As I sit here typing there is a mild burn on my shins. And no, it's not from running (though I did hit the trail this week). No. I decided to try an alternative to shaving. Something like this. Only today is Frugal Friday. I didn't want to go out and purchase something. Instead I went shopping in my garage -- for sandpaper. Yes. I just ground down my legs. Literally.
It seems sandpapering is a tried and true technique for hair removal. Women buffed their legs during WWII as no metal was available for razor production. Many women still tout the benefits of buffing: hair removal, exfoliation, smooth legs and softer return hair growth.
Who doesn't want sexy smooth frugal legs? Certainly I do. However I recommend a touch more research before embarking on this particular adventure. Me? I used fine sandpaper - it's what we had.
As it turns out I should have gone with extra-fine or 600 grit paper. Perhaps then I'd still have that extra layer of skin (I'm exaggerating a bit -- my legs are irritated but not raw, at least not yet). I also must place a caveat here. I have extremely sensitive skin; just look at it weird and it breaks out in unsightly plaques. In other words I may not be the best guinea pig.
I can tell you this. Sandpaper exfoliates, very well. And my legs are smoother (though not as smooth as I'd like).
Here's my plan. I'm going to give my skin a few days to heal. In the meantime I'll go and find some extra-fine sandpaper and, once healed, I'll give it another whirl.
Have any of you tried this? What was your experience?
Happy Frugal Friday!
