Healthy skin can grow rough and wrinkled from long-term aging and from short-term environmental damage. Using harsh cosmetic products can also harm delicate facial skin. If your skin is showing visible signs of age or stress, using too many skin care products can make them worse, according to doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Especially if you have sensitive skin, use the fewest products that do the most good in your quest for smooth skin.
Cleansing
Cleanse daily as a preventive measure. Daily hygiene removes pore obstructions to prevent blemishes and allow healthy skin function. The Skin Sciences Institute suggests using warm water and a gentle moisturizing soap for facial care, rather than one that has antibacterial or heavy perfume agents. Soap with a moisturizing base will impart that feel to your skin--at least temporarily.
To avoid abrasion, use only fingertips for washing and pat dry, don't rub, with a towel. Perform skin care twice daily, or get a doctor's advice on cleansing if you have very dry or irritated skin.
Moisturizing
Apply moisturizing cream or lotion after cleansing. Gently press lotion or cream onto your skin. When you do it immediately after cleansing, it lets the moisturizer attract the dampness left on the skin's surface and seal it in, for more effectiveness. The AAD notes that good moisturizers act as conditioners that literally smooth skin and diminish the look and feel of wrinkles. If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing cosmetic product that is fragrance free and minus color or formaldehyde.
Sun Protection
Prevent sunburn, wrinkles and a leathery texture to skin by including sunscreen applications in your daily skin care. For healthy skin, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests using a broad-spectrum cosmetic product that absorbs or reflects both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it during the day, after cleansing and moisturizing. Dermatologists at the AAD recommend a formula strength of SPF 30 or higher; check the label. For immediate smooth skin, choose a moisturizing lotion that includes adequate sunscreen protection.
Exfoliating
Encourage new healthy skin cell growth by exfoliating your body and face. Periodic skin care to remove scaly dead surface cells will stimulate your body to generate new, smooth ones. To exfoliate the body, try lathering up with textured gloves once a month or so. For facial care, use a natural exfoliant, such as baby oatmeal, or a cosmetic product,such as an alpha hydroxy scrub, which the AAD deems effective. Exfoliate the face once a week or so, depending on your skin type, and smooth on moisturizer afterward to prevent drying.
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