Two Skin Experts Share Tips for Improving Your Skin's Texture

Wrinkles, pimples, pigmentation; there is a wide range of skin concerns we try to tackle with our daily skincare routine. But while you’re focusing on one (or many) issues, it’s possible to forget about one of the most noticeable aspects of your body’s largest organ—its texture.

We all hear “skin texture” thrown around, but many don’t truly understand what factors can impact the way your skin feels. Below, we’re sharing common causes of uneven, bumpy skin texture—plus, expert-approved tips for improving your skin’s texture. 

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 board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Elizabeth B. Houshmand (@houshmandmd). “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.

If you’re hoping time itself will improve your uneven skin texture, you shouldn’t hold your breath. ”For prevention and maintenance of skin texture, having the appropriate skin care regimen is critical,” says Dr. Houshmand. If you’re in need of improving your skin texture , we’ve got your back. Here are some dermatologist-approved tips for improving your skin’s texture.

HOW TO IMPROVE SKIN TEXTURE

 

TIP #1: EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Dr. Houshmand’s top tip for keeping your skin texture smooth is practicing proper exfoliation techniques. “Surface skin cell buildup can be greatly reduced by exfoliating once a week to remove the dead skin cells,” she says. “In my opinion a chemical exfoliants, are a great option which can help target the areas that feel uneven.”

However, when it comes to exfoliating, Dr. Houshmand advises to stray from over-exfoliating.  “In this case less is more,” she warns. “Using scrubs that are too abrasive or scrubbing the skin too often can cause oil overproduction and micro-tears in your skin, which will amplify the texture issues. Stick with formulas that use gentle ingredients, and make sure you only exfoliate once a week.” To learn more about exfoliating, head over to our exfoliation guide.

TIP #2: 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. It may sound intimidating at first, but these gentle in-office peels are a great way to achieve deeper exfoliation.

“In office chemical peels can help reduce visible signs of sun damaged skin and stimulate surface cell renewal,” says Dr. Houshmand. “The exfoliation removes dead cell layers, to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and evens out the texture and even out skin tone.” 

If you’d rather take care of your skin at home, then Dr. Houshmand suggests purchasing some glycolic acid peel pads. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, which work to peel away dull and uneven skin tone to reveal brighter looking skin and a reduced appearance of wrinkles. 

TIP #3: APPLY DAILY SUNSCREEN

There are tons of reasons why you should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and helping to keep skin texture issues at bay is one of them. Dr. Houshmand notes that UV rays can harm your skin and lead to uneven skin texture. Not to mention, harmful UV rays can also cause premature signs of skin aging Before stepping outside, apply broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher onto all exposed areas. Reapply at least every two hours if not sooner. For an even better line of protection, take additional measures such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade.

TIP #4: LOOK TO TOPICAL VITAMIN C

We all try incorporating more vitamins into our diets, but what about vitamins for our skin? According to Dr. Houshmand, vitamin C is major skin fuel (a “game-changer,” she says) and should be added to your everyday skincare routine.

There are tons of creams and serums formulated with vitamin C, and one of our favorites is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This serum boasts a combination of antioxidants, including vitamin C and ferulic acid, and can help brighten the skin’s complexion as well as improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. For a full list of our favorite vitamin C skin care products, click here!

TIP #5: LASER RESURFACING

If you’re looking to go beyond at-home treatments for treating uneven texture, you may want to start looking into laser treatments. “Ablative laser evaporates the epidermis and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as stimulates collagen,” explains Maffi Clinics' board-certified plastic surgeon and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Terry Maffi. “Increased collagen can thicken the dermis and improve the texture of your skin from the inside out.” Dr. Maffi recommends getting an evaluation with a trained professional in order to determine which laser resurfacing treatment may be right for you and your skin.