Your August 2025 Monthly Horoscopes Are All About Dreamy Alignment & New Beginnings

August is a month when dreams come true. There is a lot of positive movement forward, Leo Season is underway, and opportunities for expansion, perspective, and love are apparent.
We begin the month with Mars entering Libra on August 6 until September 22, creating an atmosphere of partnership, peace, and harmony. Mars in Libra is motivated to create justice, understanding, and beauty in the world, and this energy will be inspiring more connection, creativity, and relationship developments this month.
Your August 2025 Monthly Horoscopes: An Overview
The Full Moon of the month happens on August 9 and will occur in Aquarius. This Full Moon is the time to let go of old perspectives or intentions that don’t serve, and to focus on where your inner compass system is guiding you right now. A few days later, Mercury goes direct in Leo after being retrograde since July 17, and it’s time to break free from limitations or self-doubt within communication. With Mercury now direct in Leo, there is more confidence, passion, and charisma within communication matters, and it’s time to put your best foot forward and to bet on yourself.
With Venus in Cancer for most of the month, more sensitivity within relationship matters is apparent now, and it’s about bringing compassion to your intimate world and emotional foundations. Virgo Season officially begins on August 22, and this Virgo Season is all about a new beginning. When the Sun is in Virgo, we have more energy to get organized, take care of responsibilities, and feel more purposeful within the present moment. The following day, there is a New Moon in Virgo, and this is a potent time for setting your intentions for what you want to bring to harvest over the next month.
Your intentions are powerful, as are your words, and it’s time to get clear and write down your vision.
As we close out the month, Venus moves into Leo from August 25 until September 21, and love is loud during this time. While Venus is in Leo, we feel more confident in going after our heart’s desires, and this is a time of courage, strength, and passion in love. Venus in Leo knows the importance of loving yourself just as much as loving others, and it’s about having a good balance here right now.
Overall, real progress is being made this month, and August is about being open to a miracle.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what August has in store for you.
What August 2025 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust is a chance at happiness, Aries. Culminations occur, bringing you closer to your heart and closer to others. With the Sun in your 5th house of romance and inner joy for most of the month, there is a lot to feel confident about right now, and you are moving forward freely. The Full Moon at the beginning of the month happens in an area of your life that has to do with your manifestations, and you are entering August with good luck on your side.
Mars, your ruling planet, moves into your house of love from August 6 until late September, and you are motivated by the dynamics playing out in your partnerships right now. Things are getting spicy for you in August, and your relationships are a source of passion and empowerment. Before the month ends, Venus enters your 5th house as well, even further enhancing the energy of love, support, and compassion in your life this month.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust is a month of collaboration, effort, and creativity, Taurus. There is a lot to tend to as you build new foundations in your world, and the main message for you this month is that you don’t have to do it alone. With the Sun in your house of home, family, and inner strength for most of the month, it’s about connecting with the support in your life and setting down the building blocks for your future through gratitude and patience.
On August 23, we have a New Moon in fellow earth sign Virgo, and this New Moon is a new beginning for you in love. A new door opens for your heart to examine, and you are recognizing what you need in order to experience healthy and stable relationships in your world. Before the month ends, Venus, your ruling planet, enters your 9th house of adventure, and love is taking you on a ride. Moving out of August and into September, new plans are made, traveling is likely, and you are keeping an eye out for the options presenting themselves to you.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust is all about perspective, and keeping yours, Gemini. Your guidance for the month is to protect your energy and trust your instincts on what is right for you and what doesn’t resonate anymore. Your ruling planet, Mercury, has been retrograde for the past few weeks and finally goes direct on August 11, creating more progress and communication breakthroughs after some time of chaos in your world. With this settling of energy, the fog is lifting, and you can see things more clearly that you may have missed before
The New Moon of the month happens on August 23 and creates a new beginning for you in the home. This New Moon is the perfect opportunity to set intentions for what new foundations you want to build in your world and to get things organized in your safe spaces. Before the month ends, Venus enters Leo and brings harmony to your mind. You are having important conversations, extending an olive branch, and feeling more seen and understood, leaving August.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust is a month of speaking your mind and being confident in your ideas and inspirations, Cancer. The Sun is in your house of income, abundance, and values for most of the month, and you are coming up with the ideas that are going to help you succeed in the long term. On August 9, we have a Full Moon happening in your 8th house of transformation, and you are ready to let go of doing things the hard way. It’s all about opening yourself up to the gifts, connections, and new beginnings you deserve, and letting go of anything that is holding you back from that.
