help me get lovely knees by the spring - will try anything!

[ScotGirl]

I'm ok at the moment now that I can wear opaque tights and can finally get my legs out - but I wasn't able to expose my knees at all last summer. I feel a winter action plan is needed now!

My knees are dry, red and look permanently bruised - but they are not sore. I have quite nice legs I think so this is a bit of a bummer. I have tried exfoliating and daily moisturising, bio oil etc and nothing has made much difference.

I have two preschoolers and as I don't work, I do crawl around the floor a fair bit.

Has anyone had this problem and discovered a great treatment.

I was thinking that my body might be dehydrated after 18 mths breastfeeding DS2(now stopped thankfully) and might need a supplement as the dodgy looking knee thing came on after my first pregnancy. Any suggestions gratefully welcome!

scotgirl I have exactly the same problem. They have faded with time so don't have that "bruised" look but still have hard patches of skin. I have been trying a bodyshop foot file and loads of cocoabutter. Its helped a little but maybe someone else out there has a better treatment?!

I have to confess I had a good look at other mum's knee at the pool last weekend - and it did make me feel a bit better - it does seem like a common problem! Hoping that someone here has discovered the miracle cure...

I too tried the foot file but ended up skinning my knees - bruised and scabs - not a good look!!

Well you did say you'd try anything, so here goes - my knees were the same, but they have recently improved with a pumice stone and Boots Intensive Foot Softener. It's meant for cracked dry skin on the heels, so is quite heavy-duty.

I second the foot softener. Also body brush.

And don't wash them with soap - use acqueous cream (£3.99) for 500 grammes - all your skin will be lovely if you give up using soap on it.

thanks for the tips - we must be on the same wavelength - I bought the Boots Intensive foot softener a few months ago thinking that might do the trick. I didn't persevere with it but I think I will give it another go. Thanks for the tips. I have been using Dove which is probably quite drying.