How to get smoother and softer skin in XNUMX steps

Dry, rough skin Not perfect. But with colder temperatures here, dry patches and flakes may start to appear on your legs and arms. Here's the good news: You can still get soft, smooth skin with the right skin care tips and product line. From exfoliating dead skin cells to moisturizing your body From head to toe, here are our tips for keeping your skin hydrated and soft all year round. 

TIP 1: Exfoliate 

If your skin looks dull and rough, take this as a signal to start exfoliating. Do you opt for a physical scrub, such as Carol's Daughter Monoi Body Peeling Head to Toe Luxe Polishor a chemical exfoliant, such as SkinCeuticals Body Lift Concentrate, exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, making skin softer and brighter. 

Dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Arash Ahavan also recommends using a clean washcloth with a mild abrasive or an exfoliating sponge. The one we love is Earth Therapeutics Hydro Exfoliating Gloves. 

TIP 2: Take shorter showers 

While long steam showers can be enjoyable in the winter, remember that they are likely to cause your skin to dehydrate. Showering too long can strip your skin of its natural oils, so try to avoid short showers and use lukewarm water instead of hot. It is also important to use a moisturizing body wash that will lock in hydration. For the pharmacy option, we recommend La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Hydrating Body & Face Gel. 

Tip 3: Don't Forget to Moisturize 

The key to locking in moisture and keeping your skin hydrated is to apply a layer of moisturizer within a few minutes of getting out of the shower while your skin is still slightly damp. The formula you choose can also change the world. Be sure to look for products specifically formulated for dry or sensitive skin.  

Our favorite body moisturizers for soft skin

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intensive Repair Moisture Cream 

If you have very dry or sensitive skin, try this non-greasy body lotion from La Roche-Posay. Enriched with niacinamide, shea butter and glycerin, the formula hydrates, repairs and soothes skin for up to 48 hours.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion 

How light is the cream? CeraVe will help you with this fast absorbing body lotion. It contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which restore the skin's water barrier and make the skin soft and supple. 

Vichy Ideal Body Serum Milk

To deal with loss of firmness and dryness, take this Vichy lotion. Its formula, which contains hyaluronic acid, LHA (chemical exfoliant) and vegetable oils, will not only leave the skin moisturized, but also make it brighter and firmer. 

H20+ Detox body oil with white clay 

For an amazingly scented moisturizer (think white tea and ginger), try this body butter. Features a rich texture that hydrates & nourishes skin immediately upon application. And with continued use, it can contribute to a smoother, more radiant appearance. 

Photograph: Jonet Williamson