6 Tips For Smoother Face Skin
Soft, smooth cheeks aren’t just down to good genes — a few simple, consistent skincare habits can make all the difference.
Want to achieve soft, kissable cheeks? Smooth skin isn’t all about good genes, nor does it require expensive treatments to obtain. Below we’ll share a few ways in which you can make the skin on your face smoother.
Use a gentle face cleanser
Cleaning your face every day is the first important step towards soft baby-like skin, but be careful what product you are using to clean your face with. Some harsh soaps can cause dryness and flaking when used on the face. Instead use a gentle cleanser designed for the face’s sensitive skin (check out this Allure guide to face cleansers). Try to also wash with lukewarm water instead of hot water as to not strip away too many essential oils.
Exfoliate smarter, not harder
Exfoliation can get rid of dead skin and can leave your face looking more youthful. But it’s possible to overdo it and leave your face looking red and raw. A mistake some people make is exfoliating every day - you often only need to do it 1 to 3 times per week (do it once if you have naturally dry skin, and three times if you have oilier skin). Apply a pea-size amount of chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) and rub it in gentle circles, or use a washcloth. Do not exfoliate sunburnt skin.
Hydrate with humectants
Serums and moisturizers will help you achieve radiant and rosy cheeks. One ingredient to particularly look out for is humectants, which help pull water into the upper layer of the skin to keep it soft. The best time to apply these products is when your face is still damp (so just after washing your face or having a bath/shower). Drinking lots of water each day is also important for keeping skin hydrated.
Try enzyme therapy
When it comes to treatments, a facial from Mackay or another skin clinic could be excellent for giving your face a boost of youthfulness. Look into clinics that offer enzyme therapy - this treatment is excellent for all skin types and uses fruit-derived enzymes that break down bonds between dead skin cells without causing the sting that some acidic products can create.
Support cell turnover with a retinoid cream
Retinoid creams can help reduce wrinkles, refine pores and heal dark spots by encouraging quick skin cell turnover. They’re a product worth buying for those who are serious about skincare. Apply a pea-size amount two or three nights per week to key areas where you want to eliminate dryness or wrinkles (such as under the eyes or the nose). Be wary that retinoid cream can make your skin more reactive to the sun, speaking of which…
Always wear sunscreen
This is particularly if you live somewhere hot and constantly sunny. Too much sun exposure will lead to sunburn and will make your skin blotchy and leathery over time. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day will protect your skin from damage. Skip it and you could undo all the hard work above.
