By now you’ve probably seen hundreds of ads and commercials about skincare products or services that promise to give you smooth and soft skin, ranging from soap and lotions to more high-tech scrubs in spa and skincare centers.

Even for those who aren’t even conscious about looks still strive for softer and smoother skin as it feels great and also reflects one’s health and hygiene.

So, whether you’re looking to wow your colleagues by having smooth and soft-looking (and feeling) skin, or simply wish to stay clean and healthy, here are simple tips you should follow:

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

While it’s important to get your daily dose of sunlight and Vitamin D, prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin damage and sunburn which won’t only cause rough skin but mild to extreme discomfort.

And it gets worse, exposing oneself to the sun’s harmful UV rays can result in higher risks of skin cancer.

That said, it’s best to limit your sun exposure and avoid the sun between 10 AM to 4 PM when it’s at its highest (and brightest), and wear protective clothing and sunscreen.

You might also want to skip the tanning beds as it can cause or worsen dry and itchy skin as UV rays and heat from these cosmetic machines can greatly dehydrate and wrinkle your skin (on top of other serious skin conditions).

Watch What You Eat
 
Unhealthy food and poor diet will affect your health and it will show through your skin.

Try to minimize eating processed food, alcohol, and other food items that reduce good bacteria in your gut which lead to inflammations that can show up in your skin.

Eat a healthy and balanced meal to feel and look healthy. For healthier and smoother skin, make sure to take note of food rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as Zinc.

Catch Some Z’s
 
Lack of sleep, stress, and exhaustion can greatly age your skin and prevent it from healing itself.

You’ve probably seen the effects of lack of sleep in real life or in the movies, with people having saggy eyes and pale sickly skin.

So, rest. Give your body (and your mind) time to recover and rejuvenate itself.

Wash Your Skin and Don’t Overdo It

Regular bathing and washing is part of any hygienic routine and can help keep your skin healthy and smooth.

But it’s important that you don’t overload with the skincare routine and use too much skincare products. It’s best to ask your dermatologist which products match your skin’s needs.

After all, everyone’s built differently, while some may simply need moisturizing soap to get smooth and soft skin, some people with sensitive, dry, or oily skin may need different more than just soap in their skincare routine.

Avoid Hard Water
 
Water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium is classified as ‘hard water” and it’s more common than you think; in fact, 85% of the water in homes is hard water according to a US Geological Survey.

While hard water is generally safe to drink and utilize for cleaning and bathing, it can potentially cause issues with those who have sensitive skin and reduce the potency of soap products and sometimes even result in almost sticky soap layers on the skin after bathing.

That said, you might want to consider getting a water softener system for your home in Provo to allow you to bathe and wash with soft water (i.e. water with lower ion and mineral levels).

Conclusion
 
Everyone wants to achieve soft and smooth, healthy-looking skin, and you don’t need to break the bank just to achieve it.

Just make sure you follow these very simple yet effective tips to achieve not only healthy skin but good overall health.