HOW TO GET SMOOTHER, SOFTER SKIN

Ask anybody, and they will probably agree that soft and smooth skin is the ultimate skin status symbol. Nourished skin signals health, happiness and overall wellness. However, if you’ve been struggling with dry skin, there’s no need to panic. Here’s how to get smoother, softer skin.

WHAT CAUSES DULL AND TEXTURED SKIN?

Is your skin looking and feeling textured, bumpy and dull? It could be for several reasons, including:

• Not enough sleep: The body needs at least eight hours of quality rest to repair and regenerate skin cells. 
• Poor diet: If you’re not eating the right foods (or too many of the bad), you could be depriving your body of essential vitamins and nutrients. Good eating habits are important for good skin. 
  
• Not drinking enough water: Water helps to flush out toxins and hydrate your skin from the inside out. You need at least 2 litres a day - even in the winter.
• Smoking, or too much alcohol: Both of these bad habits will negatively affect your skin. Cigarettes and alcohol cause inflammation in the body, resulting in puffiness and redness in your skin.
• Too much caffeine: Excess coffee or caffeinated tea can dry out your skin, leaving it dull, textured and prone to fine lines.
• Sun damage from frequent exposure without proper sun care: Invest in a good SPF sunscreen and hat when venturing outdoors.
• Exposure to the elements: Frequent exposure to harsh weather such as heat, dry air or wind can negatively affect the skin.
• Not enough exercise: If you aren’t moving your body and breaking a sweat, you’re not getting the blood pumping to your skin and circulating properly. This is essential for skin health.
• Using the wrong products for your skin: You should avoid using mediocre products that don’t offer the best nourishing ingredients.

HOW TO GET SOFTER SKIN

Start with the basics. Get enough sleep. Drink enough water. Eat a balanced diet. Then, consider your skincare regime. All of these simple measures can be used to achieve smooth body skin at home.

1. EXFOLIATE OFTEN

To get smoother, softer skin, you’ll first need to remove the dry, dead skin cells. Exfoliate at least twice a week. This will help your products better penetrate the skin’s barrier.

You can exfoliate with a body sponge or with a homemade exfoliator. Sugar, oil and coffee grounds are just some of the ingredients you might find at home. Apply the mixture to your skin and rub in gentle, circular motions and then rinse thereafter. You’ll instantly notice how much better your skin feels. We suggest exfoliating in the bath or shower. It’s much easier to clean up the mess!