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Although a concern for some, it’s completely normal for the skin to have texture. However, there are several factors that can lead to uneven texture, rough patches, and bothersome areas of bumpy skin on the face and body. The first step when looking to improve skin texture is a targeted skincare regimen, and professional treatments can also help if desired.
Leave-on exfoliating serums and treatments offer the most potent way to improve skin texture on both the face and body.
6 CAUSES OF ROUGH SKIN TEXTURE
Rough, bumpy, or uneven skin is an extremely common concern and the first step when figuring out how to improve skin texture is identifying the cause.
Dry skin
When the skin lacks moisture, rough texture can be the result. Uneven texture associated with dry skin can also be accompanied by visible flaking, itching,
and the development of a scale-like appearance (especially on the legs).
A buildup of dead skin cells
When dead cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, this extra layer can make skin texture feel rough and look uneven.
Eliminating these cells helps enhance the softness and smoothness of skin on the face and body.
Aging
The fine lines and wrinkles that result from the natural aging
process cause skin texture changes from head to toe on their own, and the age-related slowdown of skin-cell renewal
can make their appearance more pronounced.
Sun damage
Chronic sun exposure leads to myriad skin issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and loss of skin volume—as well as
changes in texture on the face and body. Textural changes are most often seen on sun-exposed areas (as opposed to
usually-shielded areas like the buttocks) due to the damaging effects UV rays have on the skin’s supportive protein
matrix of collagen and elastin.1
Acne
Acne doesn’t always appear in the form of whiteheads,
blackheads, or visibly inflamed lesions. A specific type of blemishes called papules are small bumps without
pus-pilled tips—and they can contribute to rough skin texture. Acne cosmetica, which is caused by pore-clogging
skincare and haircare products, appears as non-inflamed bumps that can make the skin look and feel
rough.2
Ingrown hairs
A frequent side effect of hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, or tweezing used on the face and body,
ingrown hairs can leave skin with a rough or bumpy look and feel. Ingrown hairs occur when previously removed hairs
grow back and curve into the skin instead of exiting the hair follicle. Ingrown hairs can also contribute to a
condition called folliculitis, which is a skin infection that can resemble an acne breakout.3
HOW TO IMPROVE SKIN TEXTURE WITH SKINCEUTICALS
If you ask any dermatologist how to improve skin texture, their answer will most likely be incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine. Whether your rough or uneven skin texture is due to dry skin, a buildup of dead cells, aging, acne, or ingrown hairs, here are the skincare treatment basics.
Exfoliating cleanser
Removing dirt, makeup, and other impurities is the ideal way to start your skincare regimen, and you can optimize
this essential step by using a face wash that delivers gentle exfoliation. You can find exfoliating cleansers formulated with acids for
chemical exfoliation or ultra-fine particles for physical exfoliation. (Learn the difference between these two types
of exfoliation here.)
SkinCeuticals products to try: Offering effective cleansing and chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid, Purifying Cleanser’s gel formula refreshes the skin and improves skin texture. The dual-action cream-based Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser provides chemical and physical exfoliation to refine skin texture. Glycolic Renewal Cleanser is a soft-foaming gel-based face wash that targets rough texture and dullness with 8% glycolic acid.
Exfoliating serums and treatments
Leave-on exfoliating serums and treatments offer the
most potent way to improve skin texture on both the face and body. Offering high concentrations of effective
exfoliating ingredients along with powerful hydrating ingredients for optimal skin texture improvement, these
products are how to get better skin texture.
SkinCeuticals products to try: Featuring a potent blend of 25% hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid to evenly exfoliate the skin, kombucha to smooth and soften, and hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration, using Retexturing Activator twice daily has been shown to deliver the resurfacing power of a daily 20% glycolic acid treatment. Offering similar exfoliating and hydrating benefits to significantly smooth rough skin texture on the arms, elbows, legs, knees, and beyond, Body Retexturing Treatment is formulated with 17.7% hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid and hyaluronic acid plus 4% niacinamide.
Retinol is another valuable ingredient for improving skin texture because of its ability to promote skin-cell turnover. SkinCeuticals offers three retinol strengths for new and experienced users to ensure maximum efficacy while minimizing the irritation commonly associated with this ingredient.
Moisturizers
Supplementing dry skin with moisture is another way to smooth the look and feel of rough texture. Daily hydrators formulated with niacinamide offer an additional advantage, since this
ingredient helps strengthen the skin barrier to help prevent moisture from evaporating.
SkinCeuticals products to try: For those who prefer a lightweight lotion, Metacell Renewal B3 features 5% niacinamide, a firming tripeptide concentrate, and 15% glycerin. It promote cell turnover and address early signs of aging, including rough texture. Ideal for more mature skin, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced visibly smoothes signs of aging and overall skin texture with an advanced ingredient combination of Proxylane™, a wild fruit flavonoid blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts, glycyrrhetinic acid, and niacinamide. For a skin-refining moisturizer that provides hydration and exfoliation, Renew Overnight Dry restores skin smoothness and radiance with nourishing botanicals and a synergistic blend of malic, lactic, tartaric , citric, and glycolic alpha-hydroxy acids.
Sunscreen
Daily sun protection is imperative when exfoliating to
improve skin texture or any other skin concern—and to prevent sun damage that can lead to texture changes in the
future.
SkinCeuticals product to try: A lightweight lotion that provides all-day hydration with 7% glycerin, Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection along with a proven reduction in existing discoloration and an instant brightening boost for all skin tones.
HOW TO IMPROVE SKIN TEXTURE WITH PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS
Office-based professional treatments can significantly improve the look and feel of rough texture while addressing many other skin concerns. From chemical peels and microdermabrasion to microneedling and non-ablative lasers, these treatments can be an integral part of a comprehensive skincare approach to improve skin texture as well as the overall health and appearance of the skin.
To discover how to improve skin texture as well as your other unique skin concerns, use our online Regimen Finder, visit one of our SkinCeuticals SkinLab locations, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.
