5 Tips for Improving Uneven Skin Texture, According to Dermatologists

When it comes to skin concerns, acne, dark marks and wrinkles are typically at the top of the list. Uneven skin texture, which refers to the smoothness or roughness of skin, may not be as commonly talked about, but it can still be frustrating to deal with. 

To find out what causes an uneven, bumpy or rough complexion and to get tips on how to improve the texture of the skin on your face, we reached out to Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand, a board-certified dermatologist based in Texas, and Dr. Terri Maffi, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Arizona.

What Causes Uneven Skin Texture?

“Uneven skin texture is commonly a result of excess dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin,” says Dr. Houshmand. “This can make areas of the skin feel rough to the touch and can also give the skin a dull appearance.” Other causes of uneven skin texture include excessive sun exposure, natural aging and smoking. 

How to Improve Your Skin Texture

If you have uneven skin texture, there are a few things you can incorporate into your skincare routine to help. From exfoliation and peels to serums and lasers, sloughing away rough, dead skin cells can help rehab your skin’s texture. 

Exfoliate Regularly

Dr. Houshmand says that proper exfoliation once a week can keep your skin feeling smooth because it removes the dead skin cells from the surface layer. “In my opinion, chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are a great option to target the areas that feel uneven,” she says. 

That being said, she warns against over-exfoliating: “In this case, less is more.” Using scrubs that are too abrasive or scrubbing the skin too often can cause excess oil production and micro-tears in your skin, which will amplify the texture issues. Stick with formulas that use gentle ingredients. We recommend the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser or the Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser, two gentle yet effective exfoliating cleansers.

Try Glycolic Acid Peels

For a more intensive treatment for uneven skin texture, Dr. Houshmand recommends scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist for a glycolic acid peel. “In-office chemical peels can help reduce the visible signs of sun-damaged skin and stimulate surface cell renewal,” she says. “The exfoliation removes dead cell layers to reduce the appearance of fine lines and evens out texture and skin tone.” 

For an at-home treatment, use glycolic acid pads, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, which work to reveal brighter-looking skin, more even tone and  reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel is also a great option and contains a combination of glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids. 

If you want to try incorporating glycolic acid into your routine without committing to a peel, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Facial Cleanser with Glycolic Acid. This chemical and physical exfoliant will help slough off dead, dull skin cells to reveal a glowy, more youthful complexion.

Apply Sunscreen

There are many reasons why you should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and preventing skin texture issues is one of them. Dr. Houshmand notes that UV rays can lead to uneven skin texture as well as premature signs of skin aging. Before stepping outside, apply broad-spectrum SPF and reapply every two hours. For an even better line of protection, take additional measures such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade. We recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion because it’s suitable for all skin types.

Incorporate a Vitamin C Serum Into Your Routine

According to Dr. Houshmand, vitamin C is a game-changer for bright and even skin. Adding this ingredient to your routine is easy — there are tons of creams and serums formulated with vitamin C. One of our personal favorites is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which boasts a combination of antioxidants like vitamin C and ferulic acid. We also love the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum.

Laser Resurfacing Treatments

If you’ve tried all of the above but haven’t seen the results you want, talk to your dermatologist about laser resurfacing treatments. “Ablative laser evaporates the epidermis and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles all while stimulating collagen production,” says Dr. Maffi. “Increased collagen can thicken the dermis and improve the texture of your skin from the inside out.” 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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