Ever wonder why your skin feels a little bumpy? Welcome to the club! Uneven skin texture—which can manifest as dry patches, rough skin, acne scars, lines, and wrinkles—is a concern many share. After all, it’s a natural part of the aging process. It can become even more noticeable when you apply foundation and other makeup bases. The good news is, there are steps you can take to improve the evenness of your skin. From exfoliating regularly to incorporating retinol to your regimen, keep on reading to learn how you can score a smoother complexion!
What Causes Uneven Skin Texture?
Uneven skin texture is generally caused by a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. However, it’s not the only culprit. There are various factors that can lead to a rough or bumpy complexion, such as the following:
- Acne breakouts and scars - Acne breakouts not only cause pimples and bumps, but they can also leave behind stubborn marks such pitted scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Congested pores - Pores are tiny openings on the skin’s surface that help release oil and sweat. Unfortunately, they’re prone to becoming clogged with a combination of excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. This blockage can manifest as visible bumps on the skin.
- Aging - As we age, our skin’s natural cell renewal process slows down. This means dead skin cells accumulate on the surface for a longer period, contributing to dullness and uneven skin texture.
- Sun damage - The UV rays from the sun can break down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for the skin’s texture and bounce. “Chronic exposure to the sun can cause many issues, including dullness, uneven tone, fine lines, textural changes, and an increased risk of skin cancer,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Caroline Robinson said in an interview with Real Simple.
How Can I Improve My Skin Texture?
Exfoliating your face at least twice a week is crucial for achieving a smoother skin. You can use toners or serums with chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, which will help dissolve dead skin cells. Some of the highly raved glycolic acid products are The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment, and Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, exfoliating with salicylic acid products like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant will help unclog your pores and keep breakouts at bay!
Retinol is a popular skincare ingredient, and for good reason: It can solve almost all your skincare concerns, including uneven skin texture! This derivative of vitamin A works by speeding up cell turnover, leaving you with a radiant complexion.
Trying retinol for the first time? Make sure to incorporate it gradually to avoid possible irritations. Start by applying a pea-sized amount to your face two to three times a week, and slowly increase it as your skin tolerates it. If you have sensitive skin, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Retinol Serum and Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum are worth a try!
P.S. Avoid mixing retinol with other active ingredients like glycolic acid as they may cause irritation and redness.
Antioxidant-rich Vitamin C can do more than just brighten the skin—this powerhouse ingredient can also stimulate collagen and elastin production. If you want to use vitamin C with retinol in your routine, you can apply your vitamin C product in the morning and your retinol one at night!
Spot-treating a zit ASAP helps prevent scarring. “Treating acne early may prevent acne scars. In general, the more severe the acne, the more likely it is to scar,” the American Academy of Dermatology Association explained. “While severe acne is most likely to leave scars, mild acne can scar when picked. Treating at the first sign of acne may also prevent someone from developing a habit of picking at their acne, so the person may never develop acne scars.”
Protect your skin from sun damage by regularly applying (and re-applying) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun protection is especially important when you have active ingredients in your routine like retinol and vitamin C. Pro tip: To ensure you’re wearing enough sunscreen, you can follow the “two-finger” rule! Simply apply two fingers’ worth of sunscreen, and you’re good to go.
Regular skincare routines can definitely fade dark spots, but for deeper issues like acne scars and uneven skin texture, you might need to call in the big guns! Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses light energy to not only remove the outer layer of the skin but also stimulate collagen production. This helps diminish scars and tackle other texture concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that you will need multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. However, as your skin heals between sessions, you’ll gradually see a noticeable improvement in your complexion!
A chemical peel is a powerful in-office treatment that can significantly reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture. Unlike your at-home exfoliators, chemical peels utilize a controlled application of various strength chemical solutions to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. This allows them to target stubborn skin concerns like acne scars, especially pitted scars and rolling scars.
Always consult a dermatologist before scheduling a chemical peel, especially if you’re undergoing other treatments like laser resurfacing. A dermatologist can determine the ideal type and strength of peel for your specific needs and skin type.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to textured skin. The reasons behind bumps and unevenness can vary from person to person. So if you feel like your skincare regimen isn’t working out for you, seeking professional help is your best bet!