At the end of the month, we have a New Moon occurring in an area of your life having to do with communication, and you are getting your point across right now. Bridges of connection are being built, and this is a good month for networking efforts, publishing your ideas, or having the important conversations that you have been meaning to have. Venus is in Cancer until August 25, and you have the luck of love on your side this month. Focus on moving forward and don’t let any negativity distract you or your progress.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleLove is a highlight of your life this month, Leo. Leo Season is officially here, the Sun is in your sign for most of the month, and you are thriving in this energy. You begin the month with a Full Moon in your opposite sign, Aquarius, creating a culmination for you in love. You are recognizing the progress you have made within some of your most important connections and relationships, and feeling more harmony in the changes that are unfolding for you here.
Mercury has been retrograde in your sign for the past few weeks, and finally goes direct on August 11, inspiring you towards clarity and remaining in Leo until September 2. With Mercury on your side right now, there is more understanding and support in your world, and this is a good time for getting clearer on your intentions moving forward and to start laying the foundations from your new ideas. Before the month ends, Venus enters your sign until September 19, further enhancing the energy of love in your life this month. August is about valuing your time and energy, and allowing others to reciprocate this love to you.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleA lot is going on for you this month, but it is nothing you can’t handle, Virgo. August is a busy month for you, as you have a lot of new responsibilities on your plate and are also feeling more inspired by the opportunities presenting themselves. The Full Moon happening at the start of the month is helping you reflect on health matters and what has been weighing you down mentally, and you are beginning the month looking to decompress as much as you have been taking action.
Your ruling planet, Mercury, has been retrograde in an area of your life that deals with closure and healing, and after a few weeks of gathering your strength, you are finally ready to let go. Mercury goes direct on August 11, and you can take a deep breath now. Virgo Season officially begins on August 22, and this is when things really start to pick up for you. With a New Moon in Virgo on the following day, there is something about healing, reflecting, and empowering yourself this month, and you are the one creating your own destiny right now as you move forward.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust is about opening your heart, Libra. A balance is needed this month, but this is one of your many strengths in life, and you are moving through this time with all the right tools, resources, and support to succeed. The most significant transit for you this month is Mars entering Libra on August 6 until September 22. With Mars, the planet of action, in your sign for the rest of the summer, you have some extra energy at your disposal now and the inspiration to see things through.
The Full Moon of the month occurs in a fellow air sign, highlighting a romantic and supportive area of your chart. This Full Moon is about letting go of old connections or pain that no longer have a place in your present moment or where you are headed in love. Finally, as we close out the month, we have a New Moon in your 12th house of endings, dreams, and healing, and you are closing one chapter of your life and making room for another as we end August.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust is about opening a new door for your heart, Scorpio. There are some pleasant surprises in store for you this month, and it's time to put yourself out there. With the Sun at the very top of your chart, shining its benevolence on you, you are grabbing the attention of others and creating the opportunities you have been looking for. On August 6, Mars, your ruling planet, enters your 12th house, and you are motivated to create space, heal, and make room for your heart to experience something new.
Mercury goes Direct on August 11, after being Retrograde in your house of career and reputation for the past few weeks, and you are finally being seen and recognized for the good work you have done and the positive intentions you have had. The New Moon happening before the month ends on August 23 is one of the most magical New Moons for you to manifest, and it’s time to believe in a miracle. Anything can happen for you, expect it to be good this month.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleRemember how powerful you are this month, Sagittarius. This month can feel like a lot to handle if you are not valuing yourself, your time, and your energy. The Sun is in your 9th house for most of the month, and you are in a more introspective mood right now. The Full Moon happening on August 9 is closing the door to communication that hasn’t served you, and is helping you gain clarity on the guidance from your soul.
