8 Tips For Unbelievably Smooth Skin This Season

1. Turn the Temperatures Down

There is nothing like coming in from the bitter cold and feeling the heat from your HVAC unit. Problem is, since the air draws moisture out while constantly circulating warm-to-hot air in the process, that can totally dehydrate your skin — and dry skin tends to feel rough, flaky and tight.

One way to combat this is to keep your thermostat(s) set to somewhere around 68 degrees; not only is that good for maintaining some level of moisture in the air, your electricity bills will remain bearable that way as well.

2. Eat/Drink Less of What Dehydrates You

Did you know that there are certain foods that, one way or another, will play a role in dehydrating you? Sugary foods will cause you to release more fluids through your system. Salty foods can absorb hydration in your body. Alcohol and caffeine are considered to be diuretics which means that they take more fluids from you than they actually provide.

And something else that can take more water from you than it should? Believe it or not, protein. Although it does come with its benefits, because it can put a bit of strain on your kidneys, you may need to drink more water, just so that you can get rid of toxins easier.

Meanwhile, foods that will hydrate you are fresh fruits and veggies. Ones that are in this season include apples, grapes, collard greens, celery, pears, cabbage and winter squash.

3. Go with Unscented Body Washes

Some of you may not like this one; however, if you read it all the way through, I have an alternative that may just put a smile on your face. Okay, so your scented body washes — yeah, if you want healthy and supple skin, you should scale back on those bad boys. The reason why is because many of them contain sulfates and artificial fragrances that are harsh on your skin and can end up drying it out.

The alternative? Use unscented ones and then add an essential oil scent to it. For the record, ones that actually help to soften your skin include lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, frankincense and rose.

4. Exfoliate Less. Hydrate More.

Since your skin sheds somewhere around30,000 skin cells a minute (wild, right?), it is absolutely essential thatyou exfoliate your skin year-round. After all, exfoliating is what not onlyremoves dead skin cells and unclog pores, it also helps significantly improve your skin’s tone and textureby increasing the collagen production that is in it. However, since it also has a way of drying out your skin, it’s important that you gently exfoliate during this time of year; this means less scrubs and dry brushing less often.

Instead, exfoliate with certain skin acids (which I will get to in a sec) and focus on doing what will hydrate your skin more including drinking plenty of water andapplying serums to your skin. Serums are a light product that is full of ingredients that are especially designed to help moisturize and protect your skin.

5. Apply Some Acids (Yep, You Read That Right)

On the surface (no pun intended), it might seem odd that acid can help to soften your skin yet that is absolutely the truth. Examples? While hyaluronic acid (check out “Why Your Skin, Hair, And Nails Need Hyaluronic Acid Like...Yesterday”) is a humectant that helps to moisturize your skin and reduce any “roughness” that it may feel, malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that improves your skin’s texture.

And while lactic acid is a fruit acid that provides moisture by increasing collagen production, mandelic acid (one of my current faves) will help to even and smooth your skin right on out.

6. Try Some (Holiday-Scented) Oils and Creams

If you want to provide a barrier for your skin from the cold weather and bitter winds, you should consider applying oils to your skin; ones that are packed with fatty acids like avocado, sunflower and grapeseed. Creams can be super nourishing for your skin too; that’s because they have a way of locking in moisture for longer periods of time.

And if you really want to take things up a notch, add some holiday-scented essential oils to your oils and creams — ones like vanilla, clove, cranberry, peppermint and plum. You can even mix one or two together to create a signature scent that is all your own.

7. Put Rosehip Oil on Your Lips

What would be the point in having silky smooth skin if your lips are dry and chapped? C’mon now. That’s why, especially before you turn in every night, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of rosehip oil to your lips. Not only are the properties in the oil extremely moisturizing and hydrating, it’s the kind of oil that can help to cultivate new cells to your lips and even create collagen so that they appear firm and youthful.

8. Turn on Your Humidifier

The reason why I wrote “10 Really Good Reasons To Get Yourself A Humidifier This Fall” a few years back is because folks tend to really underestimate how beneficial a humidifier can be. When it comes to your skin, specifically, you should consider investing in one because the added air moisture that they provide helps to hydrate your skin as well as balance sebum levels, provide a protective barrier from indoor air pollution and soothe irritated skin as well.

And since sleep is a way to restore your skin, having a humidifier going in your bedroom will take “beauty sleep” and super smooth skin to a whole ‘nother level. Enjoy!

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