7 Tips for Improving Uneven Skin Texture, According to Dermatologists

When it comes to skin concerns, acne, hyperpigmentation 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 skin texture of your face, we reached out to Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand, a board-certified dermatologist based in Texas.

What Is Skin Texture?

“Skin texture is the uneven nature of the surface of the skin,” explains Dr. Love. “There is a spectrum in skin texture abnormalities, but it's best assessed by rubbing the hand along the skin.”

What Does Uneven Skin Texture Look Like and Feel Like?

A smooth texture will feel smooth while an uneven skin texture will feel rough to touch. “A crude analogy is driving on new asphalt roads vs. driving on an older road that has more wear and tear,” says Dr. Love. The skin may also look dull or splotchy.

What Causes Uneven Skin Texture?

“Uneven skin texture is common in teens as they go through puberty and their newly active oil glands lead to clogged pores, particularly on the forehead and nose,” says Dr. Love. “In adults, uneven skin texture may be due to excess oil production and clogged pores, but it may also be due to dry skin. In addition, the skin does not exfoliate as quickly in adulthood which makes most adults prone to an uneven skin texture.”

Other causes of uneven skin texture include excessive sun exposure, natural aging and smoking. 

How to Improve 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 changing up your at-home skincare routine, here are seven dermatologist-approved ways to improve your skin texture. 

Dr. Love notes that if you have inflammatory acne (red acne), prescription retinoids and other anti-inflammatories may be needed in addition to these tips. We recommend speaking with your dermatologist about the routine that is best for you and your skin concerns. 

Step 1: Make a Habit of Washing the Face Twice a Day

“If you have very sensitive skin, stick with a gentle cleanser like La Roche-Posay Hydrating Cleanser,” says Dr. Love. It’s important to reduce build-up of dead skin cells, oil, sweat and environmental pollutants like dirt. This will leave your skin primed and ready to take in the products that will help improve your skin. When washing your face, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using lukewarm water and your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser on your skin. You’ll want to avoid aggressive scrubbing, and after rinsing, be sure to pat (not rub!) your skin with a clean towel.

Step 2: Add a Retinol Into Your Routine

If you’re able to tolerate it, Dr. Love says that retinols are fantastic because they improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production to delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re a new retinol user, it’s important to gradually add the ingredient into your routine to avoid irritation — that typically means once or twice a week. Your dermatologist can guide you to the right retinol dosage for your skin type.

Step 3: Add a Gentle Exfoliant

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 oil over-production and micro-tears in your skin, which will amplify the texture issues. Stick with formulas that use gentle ingredients.” Dr. Love says that, especially if you’re prone to oily skin, a gentle exfoliating wash in your morning routine will help.

Step 4: Avoid Moisturizers and Serums With Several Oils

If your skin is acne-prone or if you have clogged pores. Dr. Love explains that it’s important to look at the ingredients of your at-home skincare products, and stick to non-comedogenic and/or oil-free skincare products. Most oil-free or non-comedogenic products will call those claims out on the label, packaging, or if you’re shopping for the product online, the product page.

Step 5: Use a Product With Vitamin C

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. Since vitamin C can lose its effectiveness when exposed to sunlight, look for a vitamin C serum housed in a dark bottle, or store your product away from direct sunlight. If you’re applying your vitamin C in the morning, be sure to follow up with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to further protect your skin from damaging free radicals and UV rays.

Step 6: Try a Glycolic Acid Peel or Laser Treatment

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.” The same goes for a laser treatment, which can help increase collagen, which can thicken the dermis and improve the texture of your skin from the inside out.

For at-home peels, there are several on the market that may be just the thing you need to improve your skin’s texture, so keep reading for our picks.

Step 7: Always Wear SPF

We said it before and we’ll say it again: There are tons of reasons why you should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily — and helping to prevent 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, wearing sunglasses and seeking shade — especially during peak sun hours.

The Best Products for Uneven Skin Texture

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads

This at-home glycolic-acid peel uses pads that work to reveal brighter looking skin, an even tone and a reduced appearance of wrinkles. Each jar comes with 30 peels. To avoid irritation caused by the sun after using the peel pads, the brand recommends following up with sunscreen.