Mercury officially goes direct on August 11, after being retrograde in a fellow fire sign for the past few weeks, and this is helping you execute your plans and see things with a new perspective. You have had to navigate life with a little more caution while Mercury was retrograde, and with this energy moving forward now, so are your plans and adventures. Before the month ends, the Sun enters your 10th house of success and career, and it’s time to practice self-love affirmations, own your confidence, and allow your gifts to shine.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust changes everything for you, Capricorn. Transformations are evident, and you are ready to move forward with what you know now. With the Sun in your 8th house of rebirth for most of the month, you are in a space of letting go of the past and creating your future, and you are finding your peace within the middle ground. On August 9, a Full Moon occurs in your 2nd house of abundance, and it’s time to make space for new financial opportunities to enter your world.
On August 23, we have a New Moon in Virgo, highlighting your 9th house of travel, adventure, and inner wisdom. This New Moon is bringing you a new perspective and showing you just how lucky you are, after a few weeks of feeling like you were walking on shaky ground. On August 25, Venus, the planet of love, enters an area chart having to do with intimacy and shared resources, and you move into a time of feeling more commitment and grace within your close partnerships.
AQUARIUS
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleAugust is about moving on and moving forward, Aquarius. You are letting go of a lot this month and are supported in your new beginning. The month begins with a Full Moon in Aquarius on August 9, creating a space of closure for you. You have been through a lot of personal changes this year, and this Full Moon is reflecting how much you have grown in the process of it all. With the Sun in your sister sign, highlighting the love in your life for most of August, emotions are running high, but you are also finding new ways to soothe the waters and make the most of the changes you are moving through.
At the end of the month, the New Moon happens, and this is another aspect that is creating a deep change in your world. Your guidance for the month is to flow with change rather than force or fear it, and to know that when things are meant to be for you, they will feel more stable. As you close out the month, you are in a space of reflection, and you are strengthening your energy for the new opportunities ahead of you.
PISCES
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecolePatience is key this month, Pisces. You are thinking a lot about your work efforts, finances, and purpose in life, and you are generating some new ideas for it all in the process. This is a good month to get things in order, create a new plan, and take action on your vision. On August 9, there is a Full Moon in your 12th house, and you are ready to let go of the way things have been and old emotional patterns that have been limiting your personal growth. Follow your inner light this month and let it guide you towards happiness.
On August 23, we have a New Moon in Virgo and in an area of your chart that deals with love, creating new opportunities for support, romance, and abundance in your world. This is the perfect New Moon for you to set your intentions for connection and for what relationship developments you want to see take place for you over the next month. Overall, you are leaving August with love on your mind, and this is creating a space for new connections and abundance to bloom.
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Featured image by Kyra Jay/xoNecole
Your December 2025 Monthly Horoscopes Are All About Surrender & Alignment
December is about letting go. We end the year with the need for more peace, reflection, and rejuvenation, and that is exactly what December is providing for us. The Sun is in Sagittarius, and anything is possible. This is the month to believe in that and to know that the universe is supporting you. With a Supermoon in Gemini as we begin the month as well, we have an opportunity to gain the closure we have been looking for this year and to wrap up old projects, ideas, and communication breakthroughs.
This is the month to make your peace the priority and let go of trying to control the way the tides are turning. Trust in your new beginning, and give yourself time to prepare for it this month.
A big part of the clarity that is coming through this month is due to Neptune going direct in Pisces on December 10, after being retrograde here since July. With Neptune now direct, we are able to see our inspiration and creativity a little more clearly, providing the perfect energy for dreams and manifestation to be built upon. The smoke is clearing, and it’s up to you to decide what you want to do with this newfound clarity that this transit is bringing. Mercury also moves back into Sagittarius on December 11, which is great for communication and clarity, and the adventures you were trying to see through at the beginning of November come around for you again with greater purpose and support.
