Get Smoother, Softer Skin Without a Facial

Facials are a relaxing way to take great care of your skin. They feel great, and make you look great. But they are also an expensive way to care for your skin. Facials don't fit in my filled-to-the-brim-budget. But I know a few tricks to help achieve soft, smooth skin at home. Here are my favorites.

Cleanse. One of the most important things you can do for your skin is wash it. You need to wash it twice a day - in the morning and at night. It's especially important to wash off the day's makeup and grime to keep your skin clear, healthy, and soft.

Exfoliate. Once or twice a week you need to exfoliate your skin. This helps get rid of all those old, dead skin cells that can make you look dull and lifeless. You can use a home microdermabrasion kit, a mask, or even some home remedies. Mix a little bit of brown sugar with honey and gently rub on your face for an all natural exfoliant. Of apply some milk to your skin with a cotton ball, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse off. The lactic acid in the milk will help exfoliate your skin leaving you with a healthy glow and smooth, soft skin. If your skin is very sensitive, try making a scrub out of steel cut oats and milk. Just grind up the oats in a clean coffee grinder for a softer scrub.

Tone. Milk is a natural toner, but if you have acne, try a toner made with salicylic acid. This will help pH balance your skin and keep your acne under control.

Treat. We all have skin issues. Dry patches need special moisture, wrinkles need age-fighting serums, and acne needs spot treatment. A quick trip to the beauty aisle of your favorite big box store will reveal a ton of great products made just for your skin issues.

Moisturize. Even oily skin needs moisture, you just need to pick the right moisturizer for you. Dry skin needs a creamier moisturizer, while oily or acne prone skin needs a light weight, oil-free moisturizer. With out it, your skin will feel dry and scratchy.

Protect. You must protect your skin if you want it to be soft smooth. Products with SPF will help protect your skin from sun damage. Keep in mind that too much sun, over time, causes wrinkles, hard leathery skin, and dark spots. Apply foundation to help keep dirt and grime out of your pores, as well.

Drink water. To have smooth soft skin you need to stay hydrated on the inside and on the outside. Make sure you're drinking enough H2O to keep your skin soft and supple.

Things to avoid. Avoid drinking too much alcohol and too much caffeine, because they will dry your skin out. Stay out of the direct sun. Don't touch your face or the bacteria on your fingers may cause blemishes.

The key to great skin is consistency. You can have smoother, softer skin if you take great care of it morning and night. Find the products that work for you and use them. Your skin will be healthier, smoother, and softer.


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