11 Tips for Smooth Skin: How to Get Smooth Skin

The most common reason for uneven skin texture is a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Dead skin cells accumulate and can cause rough skin that is dry or bumpy to the touch. Other reasons include acne, chronic sun exposure, and skin conditions such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, keratosis pilaris, and eczema.

Follow these skincare routine tips for achieving healthy, smooth skin.

1. 1. Wash your face daily. Use a gentle, foaming, facial cleanser once or twice a day to remove impurities from the skin's surface. Avoid using excessively hot water and harsh soaps that will strip your skin of natural oils.
2. 2. Moisturize dry skin. There are a wide variety of skincare products—moisturizers, body lotions, and creams—that protect different skin types from dryness. Moisturizing helps balance your body's sebum protection—the gland responsible for producing natural body oils. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without adding to the oiliness. Lotions containing lipids, ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid can help reenforce the skin's protective barrier.
3. 3. Take proper care during hair removal. Shaving, waxing, and plucking hairs can cause the skin to become irritated or bumpy if the proper precautions are not taken. Always make sure your skin is clean and well hydrated before removing body hair. Properly hydrate your skin after removing hair to minimize irritation.
4. 4. Exfoliate weekly. A face scrub will help remove dead skin cells and residue build up that can clog the skin's pores and make skin look and feel uneven. Likewise, a chemical exfoliator (containing glycolic acid, for example) sloughs off dead cells and can give your skin a lively glow. Use a face scrub or chemical exfoliator, such as a face peel, no more than once a week. Keep in mind that over exfoliating reduces your natural skin barrier, so avoid exfoliating if your skin is feeling tight, dry, or irritated.
5. 5. Look for skincare products with AHA. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) help break down the properties that cause dead skin cells to collect on the skin. If you have oily skin, look instead for products with salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Skincare products containing AHA and BHA can help improve skin health by reducing clogged pores and preventing breakouts.
6. 6. Apply and consume vitamin C. When applied topically, vitamin C serums help correct discoloration and hyperpigmentation by giving the skin an even skin tone. Use a toner before applying to help the serum penetrate deep into your pores. When consumed orally, vitamin C has anti-aging properties by boosting your collagen production and potentially helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
7. 7. Drink plenty of water. Water hydrates all of the body's organs, including the skin. One of the easiest ways to avoid dry skin is to stay well-hydrated.
8. 8. Eat healthy fats. Healthy fats—such as those found in nuts, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil—contain antioxidants that help keep skin cells healthy. Omega 3-fatty acids— primarily found in fatty fishes such as salmon, mackerel, and herring—can help keep the skin supple and moisturized.
9. 9. Wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher helps protect the outer layer of skin from sun damage. Extended exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn and blemishes, such as dark spots.
10. 10. Wear protective clothing. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a rating assigned to clothing that indicates the level of sun protection the fabric provides. Protective clothing rated UPF 50 or higher is recommended for blocking out harmful UV rays.
11. 11. Consider a dermatological procedure. Fractional resurfacing, microneedling, and dilute injectables can help create the appearance of smoother skin. Speak to a dermatologist about whether or not these would be good options for you.

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