On December 15, Mars enters Capricorn until the end of January 2026, and this is the extra push we need to make important changes and to be on the path towards greater abundance, stability, and prosperity. Mars in Capricorn takes care of business, and we have extra energy at our disposal during this time to do so. This transit is an ideal time to focus on your career or financial goals for next year and to start putting some of these plans into motion now. A few days later, we have the New Moon of the month, which will be in Sagittarius on December 19, and this is the perfect New Moon to manifest.
The energy is high, magic is in the air, and it’s all about moving forward with the new beginnings that are inspiring you and bringing you joy to think about right now.
Capricorn Season officially begins on December 21, and this earth sign energy is how we heal, gain closure, and build new foundations in our world. With Venus also moving into a Capricorn a few days later, there is something about peace, prosperity, and security that we are gaining in life and in love as we close out the year, and this is what we need right now. This month is about reflecting on what was, letting go of old hurt, and renewing. December is an ending and a new beginning in one, and there is magic in this space to be created.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what December 2025 has in store for you.
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleARIES
December is a full-circle moment for you, Aries. You are seeing the gifts in your world and have a lot of gratitude for the way things have come about for you as of late. There are culminations in your world that are providing you with more abundance, stability, and community, and you are exactly where you are meant to be this month. With the Sun in a fellow fire sign and in your 9th house of travel for most of the month, December is a good time to get out of your comfort zone, explore the world around you, and get your body moving.
Mars, your ruling planet, also makes a change and moves into Capricorn on December 15, which will fuel your inspiration and power in your career space. You are making a lot of professional progress as we close out the year; however, make sure to be more mindful of your competitive drive right now. The New Moon on December 19 is the perfect opportunity for you to create some new plans and goals when it comes to traveling, education, and where you want to gain some new inspiration in your world. Overall, this is a month of things coming together for you serendipitously.
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleTAURUS
December is about trusting your intuition, Taurus. You have a lot on your mind this month, and it’s best to delegate, communicate, and allow yourself some relief by opening up to someone and not feeling like you have to hold everything in. As we begin the month, we have a Supermoon in Gemini happening in your house of income, and the plans and projects you have been building here come to fruition for you now. This is the time to gain clarity on your financial world and to take a look at what spending habits you want to let go of here as well.
With Venus in your 8th house of shared resources for most of the month, you are doing a cleanse on your commitments, partnerships, and business ventures. You are taking a look at what you want to dedicate yourself to in the future, and what commitments you may need to let go of now in order to be in the space you truly want to be, both financially and within some of your relationship dynamics. Before we end the month, we have a New Moon in this same area of your chart, and it’s time to look at the opportunities that are presenting themselves and to trust your internal guidance system to lead you forward.
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleGEMINI
You are moving forward fearlessly this month, Gemini. December is your month of love, passion, and dignity, and you are owning the light that you shine. We begin the month with the last Supermoon of the year, happening in your sign, and you are stepping up to the plate. You are showing up, owning how much you have grown this year, and allowing yourself to heal while also acknowledging that you have done your best and you deserve to have fun in the midst of the changes you are creating.
Mercury, your ruling planet, is officially out of retrograde, and you can use this energy to the fullest potential now. With Mercury in your 7th house of love, it’s time to speak from the heart and to talk about the things that matter and that are inspiring you right now to your loved ones. You never know what kind of epiphanies you may have when you open up the conversation to others. Before the month ends, you have a New Moon in this same love area of your chart, and this New Moon is all about manifesting romance, commitment, and abundance in your world.
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleCANCER
December is an opening for more love, more joy, and more freedom in your life, Cancer. You have come to a place where you hold so much gratitude in your heart for where you are today and where your heart is shining, and things come together for you with more ease right now. With the Sun in your 6th house of health, work, and daily routines for most of the month, you are getting your ducks in a row while also putting more energy and effort into taking care of yourself, your priorities, and your well-being. This month surprises you in many ways, and it’s because you are showing up.
