Before applying any herb, powder, mask or any other home remedy, you should start showing your tender care and love to your skin. A proper skin care regime paired with some lifestyle changes go a long way in improving skin texture. Read on to find some basic tips that may help you get that baby soft skin in no time.
A)Drink Plenty of Water
The importance of water can never be emphasized enough when it comes to your overall health and skin care. Though most people know the benefits and ways of maintaining adequate hydration, only a few of them follow it. Once you realize the importance of water to get soft and smooth skin, you won’t dehydrate yourself further.
It should be simple to understand that a dry body will lead to dry and rough skin. Have you seen a field in drought, that’s the exact same picture of your skin in the absence of adequate hydration but at a microscopic level.
If you want to prevent your skin from this horrible condition, start drinking plenty of water. On an average, daily intake of water for an adult should be 2 to 3 litres or about 8 to 10 glasses
B)Adequate Moisturisation
For your skin to remain hydrated, moisturisation is as necessary as drinking water. When you drink water, it hydrates you from inside, but that water is equally distributed throughout the body. To give that extra hydration to your skin, moisturisation is important. A good moisturizer locks in hydration thereby making your skin supple, soft and smooth.
There are a variety of moisturizers available in the market with several ingredients. Some of them also contain vitamins and antioxidants to provide you with additional benefits. Choose any moisturizer and apply it generously on your face at least two times a day, especially before going to bed.
C)Regular Exfoliation
Your skin sheds its upper layer of cells at regular intervals of time and forms a new one leaving dead cells in the superficial layer. These dead cells are a major reason for rough and dull looking skin. In order to get the soft and smooth skin, you need to exfoliate your skin at least 2 times a week. Exfoliating your skin regularly also encourages skin cell production, making younger and plump cells to appear on the upper layer. Use a natural exfoliator that suits your skin type. You can also make your own exfoliator by using granulated sugar. Do not massage your skin too hard while exfoliating as it will lead to skin rashes.
D)Avoid Sun Exposure
A direct encounter with harsh sun rays can damage your skin and cause photoaging. It also reduces the elasticity of skin causing it to sag and wrinkle. Exposure to the sun at peak hours could have a more adverse effect due to the high amount of ultraviolet radiation and may even predispose you to skin cancer. And then there is always a risk of a nasty sun tan. Interestingly, you can get a sun tan even on cloudy days. So, it is best to wear covering clothes every time you go under the sun and whenever possible avoid going out under the sun.
E)Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreens are made to protect you from the harmful sun rays. Always apply a generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed body parts like face, neck, hand to prevent from sun damage at least 15 to 30 minutes before stepping outside. Repeat the application of sunscreen every 2 hours. For effective sun protection, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor 15 or more. Also, opt for a sunscreen with a broad spectrum action that is one which protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B.
F)Use Humidifier
A humidifier is a one-time investment for your skin care and to manage your overall health. Having a humidifier in your home will make the air inside your house filled with moisture, which, in turn, will keep your skin supple and hydrated. It also helps prevent various other infections and health conditions such as a common cold and sore throat. However, it is important to point out that a humidifier needs extra care to manage. Always use distilled water in the humidifier as minerals from tap water may damage it. If you don’t want respiratory infections, keep your humidifier clean.
G)Use Mild Soap
Don’t be too harsh on your skin by using extra lathering soap or foam. They usually suck moisture out of your skin making it scratchy, itchy, dry and rough. To avoid all this, replace your regular soap with mild soap or foam. The best way would be to stop using soaps altogether, instead buy mild face wash or body washes. These products help retain skin moisture thus preventing dry or oily skin condition. Some face washes also come with additional nourishing ingredients to increase skin texture and tone. Take your pick depending on what suits you well.
H)Use Cold or Lukewarm Water
Bathing or washing your face with warm water tends to wash away the natural oils of your skin. Apart from maintaining the skin barrier and maintaining skin health, these oils also help retain moisture in the skin. Consequently, an imbalance in skin oils would increase the risk of dry skin problems and skin inflammatory conditions. Not only does it leeches off the natural glow of your skin but also gives it a dull and lifeless appearance. According to the Journal of Harvard Medical School, your bath water should either be cold or warm. Avoid using hot water for bathing. Also, applying bath oils after a bath helps in retaining the natural fatty substances of skin, leaving you with a soft and smooth looking skin.
I)Take Care of Your Whole Body instead of Focusing on Face
Your facial skin may be your priority but the rest of your skin also demands extra care. Surely you can’t get a flawless face skin without improving the overall health of your skin. Right? Luckily your body skin is not as sensitive as the skin of your face. It can be easily cleaned with a mild soap. Also, it is important to avoid wearing too tight and body fitting clothes as they rub and generate friction, leading to skin dryness and irritation. Excessive moisture and warmth also predispose you to skin tags and fungal and bacterial infections of skin. So, opt for airy and comfortable clothes that reduce perspiration and friction.
