You've probably heard that (kinda hackneyed) phrase: "Life's a bumpy ride." But that saying is meant to be taken figuratively, not literally. As hard as you try to keep your skin velvety smooth, it's pretty much a given that somewhere along the road you're going hit a rough patch.

Sure, maybe your arms are baby soft, but what about your heels? Guessing those might be in desperate need of a pumice stone rub. Or your knees? Are they mini-skirt ready? And then there are areas you didn't even know needed extra attention ... like behind your ears. Yup, that often forgotten area is a prime zone for dry, cracked skin.

But before you start feeling more reptile than human, we've gathered the best tips and tricks for warding off those annoying rough patches that keep you from having the smoothest skin of your life.

So instead of forgoing sandals because you're embarrassed by your cracked heels or just accepting that your elbows will always be Sahara desert dry, keep clicking for the cures.