Mars and Venus both move into your house of love, relationships, marriage, and abundance this month, and you are making strides in your love life. You have both of these opposing forces on your side and are being recognized for the love you are while also receiving the love you want. This month, overall, is about focusing more on the positives in your world and letting your heart have its joy. Before December comes to an end, there is a New Moon in Sagittarius, and this is the perfect opportunity to create the plans you want to see through next year, especially when it comes to your work life, colleagues, business ventures, and health.
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleLEO
The scales of karma are balancing, and they are balancing in your favor this month, Leo. December is your month of truth, and of seeing it clearly in your world. The Sun is in your house of romance, pleasure, and happiness for most of the month, and it’s time to relax, be in the present moment, and allow what is meant to be, to be. With a Supermoon in your 11th house of manifestation as December begins, this is a powerful month for seeing your dreams come to fruition, and for feeling like the intentions you have set this year are finally here for you now.
Mars also moves into your 6th house mid-month, and this is the perfect energy to have to move into the new year. You have extra energy at your disposal right now and are feeling fearless with what is possible for you and your daily routine. Before the month ends, we also have a New Moon in a fellow fire sign, Sagittarius, and this is a breakthrough moment for you and your heart. December, overall, wants to show you how loved and supported you are and will be doing so in magical, unexpected, and concrete ways.
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleVIRGO
December is a month of victory, Virgo. You are showing up and experiencing some new successes in your world that move you forward on your path in life. With a Supermoon in your 10th house of career as we begin the month, the effort and intentions you have made this year come into full bloom, and you are being recognized for who you are and the good work you have done. This month is all about showing up and allowing yourself to be seen and loved, knowing that you deserve the support and opportunities you are receiving.
Mars moves into Capricorn on December 15, which brings the passion and excitement into your love life, hobbies, and little pleasures in life that light you up. You want to have fun this month and are going to be walking into the new year with this fearless, happy, and spontaneous energy within you. Before the month ends, Venus also enters Capricorn, and in this same area of your chart, you have a lot to look forward to and believe in right now. Overall, December wants you to be happy and will be doing everything possible to make that happen for you. This is your month to shine, Virgo.
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleLIBRA
December is a month of opportunity for you, Libra. New doors open, and you are financially making breakthroughs this month because of it. December begins with a Supermoon in your 9th house, and you are getting a clearer view of where you have been making strides in your life and how it has all brought you here to this present moment of freedom. This month is showing you what happens when you are fearless with your purpose and when you believe in yourself and what you are worthy of.
Moving further into December, Mars moves into your 4th house of home and family mid-month, and you are closing out the year in your safe spaces. You are spending more time with your loved ones and taking the time to quiet your mind and listen to what your heart has been telling you. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Sagittarius, happening in an area of your life that deals with communication. This is a great time for getting the answers you have been looking for and for feeling more clear-headed and confident about the decisions you are making as you move into the new year.
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleSCORPIO
Patience is a virtue this month, Scorpio. December is all about remaining patient and vigilant with what you are creating in your world, and knowing that the universe has your back. It’s time to be reminded of the power of hope, and this month is an opening to greater clarity in your life. There is a lot of energy in your financial zones right now, and this is providing you with new opportunities and new insight; however, the speed at which things come about for you may feel daunting. Keep your head up and eyes focused on what you want and know that you are more than worthy of receiving it.
With Mercury in your 2nd house of income this month, December is a good time to plant new seeds and to think about where you want to be financially a month from now or even a year. This month is asking you to think bigger and to think more long-term so that you can set the appropriate plans into motion now. We also have a New Moon in your house of income before the month ends, and this is when you will see more of your dreams come to fruition in this area of your life, and have more opportunities to build. Overall, December will be teaching you a lot, Scorpio.
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleSAGITTARIUS
Sagittarius Season is here, and there is a lot in store for you this month, Sag. December is all about what you are dedicating yourself to. It’s about setting your intentions and putting the work in to back up your dreams, and about getting things in order so that when the new beginnings come, you are ready for them. The Sun and Venus are in your sign for most of this month, and there are a lot of eyes on you right now. You have the potential to create a new beginning for yourself, and it’s time to invest in yourself, your love life, and your dreams.
