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Original poster

I've got the worst legs in the world.

27 replies

NancyKominsky · 07/06/2004 15:49

Actually they are quite toned, BUT they are:

hairy, pale, blotchy and covered in broken veins. Other than permanently wearing trousers what can I do to improve their appearance? Waxing gives me terrible ingrown hairs, shaving is ok but then the fake tan settles in the follicles making them look even worse. I need a heavy coverage foundation I think! Any tips?

OP posts:
jampot · 07/06/2004 15:52

actually I believe I have the worst legs in the world

Fio2 · 07/06/2004 15:53

no no I HAVE the worst legs in the world

unicorn · 07/06/2004 16:14

Nope that plaudit has to be mine... They are like little Ern (eric and ernie) short fat and hairy!!!

dinosaur · 07/06/2004 16:16

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

noddy5 · 07/06/2004 16:30

shave,exfoliate moisturise then fake tan!Works for me as normallt v skinny and pasty white yuk

Lisa78 · 07/06/2004 16:46

hey Nancy! Don't use a lady shave for a start, use a disposable razor. Soak in the bath, then use shaving foam and the razor, slowly - make sure you massage the foam well in.
Then use a massage sponge, (Boots do them for a couple of quid) and lots of soap and a circular motion.
When you get out of the bath, slather on some moisturiser and again in a circular motion, then add some fake tan (Avons is cheap and v good)
That should make them look instantly better, but if you keep it up twice a week, you should see a big improvement
HTH

Branster · 07/06/2004 16:58

then stick to shaving but definetly exfoliate regularly and moisturise every night. it doesn't have to be an expensive moisturiser, or you could make your own with some almond oil or vit e oil and a few drops of lavander oil something like that, superdrug do v v cheap rich moisturisers, tesco similar, or baby oil. there are some vit K creams for broken veins (see on the internet or health food shops) but i don't know how well they work. some beauty saloons offer a cauterisation process for broken capilaries or some injections to 'repair' them, but again i don't know how effective or long lasting these would be. worth looking into it though. drink lots of water, you'll be surprised how it helps with your body skin. if you find it difficult to drink large quantities of plain water, try drinking warm water it's easier.

posyhairdresser · 07/06/2004 17:30

You can get your broken veins fixed privately if they bother you.
A good salon should fix the rest, then make notes and have a go yourself!
Quite toned sounds great though!

Thomcat · 07/06/2004 17:44

Shave, exfoliate, moisturise, get a few sunbeds, get out in the garden and don't worry about the broken veins.
Be happy that they are toned.

Thomcat · 07/06/2004 17:46

And have to say this but my friend, in her 20's just had both hers amputeted, one above, one below the knee due to an undetected blood disorder.

Stop worrying about a few veins and the fact that they are pale and enjoy the walking around on your toned legs this summer!

Love TC x

Janh · 07/06/2004 20:12

Thomcat How is she?

I was going to join in with the worstest legs competition but will count my blessings instead now...that poor girl...is she going to have prostheses for both legs, or just the one with a knee, or what?

codswallop · 07/06/2004 20:12

My legs ar e my bes t bit
can wear very short skirts BUT cannot wear strappy tops

jodee · 07/06/2004 20:43

My legs are grim, but what the heck, I'm baring them anyways..
Coddy, why no strappy tops??

codswallop · 07/06/2004 20:50

dunnoo
end up looking lke a bulgarian woman wrestler

jodee · 07/06/2004 21:09

surely not ... but I'm the same, something to do with scaring horses ...

aloha · 07/06/2004 21:27

The veins can be taken care of very quickly and permanently with sclerotherapy (though they will look a little worse before they are gone). Then shave them and put on fake tan. Instant perfection.

Thomcat, the same thing happened to a beautiful, successful and funky friend of mine at the age of 29. She had a rail accident and lost both her legs above the knee. It was terrible - harrowing. BUT - she can walk very well on artificial limbs (though uses a wheelchair as well). Works as a TV producer, met and married her (now ex) husband after the accident and had a daughter. She is now in her forties, divorced but dating. Does your friend need someone to talk to who has been through this? I could approach my friend (an ex-colleague) for her if you think it might help now or in the future. I have to say, it changed my opinion of my legs as well. Though I still relapse into "I've got tons of cellulite, it's the end of the world" mode from time to time. I'm bloody grateful for them though.

aloha · 07/06/2004 21:29

A line skirts make thick legs look thinner, btw.

Thomcat · 08/06/2004 10:12

Bless, thanks Aloha and janh When I say 'just' it was actually over a year ago, but in the grand scale of things, recovery etc it still feels like yesterday. She has had to have a lot of skin grafts due to this skin disorder. She's getting about quite well on prosthetic (sp) legs, but then had a fall and that set her back a bit.
Our mutual friend did a sponsored run and we all helped her raise enough for an electric wheelchair. This has really helped as very soon after losing her legs she fell pregnant!

Aloha, your offer of someone to talk to is so very kind , I think she'll be cool but will of course extend the offer.

The night before the operation I had my friend visit her who also lost hs leg. He had a car accident 11 years ago and limped everywhere. Had the amputation and now plays 5 a side football for the Brazilian team in London, goes jogging etc etc.

Original poster
NancyKominsky · 08/06/2004 13:46

Wow, thats typical of mumsnet. Now I feel rather pathetic .

But thanks for the advice. Any good fake tan recommendations? Is there such a thing as tinted moisturiser for legs.

OP posts:
Original poster
NancyKominsky · 08/06/2004 13:48

I did find out about sclerotherapy but isnt it dreadfully expensive?

I think I'd rather spend the money on getting my moustache lasered.

I sound so attractive, dont I ?

OP posts:
Branster · 09/06/2004 12:53

if sclerotherapy is what i think it is (some sort of solution injected in the legs but i might be totally wrong here) i don't think it would be that expensive (£200-300???). , but you can always phone around the local beauty salons and ask for a quote.

unicorn · 09/06/2004 13:05

Aloha- any advice on thick ankles? My legs are chunky from top to bottom and I mostly disguise them with long skirts/trousers,- but now its summer etc...any top tips?

thomcat..
I know it now sounds pathetic given your friends experience and am really sorry.

codswallop · 09/06/2004 17:28

article about legs it he times today

Thomcat · 09/06/2004 17:59

Hey unicorn, no ned to apologise babes. I just wanted to point it out. I'm unhappy with my legs too babes and would love to swap em! However it's also nice to sometimes be reminded of what we've got to be grateful for aye.