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10 easy ways to make your skin softer

Starts at 60 Writers

Jul 28, 2017

Keeping yourself hydrated will also help your skin stay soft.

As we are smack dab in the middle of winter, you’ve probably noticed your skin is drier than the Australian Outback.

However, there are plenty of do-it-yourself home remedies to get your skin feeling soft again.

1. Make a coconut oil scrub

Combine:
1/2 cup coconut oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 1/4 cup of sugar

A hydrating agent like coconut oil will help you overcome that dry, tight feeling that comes after exfoliating while the sugar will scrub away dead skin cells.

2. Add something to your bath

Epsom salts: eases muscle soreness and relieves tension
Ginger: great for headaches, it causes toxins to be released through sweat
Oatmeal: good for treating dry, itchy skin
Lavender: helps you wind down
Tea: green tea is good for toning your body
Baking soda: both soothing and detoxifying
Milk: has exfoliating and softening properties
Honey: moisturising, anti-ageing and anti-bacterial

3. Try dry brushing

This will exfoliate your dead skin cells away and can stimulate your lymphatic system to get rid of toxins. It’s also said to reduce cellulite, unclog pores and provide stress relief. To do it, purchase a natural bristle brush with a long handle so you can reach all parts of your body. Be sure not to wet your skin while dry brushing as it will defeat the purpose. Remove any clothing and stand in the shower or bathtub while you dry brush. Starting at your feet, use long sweeping motions towards your heart. Brush each area several times but don’t be too rough. Once you’ve brushed your entire body, bathe as usual. Pat your body dry and rub a natural oil (rose hip, olive, coconut) over your entire body.

4. Use avocado or coconut oil for your skin

Avocado oil is a little heavy for your face but putting a small amount on elbows, knees and feet should soften them up. Coconut oil is suitable for your face, just be sure to rub it in or you may appear as though you’ve been frying chicken all afternoon.

5. Mix oil gel and regular lotion together

If you’re not keen on the natural solutions, try mixing oil gel and regular lotion together to achieve a soft, easy sheen on your skin without being overly oily.

6. Use heavy-duty stuff on your feet

Mix the below:
1/4 cup Listerine
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 warm water

Soak your feet in the above solution for 10-15 minutes before wiping feet with a cloth. The dead skin should easily fall away. Do NOT use this on your face.

7. Make your own shaving cream

Using shaving cream when you shave is one of the best way to get soft legs (or face for our male readers). However, store bought shaving cream can be quite pricey so try this recipe using simple ingredients you most likely already have in your home:

1 cup conditioner
1 cup shampoo
5 tablespoons each of lotion and baby oil

Mix together and let sit for one hour.

8. Make your own pore cleanser

Using raw, natural honey on your face can help soften it and prevent breakouts due to its anti-inflammatory agents. Try mixing 1tbsp honey and 2 tbsp coconut oil.

9. Make your own natural toner

Take 2-3 tablespoons of rice and soak overnight; strain the next morning and add 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir well and refrigerate for an hour. Using a bit of cotton wool, apply the mixture to your face and neck. Leave it on for two minutes before washing your face with cold water. Moisturise as normal.