Skin texture can be affected by many different factors; from conditions like psoriasis or contact dermatitis, natural aging and sun damage, or dulling due to blocked pores – among many others.
Though perfect, poreless skin may never exist (your pores serve an important purpose!), with the appropriate products and treatments you can improve its texture. Here are a few dermatologist-recommended suggestions:
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Regular exfoliation is key to attaining smooth skin. Without exfoliation, dead skin cells accumulate on your surface of skin, leading to dull appearances and clogged pores – as well as making skincare products harder to penetrate your bumpy or flaky surface.
Uneven skin texture can be caused by any number of factors, including dryness, acne, sun damage and genetics. Even if any of these are your issue, with some simple changes you can improve its texture with greater ease.
As part of your weekly skin-care routine, aim to exfoliate two to three times per week using products and techniques tailored specifically to your skin type. Be careful not to overexfoliate as doing so can cause irritation; enzyme or acid formula exfoliators may help buff away dead skin cells while stimulating cell turnover; dry brushing will increase circulation while simultaneously exfoliating.
2. Moisturize
Textured skin can be caused by numerous factors, including bumps, visibly enlarged pores, flakiness or an accumulation of dead cells. Additionally, this type of skin often shows signs of redness or hyperpigmentation.
Staying hydrated helps even out skin texture by locking in moisture from moisturizers that work to seal in moisture from escaping, thus preventing water loss through the surface of skin.
There are three different categories of moisturizers, known as occlusives, emollients and humectants. Occlusives such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can create a barrier which keeps water inside of the skin – thus keeping it hydrated and keeping skin supple and soft.
Hyaluronic acid, a potency humectant that attracts up to 1000 times its own weight of water into your skin, may also help. You could also look for moisturizers tailored specifically for your skin type to keep it supple, healthy and soft.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients to enhance skin texture and prevent long-term sun damage. As an anti-oxidant, Vitamin C works to neutralize free radicals found in the environment that cause it to look aged and damaged; additionally it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles for better overall appearance.
Vitamin C should be applied topically for maximum effectiveness; serum or moisturizer products are the perfect way to do this. Incorporating it into your skincare regimen daily will dramatically help improve skin tone, even out texture, and protect complexion.
Though eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can provide benefits, topical application is far more effective due to higher concentration levels. To prevent irritation, start off slowly when using topical formulations; begin slowly increasing doses over time until using daily. Always apply vitamin C products along with broad spectrum sunscreen products for best results.
4. See Your Derm
Though you may be stuck with rough-to-the-touch skin for life, there are ways you can smoothen it over time. Exfoliating once to three times weekly (never more frequently as this could become irritating) will help dislodge dead cells and unclog pores – both major contributors to rough patches on your skin.
Clean skin is essential to healthy living, so use a gentle cleanser and replenish it daily with light yet moisture-rich moisturizers. If you experience itchy patches or flaky areas, seek out targeted serums which contain soothing ingredients to calm your complexion.
Never forget the power of water! “Drinking enough water flushes out toxins from your body, hydrates cells and enables them to work most effectively,” notes Dr. Rafaeloff. Incorporating at least eight-10 glasses daily of this essential beverage into your routine will keep skin supple and reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time. For more severe textural concerns, contacting a licensed dermatology provider who offers microneedling, stronger peels or laser therapy treatments specifically targeting sun damage and acne scars may help.
