How to Get Soft Skin Quickly

Exfoliate your face and body once a week.

Dead skin can make your skin feel rough. There are two main types of exfoliants—chemical and mechanical. Chemical exfoliants use acids like AHAs and BHAs to break down the dead cells on the surface of your skin so you can rinse them away. They're great for sensitive areas like your face. Mechanical exfoliants, like body scrubs, pumice stones, or sponges, use friction to scrub away dead skin. They can be a little harsh, so they're best for tougher areas like your heels and elbows. If your skin looks pink or feels tender after you exfoliate, use a gentler exfoliant or exfoliate less often. Always put on moisturizer after you exfoliate, since it can strip away the oils in the top layer of your skin.

Use a dry brush to smooth the skin on your body.

Brush away dead skin cells before you get into the shower. Start by swiping a long-handled dry brush across your legs in long, smooth strokes, working your way up from your feet. Next, brush your arms, working upward from your hands. Finally, use circular motions to brush your back and torso. Take a warm shower to rinse off, then apply moisturizer and enjoy your glowing, smooth skin! Brush gently on sensitive areas like your inner thighs, stomach, and neck—and don't use your dry brush on your face. Dry brushing can leave your skin looking smooth and healthy because it polishes away dead skin and boosts your circulation. Also, it might be more gentle than other exfoliants because you do it while your skin is dry. If you have sensitive skin, you can get a similar effect by gently scrubbing your skin with a dry washcloth before you get into the shower.

Keep your showers to 5-10 minutes.

Long, hot showers will dry out your skin. The longer you're in warm water, the more chance your skin has to dry out. Water takes off your skin's natural layer of oils, so try not to shower more than 5 to 10 minutes a day You can even set a timer to help you remember when it's time to get out! Also, avoid using super-hot water—lukewarm water is gentler on your skin. Avoid using harsh scrubbers like loofahs and pumice stones on your skin—exfoliating too vigorously or too often can make your skin rougher over time.

Use shaving cream or gel to get smooth results.

Never shave your skin when it's dry. If you're going to shave, do it at the end of your shower, so the warmth of the water can help soften your skin. Lightly exfoliate with a loofah first so the blades don't get clogged up with dead skin. Then, lather up with a foam or gel shaving cream—or even hair conditioner or body oil—so the razor can glide over your skin. This will help you get a closer shave, so your skin will be softer and smoother when you're finished. Don't use soap to shave—this will dry out your skin, which could leave it feeling rough. Always use a sharp razor to ensure you get a close shave. Also, some people find they get smoother results when they use a razor with multiple blades. If you don't want to shave, you could try waxing, sugaring, or using a depilatory cream instead.

Choose the right moisturizer for your skin.

Experiment with different brands until you find the right one for you. It might seem like there's an overwhelming selection of lotions and creams out there, but don't worry—the best moisturizers aren't necessarily the priciest ones. It's just a matter of trying out different ingredients until you find one that leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. In particular, look for moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides—these attract moisture to the skin. Keep in mind that you'll probably need a thicker lotion on your body and a lighter product for your face. Normal skin: Use a lightweight moisturizer that doesn't have a greasy feel. Dry skin: Use an oil-based product. Good ingredients include lactic acid and urea. Rough, cracked skin: Look for an ointment made of petroleum jelly. Oily skin: Try a water-based, oil-free moisturizer. Sensitive skin: Opt for a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free product. Aging skin: Use a topical retinoid on your face to increase your skin's turnover of new cells. You can also find body lotions that contain retinol for all-over rejuvenation.

Moisturize right after your shower.

Blot your skin gently with a towel but leave your skin damp. Don't rub your skin roughly with your towel—pat it gently and leave it slightly damp. Then, smooth lotion or cream over your whole body and wait until your skin absorbs it before getting dressed. Applying lotion to damp skin helps trap moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. If you have really dry skin, you might need to put on moisturizer 2-3 times throughout the day instead of just once. For instance, you might moisturize when you wake up, after your shower, and before you go to bed.

Use a hydrating face mask for a quick moisture boost.

Relax under a sheet mask when you need an extra glow. Face masks are more than just a soothing indulgence—they can help give your skin a quick infusion of nourishing ingredients. That makes them perfect when you feel like the skin on your face is a little dull or dry. Just wash your face first, then apply a mask loaded with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Skip masks that are brightly-colored or highly fragrant though—these can irritate your skin. Sheet masks are especially great at getting moisture into your skin, but cream masks can be a good option as well—especially if you're trying to treat a specific skin concern like rosacea or acne. You can even make your own face mask out of ingredients like avocado, banana, pumpkin, or oatmeal.

Use a humidifer to combat dry skin.

This is especially helpful in the winter. When it's cold, dry air can leave your skin feeling dry and rough. That doesn't mean you have to stay hidden under sweaters and wool socks, though—running a humidifier at about 60% can help keep your skin hydrated and nourished, no matter what the weather is like outside.

Wash your face twice a day to keep it clear and smooth.

This will help prevent acne and keep your skin balanced. Use warm water and a gentle facial cleanser designed for your skin type when you wash your face. Ideally, you should wash your face twice a day—when you first wake up and before you go to bed. Even if you're pressed for time, though, be sure to wash your face every night to get rid of dirt, oils, and makeup that could clog your pores and lead to acne. Follow up with a facial moisturizer for your skin type. Preventing acne is a big step toward getting soft skin, since breakouts and scars can make your skin bumpy and rough.

Wear sunscreen every day.

Use at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from sun damage. You probably already know that wearing sunscreen during the day can help prevent long-term damage, but did you know that it can help keep your skin feeling softer in the short-term, too? That's because the sun can be really drying for your skin, which can leave it feeling rough. If you'll be out in the sun, cover your whole body in about 1 fl oz (30 ml) of sunscreen—enough to fill a shot glass. On normal days, use about ⁄4 tsp (1.2 ml) to cover your face.

Eat a healthy diet.

The foods you eat can actually have a big impact on your skin. Try to stay away from sugar, processed foods, unsaturated fats, dairy, and carbs. These can cause your skin to be irritated or inflamed, and they might even lead to breakouts. Instead, reach for healthy foods that contain nutrients like: Omega-3s—these are essential for having soft skin. The best source is in fish like salmon and herring, but you can also get it from walnuts, flaxseed oil, or edamame. Vitamins and antioxidants—these keep your skin looking glowy and youthful. Eat a variety of fruits and veggies to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need!

Drink plenty of water.

Stay hydrated. How hydrated you are affects your skin, so keep on top of your water intake. If you have trouble drinking enough water each day, try adding fruit slices to your water to help increase your intake. By some calculations, men should be getting 13 cups (3,100 ml) of water a day, and women should be getting 9 cups (2,100 ml).

Avoid skincare products with ethyl alchohol.

Opt for products labeled alcohol-free. Ethyl alcohol is sometimes used in skincare to make a product absorb more quickly. Unfortunately, it's really drying for your skin, too. Try to avoid this entirely when you're scanning the label of your next purchase. Fatty alcohols like cetearyl, stearyl, and cetyl are not drying, so they're fine if you spot them in the ingredient list.

Talk to a dermatologist.

They can help you with any skin conditions you might have. There are several skin conditions that can affect your skin, leaving it rough or bumpy instead of soft and smooth. If treating it yourself isn't working, set up an appointment with a dermatologist―they'll help you create a personalized plan to get your skin looking its best. Eczema, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris are all examples of skin problems that a dermatologist may be able to treat. Your dermatologist might also recommend procedures like microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing to help you get soft, smooth skin.