the legs, and I've found the sheen helps the eye gloss over small scars. Plus, it avoids the whole fake-bake color... no matter what shade I use, no matter how gentle I am with the tanner, it always, *always* turns some variation of faux-tan orange on my skin.
posted by mornie_alantie at 7:33 PM on May 3, 2010
Well I am glad that I'm not the only one with this problem!
Right now I'm focusing on exercising, trying to tone my legs especially my calves. Toned pale calves > flabby tan calves, IMHO.
I just sortof take the "fuck it" attitude. Everyone knows that I'm about 6 at heart, and part of that package is bruises, scrapes and mosquito bites. It shows that you have fun!
posted by radioamy at 8:12 PM on May 3, 2010
Right now I'm focusing on exercising, trying to tone my legs especially my calves. Toned pale calves > flabby tan calves, IMHO.
I just sortof take the "fuck it" attitude. Everyone knows that I'm about 6 at heart, and part of that package is bruises, scrapes and mosquito bites. It shows that you have fun!
posted by radioamy at 8:12 PM on May 3, 2010
Reading all these answers just reminds me that I'm by far not only person with this problem and that most people are probably too concerned over their own appearance to take much notice of mine.
posted by xiaoyi at 3:37 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by xiaoyi at 3:37 AM on May 5, 2010
Response by poster: These are all great! Thank you so much. I have purchased a natural bristle brush, some lotion and will be looking for the Sally Hansen stuff and some nude fishnets. I feel better prepared!
Of course, last night at the gym, I skinned up my lower shin. :) So good thing I asked for help - I need it!
posted by pointystick at 6:14 AM on May 5, 2010
Of course, last night at the gym, I skinned up my lower shin. :) So good thing I asked for help - I need it!
posted by pointystick at 6:14 AM on May 5, 2010
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posted by something something at 7:26 AM on May 3, 2010