With the holidays upon us, it's time to start being diligent with our skincare routines. Around 60% of Americans are plagued by "winter skin syndrome" when our skin dries out and creates a rough texture.

Luckily, that doesn't have to cause any lasting damage with the right treatment and skincare advice. Let's talk about how to get smooth skin to get you looking and feeling better through the winter and beyond!

What Causes Rough Skin?

Before we discuss what you can do to improve the texture of your skin, it's important to understand what causes roughness in the first place. Here are some of the most common examples.

Dryness

Dry skin is usually caused by cold weather, hot showers, and a lack of moisturizing. With a combination of the 3, dry skin is almost a guarantee.

When skin dries, it can create a rough outer layer, increase oil production, and potentially cause acne or other skin conditions. Finding a moisturizer that works for your skin is always highly recommended, as is wearing layers and turning down the heat in the shower.

Skin Damage

Damage from the sun, scarring, burns, and other damaged tissue can lead to a rough texture. To address this, you may need special treatment or procedures, but proper skincare routines will help over time.

Unhealthy Habits

Smoking, poor diet, excessive drinking, and other unhealthy habits are known to have some negative side effects on the skin. Reducing or quitting these habits is highly recommended for proper skincare.

Aging

The most visible effect of aging early on is on our skin. Over time, skin loses its elasticity, cellulite begins to build up, and our skin appears rougher.

However, these effects will only be exacerbated by poor skin habits, and proper skin care techniques can even slow these effects. Let's talk about that.

How To Get Smooth Skin

Whether you're worried about aging, skin damage, or just want a nicer appearance, we could all benefit from proper skincare. Here are seven important skincare tips to try today!

1. Stay Hydrated

Seriously, the first step to skincare should always involve hydration. Your skin is the most visible reflection of what you put into your body, and if you are consistently dehydrated, it will show. Your body needs water for your blood to flow properly, so it can deliver the necessary nutrients your skin needs. 

Also, there's a good expression when it comes to reducing oil production and waste materials from reaching your skin: "The best solution to pollution is dilution". 

Essentially, this means that the pollutants in your body will cause more damage if they are highly concentrated, so drinking water is the best way to help. Aim to drink the recommended daily amount of 11.5 cups a day for women and 15.5 cups for men.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

You are what you eat. Try to eat a wider variety of plant-based foods, especially fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The more color you have you your plate, the more nutritional value.

Also, we highly recommend that you start focusing on healthy fats instead of dangerous fats. For example, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fish offer quality fats that are highly beneficial to your skin, whereas bacon and potato chips offer little in the way of nutrition.

A wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure you are getting enough micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, which are critical for skincare. Salads, fruit salads, and soups are the easiest way to add variety to your meals, so start prepping these for yourself!

3. Use the Right Moisturizer

Using the right skincare products generally is highly recommended. 

Try to find the right moisturizer for your skin type, and make sure you apply it correctly. Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin, as this will help improve blood flow in the area and ensure that your skin is absorbing the moisturizer properly.

If you take hot showers, it's especially important to use a moisturizer right away after each shower, especially in the colder months.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is particularly harmful to your health and your skin. Improving your cardiovascular abilities will allow for better blood flow, which has a direct effect on the health and smoothness of your skin. That isn't even mentioning the longer and improved quality of life.

5. Stay Out of the Sun

We're not suggesting you should be afraid of going outside. If you need to be in the sun for more than a brief 20 minutes, go heavy on the SPF.

However, staying in the shade is even better for your long-term skin health. Over time, sun damage will lead to serious skin problems. At best, rough skin and at worst, skin cancer.

6. Use a Humidifier

In the winter months, cold air sucks out any moisture from our skins. Well, we spend a third of our time sleeping, so using a humidifier can help keep your skin moist and healthy during the long winter nights!

7. Try a Collagen Face Mask

For rough facial skin due to the effects of aging, a collagen face mask is a great option. No lasers, injections, or surgeries are involved for some impressive benefits. Face masks are an easy and affordable treatment for certain skin conditions.

Smooth Like a Criminal!

Now that you know how to get smooth skin, start putting this information to use today. The sooner you do, the sooner you will see smoother, more youthful skin.

Stay up to date with our latest skincare advice and check out our services to see how we can help!

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