I know for a fact I’m not the only woman in America who boycotts leg-shaving the second the temperature drops below 70 degrees. It’s not just because I’m excited to wear cute tights (because let’s face it, full-leg argyle tattoos might be a smidge over the line). It’s because once the weather cools, I develop epic itchy/dry skin on my legs.

Don’t believe me? Here is a clip from the movie Cabin Fever clip of me shaving last winter:

For the last couple winters, shaving my legs has been torture. Actually, it’s notsamuch the shaving as it is the effects of the shaving. I could moisturize until I start sweating cocoa butter but nothing would stop the itching. It would actually keep me awake at night.

Well, not anymore, ladies! I have unlocked the secret formula to smooth, non-itchy legs in winter. And much to my surprise, moisturizing wasn’t the key ingredient. Are you ready for this?

Wow, you’re about to be very dis… appointed.

1. Sugar scrub. That’s right, I have learned that I have to exfoliate the sh*t out of my legs to prevent itching. Let me rephrase that: I have to rigorously scrape off layers of my own skin in order to prevent skin irritation. F*cking bodies, how do they work? I personally trust Tree Hut Body Scrub ($7.49 at Ulta) to get the job done. I love it so much I recently purchased a pack of 3 on Amazon. It’s a sickness, really.

2. Lube. I use shaving lotion — NOT cream — to grease up the ol’ gams. My Pure Romance consultant, Julia, would be so proud to know that I swear by their Coochy product for this. Bonus: you can also use it as hair conditioner.

3. Moisturize. DUH. Tree Hut makes lotion to match the sugar scrub scents, so that’s what I’ve been using. I haven’t found a body lotion that blew my mind since Benefit discontinued their Touch Me Then Try to Leave… Cream, which was smooth like butter and smelled ever so faintly of unicorn kisses. So if you have a body lotion you love, DO TELL.

What are the key parts of your leg hair removal regimen?