Ways to Feel Sexy in Your Skin

Whether you're single, taken, or somewhere in between, you might be in a situation where you'll be baring it all in the near future. But what happens if instead of slipping on silky lingerie you feel more like slipping on fuzzy slippers and hiding under the covers? Here, we give you ways to instantly feel sexy in your skin. Try one and you'll be kicking off those sweats and slippers before you know it.

Exfoliate

Sloughing off dead skin cells is vital to snagging a glowing complexion (plus, alligator legs are pretty unsightly). Just be careful not to scrub too often or too hard. Stick to two to three times (every other day) for oily skin and no more than once a week for sensitive skin.

Pamper Your Piggies

If you're going to make yourself glow from head to toe, don't forget about the skin on the bottom of your feet!

Pick the Right Lotion

Not all moisturizers were created equal. Lathering up is a great way to keep your skin soft, but only if you're putting the right stuff on. "Each skin type responds best to different moisturizer formulas," says New York City dermatologist Howard Sobel. "If you have dry skin, try an oil-based cream with major hydrators like silicone, ceramides, or glycerin. They prevent moisture from escaping your skin. For oily skin, choose a water-based moisturizer so it won't clog your skin and cause breakouts. Combination and normal skin types should experiment with lightweight lotions that contain humectants like sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid, which attract water from the air to your skin." Another big help? Sobel says to apply lotion to slightly damp skin right after you shower to seal in more moisture.
Maintain Your Bikini Line
It might not be bathing suit season, but that doesn't mean you have to neglect your bikini line. Keep it in check all year round by plucking out dark hairs with tweezers or trim longer hairs with a scissor.


Take these skin-safe tips to heart. The nation's top dermatologists advise following these rules to preserve your skin's smooth, rich tone:

• Stick With a Simple and Safe Skin Care Routine. Cleanse your face daily — as little as once a day if it's dry, up to three times if your goal is to remove excess oil. Gentle treatment is key for any skin type — avoid abrasive cleansers or irritating cleansing puffs or loofahs. And use moisturizer only if your face feels dry without it.
• Pick the Best Products for Your Skin Type. Experts' favorites are nothing fancy — drugstore brands will usually do — but use products designed for your skin type. Favor products for sensitive skin, especially if your skin is dry — products with harsh ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can wreak havoc on certain skin types. Want to try something new on for size? Go ahead, but use it sparingly at first.
• Protect Yourself From Skin Cancer. Darker skin does provide some protection from the sun's UV rays, but don't count on it alone. Skin cancer is less common, but can be more deadly, in those with darker skin. Begin each day by applying a sunscreen or moisturizer with an SPF 15 to 30. And reapply sun protection often while you're in direct sunlight.
• Mind Your Skin When You're Taking Certain Medications. Many drugs increase sun sensitivity, making it especially important to apply sunscreen or avoid the sun altogether. Among these medications are birth control pills, antibiotics, acne medicines and cancer drugs. But there are many others, too. Ask your doctor if your medicine makes the list.
• Get Help in a Hurry When Your Skin's in Distress. Whether your problem is acne or another condition, it's much easier to prevent problems from lingering if you address them promptly. A trip to the dermatologist might save your skin — and even save you money by preventing you from purchasing a panoply of products to wage the battle against the condition.
• Avoid the Common Makeup Mistakes. Match your makeup with your skin tone for a natural look. "Makeup made especially for women of color has come a long way," says dermatologist Wendy Roberts, M.D., who adds there's nothing wrong with relatively cheap drugstore brands. Have dry skin? Oil-based makeup is best. And for acne-prone, oily skin, water-based is the way to go.
• Seek Out a Specialist for Prescription Therapies or Cosmetic Surgery. When you want more advanced skin care than you can apply yourself at home, there are professional treatments that might help, both low- and high-tech. Whether you're thinking about a prescription acne drug, facial peel, microdermabrasion, laser treatment or other approach, ask around for an expert in treating dark skin. In inexperienced hands, these more complex skin therapies can end up ruining your look rather than rejuvenating it.

Posted in: Feel Sexy,Lifestyles,Sexy Skin