It’s no secret that celebrities are always showing off their super soft, radiant, and glowing skin on social media and advertising expensive products. Even though, it may seem like an unattainable goal for some women there are plenty of affordable products including moisturizers, oils, serums, face peels, and masks to help achieve smooth skin. While being diligent and consistent with your skin care routine will help to combat acne, dryness, and flakiness, continue reading below for tips on getting softer and smoother skin!
Why does our skin get dry?
One of the most common reasons that skin gets rough and dry is due to not retaining enough moisture. If you bathe frequently or use harsh soaps and products in the shower there is a chance that you may be drying out your skin. Pollution, stress, and sun damage over time can potentially hurt your complexion and cause roughness and wrinkles. Here are a few great tips to be mindful of when working to consistently get softer skin:
Apply moisturizer right away when you are finished showering because when the skin is damp it helps to seal the moisture
As hard as it may seem, try limiting your showers and baths to 5-10 minutes using lukewarm water. This will help refrain from stripping the skin’s oily layer and reduce loss in moisture
If you experience long winter months where you live it may benefit you to buy a humidifier to help replenish your skin during bedtime
To avoid damaging your skin try not to use harsh scrub brushes or bath sponges
Pat or blot your skin dry after showering and try not to rub aggressively
Guide for Achieving Smooth Skin
Cleansing and Exfoliation
- By cleansing and exfoliating the skin you are essentially removing dead skin cells. By removing these dead skin cells you will effectively alter the appearance of your complexion and help bring out the natural glow. Say goodbye to using makeup wipes in the morning and night to reduce oiliness and invest in a skin cleanser that works best for your skin type. Using cleansers like Neutrogena, Aveeno, Drunk Elephant, Glossier, and CeraVE are great options for unclogging pores filled with makeup or excess dirt. Find a gentle product that you will not run the risk of over washing or drying out the skin.
- Exfoliation is the second step to this process and is a key factor for helping to remove outer layers and achieve softer and smoother skin. Removing dead skin cells from the face and body can help increase blood circulation, brighten, and soften the skins appearance. There are both mechanical and chemical methods to exfoliate your skin we will discuss each below to help with your complexion:
Mechanical Exfoliation Method
- Use an exfoliating scrub to gently rub into the skin in a circular pattern and then wash away with lukewarm water
- An exfoliation brush or pore pad can be used with your facial cleanser and body wash
- An exfoliation glove is another option when needing to cover larger areas like the arms and legs when in the shower
Chemical Exfoliation Method
- Try using powerful ingredients like Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which include glycolic, lactic, and citric acids that will help to break apart bonds that are holding onto dull and dead skin. Product examples: Mario Badescu’s Ceramide Moisturizer or Andalou Naturals’ Pumpkin Honey Glycolic mask
- Another powerful ingredient are Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) These are better for more acne prone skin and contain salicylic acid and beta hydroxyl. Examples of BHAs: Proactive+ Black Head Dissolving Gel or Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Nightly Brightening Pads.
Hydrate Your Face From the Inside Out
External Hydration Methods
- Moisturizing your face promptly when getting out of the shower helps trap moisture and prevents flakiness or dry patches
- Find a lotion or light cream as a moisturizer (this will depend on your complexion and if you are prone to acne) to add an oily layer to the skin to create smoothness
- Mild but hydrating products to help with smoothness can contain retinoid, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides
- Try using a hydrating spray or toner like Thayer’s Witch Hazel to achieve softness and glow
- Sun damage and UV radiation can cause skin problems like premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots. While it is not possible to escape the sun all together, make sure to apply a high SPF face and body sunscreen when spending extended periods outside.
Internal Hydration Methods
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to flush out any toxins and hydrate your cells. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day can significantly help with your overall complexion
Additional Soft Skin Tips
- Eating fruits and vegetables will help by providing micronutrients and antioxidants which help to maintain healthy skin.
- Exercising daily or weekly can help with having more blood volume to be pumped in vessels and send healing nutrients to the skin. Make sure to shower promptly after working out to avoid having excess sweat, dirt, and debris left on the skin.
- Sleeping for 7-9 hours per day will allow your body to recover from any stress, anxiety, and avoid any premature aging from lack of sleep. A good night’s rest will help rejuvenate the skin and repair an exhausted or sunken in appearance.
Conclusion
Achieving baby soft skin is not a process that will happen overnight or by following these steps occasionally. To get softer skin it is important to keep your body healthy from the inside out. Plus using the right products for your skin complexion. If you are unsure what solution is best for you it can be beneficial to visit a dermatologist for different exfoliation or skin care treatments. Remember to stop using a product right away if you notice your skin is red, inflamed, or irritated in the process as that could be a sign of a bad reaction. Brighter and smoother skin can be attained by developing a diligent skin routine that consists of hydration, moisturizing, and exfoliant products regularly. As we continue to age our skin produces less and less of the key elements that keep us looking younger, so look for products that can keep your skin looking both healthy and beautiful! Love the skin you’re in and start your new skin care routine today!
