While shampoo and conditioner might moisturize your hair, they are not designed for your skin. These products can leave behind residue that contributes to irritation and dryness. In the shower, always wash your hair before you wash your body. This way your body wash can remove traces of shampoo and conditioner and deposit moisture. Speaking of body wash …

Put down the harsh bar of soap. If your goal is soft, hydrated skin, a moisturizing body wash like Caress Daily Silk Silkening Body Wash is essential. It doesn't disturb your skin's natural oils, and it deposits softening ingredients while it gently cleans. Plus, it smells so good -- the sophisticated scent features notes of white peach and orange blossom -- you can skip perfume all together.

Does your skin feel rough to the touch? Chances are you have a few extra layers of dead skin cells just waiting to be removed. Exfoliating in the shower is a simple solution. Use a natural loofah or washcloth to apply your body wash, and gently scrub your skin in a circular motion. When you're done, be sure to rinse the scrubber and let it dry -- and if you're using a loofah or sponge, toss it and get a new one every few weeks.

When your skin is damp and warm, it will absorb moisture from your body wash as well as any lotions, creams or oils you apply. However, aggressively rubbing with a towel will remove all the moisture you've just gained and can cause irritation. After a shower, let your skin air-dry for a few seconds, and then gently pat it dry with a fluffy towel.

There are countless bad habits that dry out your skin and leave it feeling less than soft. For starters, you should avoid spending too much time in the sun, smoking cigarettes and drinking copious amounts of alcohol or caffeine (both of which are drying) if soft skin is a top priority. Nutritionist Oz Garcia suggests sipping green tea instead of coffee -- it's far less dehydrating. And apply SPF every day to protect your skin from UV rays.