How to Get Soft and Smooth Skin
Your skin is your largest organ, but it can be easy to neglect if you don't have a consistent routine in place. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and air pollution all take a toll on your skin. Fortunately, taking a little extra time to care for your skin each day will lead to healthier, more beautiful skin that is smooth and soft. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Eat foods rich in "good fats" and antioxidants to promote skin health. Foods rich in these include avocados, olive oil, salmon, nuts and seeds.
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Cleanse with a gentle, non-drying soap. Many commercial soaps are actually detergents, according to NaturalNews.com. They strip natural oils from the skin, which can cause severe dryness over time. Use an all-natural, cold-process soap made with ingredients like shea butter or olive oil to clean your skin while adding moisture. Natural soap is more expensive than the common body bar, but it is much better for your skin. You can usually find natural soap at any supermarket. Craft fairs are another great place to stock up if you can purchase some from a soapmaker.
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Exfoliate. Doing so sloughs away dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother and softer. This can be as simple as using a washcloth or loofah in the shower. You can also use an exfoliating scrub with sugar or sea salt.
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Moisturize. Use a lotion or cream on your skin to add moisture and nutrients to your skin. Look for a moisturizer with ingredients like shea or cocoa butter, avocado oil or olive oil.
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Protect your skin from the sun. UV rays are very damaging to skin and over time can cause it to feel rough and leathery. Use sunblock whenever you are in the sun, especially on your face and chest where the skin is thinner and more easily damaged.
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Repeat this routine each time you shower or bathe. Use moisturizer throughout the day as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
For a quick and economical DIY exfoliating scrub, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Coffee grounds, tea leaves or sea salt can also be used in place of sugar. Sea salt should not be used on the face.
You may need to alter your skin care routine from time to time, especially when the season changes. For example, most people will need to moisturize much more often in the winter, when the air is dryer, than in the summer.
People with severe dryness or skin issues like eczema or rosacea should see a dermatologist for treatment and advice.
Avoid taking long showers or baths, as hot water can dry skin out.
References
- NaturalNews.com: The Benefits of Using Real, Natural Soap; Cheryl McCoy; April 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Dry Skin Causes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Mayo Clinic; What are the Best Foods for Healthy Skin?; Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
- EPA SunWise Program: Health Effects of Overexposure to the Sun
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
