Let’s kick off this guide with a disclaimer – real skin is textured skin! Yes, everybody’s skin has some kind of texture, and it is not an “issue” that needs to be rectified. Uneven texture only becomes something to worry about when it starts to get in the way of your skin health. Skin that is rough to touch or bumpy in certain areas is a sign of dead skin buildup. This blocks moisture and nutrients from products from getting absorbed into your skin. Uneven texture also contributes to dullness and is often mistaken for an uneven skin tone. Thus, it is dealt with improperly. We are big believers in deep diving into skin concerns and dealing with an issue from its roots. That can be done to help smoothen out textured skin as well – all to reveal glowing and healthy-looking skin.
What Causes Uneven Skin Texture?
There are multiple factors that can contribute to uneven skin texture. Sun damage, pollution, inconsistent skincare regime, and improper diet and lifestyle habits. Yep, habits like smoking and skipping meals can all lead to textured skin. Your skin also tends to get thinner, because of collagen breakdown, as you age; taking its natural radiance away. Large pores, patchiness and flaky skin, that reveal themselves under cakey foundation (traitor alert!) can also be the result of your skin type; especially dry skin.
1. Exfoliate Mindfully
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If dead skin buildup is the usual suspect behind textured skin, exfoliation is the obvious solution to that. Use chemical or hybrid forms of exfoliation over purely physical scrubs. Exfoliating serums, masks, pads or fine powders formulated with AHAs, BHAs or PHAs will effectively dissolve buildup from your skin. Chemical exfoliation also makes sure your quest for smooth skin doesn’t come at the price of destroying the moisture barrier.
2. Add A Toner To Your Regimen
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Skincare enthusiasts are often on the fence about toners – what exactly do they do? And while most skin types can go years without actually toning their skin, people with large pores do need it. FYI, you cannot shrink your pores but you can very well tighten them to make them look smaller to give your skin an overall smoother look.
3. Include Vitamin C In Your Routine
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Vitamin C is considered one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there and its texture levelling game has a lot to do with it. The pro-collagen and pro-elastin action of vit C helps smooth out the surface of your skin. Regular users also swear by its skin repair properties. Especially when it comes to UV and free radical damage, these can be reversed exponentially with proper use of vit C in your routine.
4. Go For An At-Home Peel
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Advanced forms of textured skin, like deep acne scars and redness, will benefit more from in-clinic laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion and acid peels. But if you are looking to safely add some superficial peeling action to your routine, we can help you with that. Overnight peels and sleeping masks work to exfoliate your skin while you sleep – a prime time since your skin cell turnover tends to be at its peak at night. This also allows your skin to stay free of active ingredients during the daytime.
5. Facial Oils Help!
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FYI, oil recognises oil – meaning that oily skin types benefit from oil-based products. Especially when it comes to cleansing and sebum-balancing steps in your routine. Excessive oiliness can lead to bumpy skin due to clogging of pores and closed comedones. Include a lightweight facial oil in your routine to balance the natural oil production of your skin and add an extra layer of protection to it.
6. Moisturise, But Get It Absolutely Right
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The only logical solution to dry, textured skin is moisturisation. But people tend to get that wrong. You need to hydrate the deeper layers of your skin, not have a thick cream sit on it for long hours. Also, your skin tends to lose hydration in the second half of the day, so opting for products that both layer hydration and lock it in is necessary. Include essences and hydrating milk prior to going in with your moisturiser for the day. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and peptides serums are also a great hydration addition to a textured skin routine.
7. SPF Is A Must
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SPF is not only an ally against hyperpigmentation but can also help with textured skin. UV damage can get to your skin even when indoors. Make sure to include a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 to keep your skin protected. Reapply SPF every three hours if you are going to be exposed directly to the sun. In fact, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible is all we can say!
In conclusion, there is a fool-proof routine that can help keep your skin texture-free. But make sure to consult your dermatologist before you start a new product. If your texture stems from the deeper layers of your skin, an in-clinic treatment plan is recommended.
Photos: Instagram, Pexels
