Rough Skin

Skin is a lot like life. We want it to be smooth, but everyone hits a rough patch now and then. Rough skin can be caused by a various things, and depending on the cause of your rough skin, may need the care of a dermatologist with methods like micro-dermabrasion or prescription creams. Many times, rough skin can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies. It's a simple matter of knowing what ails your skin and what treatments are best for you.

Dryness

Dryness is the most common cause of rough skin. Sometimes, dryness is caused by weather, but harsh cleansing products may be the culprits. Whatever the reason, you'll want to take care of your dry ASAP and return it to a smooth, gorgeous state.

Exfoliating is a great way to rid yourself of rough skin, because it sloughs off dead skin and reveals a fresh, smoother-looking skin layer. It's important to use exfoliating products correctly to avoid harming your skin. Not every exfoliating product is meant to be used daily, so check the labels.

In-shower exfoliators are a great choice because they're easy and convenient to use, and are applied when the skin has been primed by several minutes of exposure to warm water so you get a gentle yet effective scrub.

St. Ives Moisturizing In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish, Oatmeal & Shea Butter is a great, affordable choice for an in-shower exfoliant. It smells great, isn't too rough, and delivers moisturizing natural compounds to your skin. Speaking of moisture, rough skin can't be vanquished without the use of an effective moisturizing lotion, preferably right after a shower or bath.
There's a huge selection of face and body moisturizers available on the market, so you'll have to do a little trial and error to find the one best for your skin. Basic, good-quality, reasonably priced brands like Eucerin and Curel are good body lotions to start with, and Olay products are highly recommended drug store facial mosisturizers.

Acne

Acne is a major cause of rough, uneven skin. If you have acne, you should be using an acne treatment program including multiple elements. First, you need a product to effectively cleanse your skin and remove surface oil and dirt. Next, acne spot treatments and all-over face solutions address the problem of acne-causing bacteria and irritation. Finally, you'll want a product that exfoliates your skin. Exfoliating removes dead skin, can help prevent build-up causing blackheads and help get your skin soft and smooth.

Unlike other skin types, acne-prone skin doesn't tend to respond well to harsh exfoliation products. Very grainy scrubs that scrape the skin can actually worsen acne because they irritate the skin's surface. Instead, aim for mild exfoliants to gently loosen dead skin.

Neutrogena's Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub ($7.99) contains gentle, clear exfoliating beads to help get your skin super-clean and free of acne-causing oils. It contains natural ingredients to soothe irritated skin and prevent dryness.

Salicylic acid is the best exfoliant for acne-prone skin because it's designed to attack bacteria-causing acne. Olay Daily Facials Clarity Scrub uses salicylic acid microcrystals paired with a soothing aloe vera/green tea complex to attack acne and calm skin prone to breakouts.
Keratosis Pilaris

Do you have areas of rough, goose-bump-like skin on some parts of your body? It could be keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition affecting around 40% of the population. It's most commonly seen on the backs of arms and thighs, but can appear on other areas as well. While the name sounds intimidating, keratosis pilaris isn't dangerous. In fact, it rarely causes any itching or irritation - it's mainly a cosmetic concern.

Keratosis pilaris won't go away completely, but the appearance of your skin can be improved over time if you use the correct methods. You may have been trying to scrub your "chicken skin" away with pumice stones and harsh scrubs, but these treatments are usually not the best ways to address this condition. You're better off simply moisturizing with a cream containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).

Kiss My Face Peaches and Cream Moisturizer ($4.99) will moisturize dry areas of skin and help gently renew skin with natural AHA. This product is eco-friendly, affordable, and safe for daily use.

AmLactin Cream (around $25) is more expensive, but very effective for handling keratosis pilaris. AmLactin is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer for dry skin. It's deeply moisturizing, non-irritating, and works to gently slough off dry, rough skin and uncover soft and touchable skin.
Ingrown Hairs

Many women make body hair removal part of their beauty routine. Whether you wax, pluck, or shave, the desired effect is hair-free, baby-soft skin that looks and feels smooth. The irony of it all is that most hair removal methods can lead to ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs occur when a hair is trapped beneath the surface of the skin as it re-grows, leading to unsightly bumps, redness, and irritation. Anything but sexy! Fortunately, you can combat the occurrence of ingrown hairs and treat them when they do occur.

After hair removal, whether by shaving or waxing, you can use a product like Tend Skin. Tend Skin offers patented skin products designed to prevent and/or treat ingrown hairs and shaving bumps. Many women prone to these conditions find Tend Skin works wonders with its soothing, effective, herbal-infused formulations. The original Liquid sells for about $20, but it's a small price to pay for smooth, bump-free skin.

Ingrown hairs are extremely common on the bikini area, where hair tends to grow thick and curly. To make sure your bikini area is beach-ready, try Bikini Zone After Shave Gel ($7.99). This formula goes on clear to instantly reduce discomfort, irritation and the appearance of rough, bumpy skin.

Rough Feet

Ever had the first day of sandal weather ruined by the appearance of your dry, cracked, winter-beaten feet? You're not alone. Try Earth Therapeutics Natural Sierra Pumice Stone to help smooth and soften your feet. You can also use a cream made specifically for feet, like Footworks Deep Moisture Cream ($4) from Avon.