smooth skin basics

Southern Living, Oct 2006 by Mills, Suzanne Powell

Look healthy all season long with these simple tips.

Keep skin feeling healthy as hot and humid days change into cool and crisp ones. Though we all revel in the lower temperatures, drier air can leave your face and hands in need of some moisture. Here's how to make sure your skin reaps maximum benefits.

healthy benefits

* Supple, well-hydrated skin often correlates with youthful vitality.

* Healthful skin habits, such as using mild cleansers, limiting bath time, and moisturizing regularly, may help prevent bouts of eczema (inflammation of the skin).

* Many of the moisturizers on the market today offer sun protection and also soothe irritated skin.

time to exfoliate

Exfoliating before rinsing off during your bath allows you to get rid of dead skin cells, but it's not always necessary. "Only certain parts of the body need to be exfoliated during the fall-mainly the elbows, knees, and feet," Dr. Draelos explains. "Remember that dry skin should be moisturized and not exfoliated." She adds that you only need to exfoliate your face once a week.

careful cleansing

Keep skin soft and smooth by using soaps with added oils or moisturizers. Although refreshing, soaking in a bath does have its disadvantages. Skin can lose protective oils when you stay in water too long, so try to limit bath time to 15 minutes.

Choosing the right cleanser is especially important if you enjoy sudsy soaks. "Bath salts and bubble baths are best thought of as aesthetic products that make the bath more pleasurable," dermatologist Zoe Draelos explains. "They have no beneficial effect on your skin."

For face care, Dr. Draelos recommends a mild facial cleanser every morning. She suggests using a stronger cleanser in the evening to remove cosmetics.

moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Once you're clean, follow up with a good moisturizer. Look for lotions containing petrolatum, shea butter, or cholesterol.

Keep your face looking fresh by applying a moisturizer with sunscreen every morning (Dr. Draelos says SPF 15 should be sufficient for mild weather). Go for a heavier moisturizer at night. Your skin will thank you for the extra TLC.

-SUZANNE POWELL MILLS

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Skin-deep beauty tips: southernliving.com/october2006