health

9 Ways to Keep Your Skin Soft and Supple

What's sexier and healthier-looking than soft, supple skin? Touchable, tender, and tempting, great skin is a beauty must-have. Whether you've got smooth skin now or you're in need of a skin regimen to get yourself in tip-top condition, these 9 tips will maintain or give you the skin you deserve. Get ready to have the best skin of your life.

1. Lotion Right Out of the Bath or Shower

Get super-smooth and creamy with a great hypo-allergenic lotion. For the best benefits, apply all over your body while you are still dewy from your bath or shower. The lotion will absorb better while the skin is damp and hold in the water as it protects your skin. Go for something rich and thick for more hydration and something lighter when the weather's humid or you only need light coverage.

2. Exfoliate

Gentle exfoliation helps remove dry, dead skin and cells. You'll see renewed skin right beneath the surface. Use an exfoliation scrub while showering to help promote circulation and vitality to the skin. Apply lotion afterwards to protect and smooth the body.

3. Cool and Short Showers

A steamy, hot shower sounds ever so inviting, but all that scalding water dries out the skin in the long run, especially during those cold winter months. Make your showers as zippy as possible with a lukewarm temperature to the water. You will get used to the cooler stream and notice a change in the condition of your skin.

4. Great Soap or Body Wash

Not all soaps and body washes are created equal. Some are quite drying to the skin due to their ingredients, even alcohol. Make sure you use a gentle cleanser that's natural and non-drying. Go for formulas which include moisturizing creams, shea butter, and natural oils. These may not be as sudsy, but they are way better for your skin.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is all the rage lately and for good reason… it's fantastic! One of the oil's wonderful uses is to help repair and protect dry skin. Use as you would a moisturizer and rub into skin, focusing on the roughest spots. The scent is delicious and the benefits are incomparable.

6. Protect from the Cold

Before heading out into blustery winds and frigid temps, make sure your exposed skin is ready for the elements. Cover lips with a lip balm and apply a thick lotion to any uncovered skin. You can even try a bit of petroleum jelly to help with the impact. Windburn and chapped skin can be painful and looks unpleasant.

7. Overnight Treatments

Sleep time is the perfect opportunity to give your skin an extra dose of loving. Slather a rich cream all over your body, even down to the tips of your toes. Use a night cream for your face and a lip balm for your pout. As you sleep, the hydration and moisturization will work their magic all night so you'll wake up feeling soft and silky all over.

8. SPF

A sun-kissed glow looks great but isn't all that good for your skin. Be sure to apply a sunscreen before heading outside, even on overcast days. Use a higher SPF if you are very fair or will be outdoors for many hours. As you age, you'll be glad you've protected your skin. You'll see fewer wrinkles and have less chance of skin damage.

9. Hydrate

Take care of your skin from the inside out. Drink plenty of water and other fluids every day to plump skin cells and help your body work efficiently. Water will wake up dull skin and give it that natural, vital glow.

Remember, the skin is the body's largest organ. Take care of it every day as part of your overall health practice.

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