Mercury moves into Sagittarius on December 11, and this is giving you another opportunity to see through some of the plans that you had initiated in November. Mercury was retrograde in your sign last month, and there may have been some disruptions to your vision and plans for the future, and now this energy is turning around for you. Before the month ends, we also have a New Moon in Sagittarius, and you are walking through new doors fearlessly. You are catching others by surprise by your growth this month, and you are thinking a lot about your purpose, future, and plans for the new year.
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleCAPRICORN
December is all about the vision, Capricorn. You are moving through a lot of changes and transformations this month, yet they are giving you a chance at a new beginning in the process. You are focused more on the future and what goals you want to manifest for yourself right now, and are ready to let go of what hasn’t been working for you. With the Sun in your 12th house of closure for most of December, this is your time for healing, but remember, healing doesn’t have to be isolating or boring; you can thrive while you renew, and you are this month.
Mid-month, the excitement picks up for you, and you are feeling more energized than you have in a while. Mars moves into Capricorn until the end of January 2026, and you are being proactive with your goals, intentions, and passions. You are a force to be reckoned with this month, and you are making things happen for yourself with confidence. Capricorn Season officially begins on December 21 this year, and this is definitely speeding up your healing process. You are breaking free from what was, and with Venus also moving into Capricorn before the month ends, you are leaving this year in high spirits and with love opening a new door for you.
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleAQUARIUS
December is all about community, creativity, and manifestation, Aquarius. This is the month to work together with others to help bring your dreams to life. You are in a space of inspiration, empowerment, and beauty, and are creating more of this energy around you and in your world. Look out for what support comes your way this month and know that you don’t have to do everything alone to succeed. With the Sun in your 11th house of manifestation and friendship, your intentions are coming to fruition, and it’s time to celebrate with the people you love and to own how far you have come this year.
On December 19, we have a New Moon in Sagittarius, lighting up your life in all of the best ways possible. This is your New Moon of freedom, victory, and magic, and you are seeing new beginnings appear that you were once just hoping for. Before the month comes to an end, Venus moves into your 12th house of closure, and after an active and successful month, you are ready to relax, heal, and give your heart some of the attention it has been asking for. You are moving into the new year with the need to release and renew what hasn’t been working in your relationships, and you are finally ready to.
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecolePISCES
December is a big month for you, Pisces. You are making some huge accomplishments this month, and are feeling like everything you have been through this year has been worth it for these moments that are coming to fruition for you now. The Sun is in your 10th house of career and reputation for most of the month, and this is where a lot of your focus is right now. You are claiming your successes and putting yourself out there in ways that not only serve you, but that inspire others as well.
Neptune officially goes direct on December 10, after being retrograde in your sign since July, and you are finally seeing things a little more clearly. You are feeling renewed inspiration and passion in your life, and your intuition is your strongest asset right now. Before December comes to an end, we also have a New Moon in your 10th house of career, and what happens now not only changes things for you in the present, but it also opens new doors and what is possible for you in the new year as well. Overall, you are on top of your game this month and are owning the joy and empowerment you feel.
Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
Cold winds. Wool clothes. Flannel sheets. These are just some of the things that skin has to go through whenever the temperature drops below freezing — and boy, can that wreak real havoc on it if you’re trying to have super soft and smooth skin that looks amazing in your holiday party outfits and feels unbelievable as you’re cuddling up to your bae.
And you know what? The key to combating dry, cracked, rough, dull, and irritated skin during the fall and winter seasons is to be proactive about preventing it from happening in the first place. Luckily, I’ve got eight quick tips that can keep your skin dewy and radiant — no matter what these next few months, weather-wise, have in mind.
1. Turn the Temperatures Down

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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

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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

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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.

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Since your skin sheds somewhere around 30,000 skin cells a minute (wild, right?), it is absolutely essential that you exfoliate your skin year-round. After all, exfoliating is what not only removes dead skin cells and unclog pores, it also helps significantly improve your skin’s tone and texture by 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 and applying 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)

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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

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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

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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

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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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