Women with pillow-soft, airbrushed skin don’t necessarily have a glam squad, but they do know a few tricks to keep their face and body smooth and glowing all. The. Time. The good news: There are no fancy machines or crazy rituals required to copy their good habits.
1. They moisturize right after showering.
“Apply moisturizer when you’re barely dry from the shower so you trap water in the surface layers of the skin,” say Dr. Levin. “Put your moisturizer where you’re going to actually use it.” Translation: Keep it in your bathroom, so it’s literally right there when you get out of the shower. Look for humectants that draw moisture to the top layer of your skin, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, lanolin, dimethicone, and petrolatum, says Dr. Levin.
2. Then they apply oil.
“People are obsessed with body oils and there are some with moisturizing properties, but for the most part, they lock in moisture rather than providing the hydration,” explains Dr. Levin. The best way to moisturize, she says, is in layers. Start with lotion or cream first (with some of the ingredients above, obvi) and then follow up with oil last to seal in all the moisture.
3. They pick razors with more blades.
A razor with multiple blades isn’t just for show — it actually gives you a closer shave with each swipe. “The first blade lifts the hair and the following blades cut each hair closer and closer to the skin,” says Dr. Levin. Some razors even come with hydrating ingredients built right in, like the Schick Hydro Silk Razor. It includes a water-activated serum, which keeps your skin moisturized for up to two hours after shaving.
4. They exfoliate weekly.
To give your skin some major love, you’ve got to help it ditch those dead cells. “Whether it’s with salicylic acid, glycolic acids, retinols, cleansing systems, or cleansing grains, exfoliation helps make skin soft and smooth,” says Dr. Levin. “But only in moderation and definitely not all at once,” she cautions, meaning once or twice a week. “Overdrying or overexfoliating the skin can cause more problems with inflammation, worsening acne or rosacea, and [creating] dry and flaky skin,” says Dr. Levin.
5. They don’t touch their face.
This isn’t about bumps and popping pimples, which is obviously a huge no-no since it can cause scarring, infections, and dark spots. It means any touching — like resting your chin in your hand while you listen to your date talk about something you already forget, or tapping your fingers on your forehead trying to remember where you put your phone. You’re probably touching your face right now. According to New York dermatologist Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, this mindless bad habit can transfer bacteria to your skin. Cue the breakouts and clogged pores.
