What Causes Uneven Skin Texture?
“Uneven skin texture is commonly a result of excess dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin,”
“This can make areas of the skin feel rough to the touch and can also give the skin a dull appearance.”
Other causes of uneven skin texture include excessive sun exposure, natural aging and smoking.
How to Improve Your Skin Texture
If you have uneven skin texture, there are a few things you can incorporate into your skin-care routine to help. From exfoliation and peels to serums and lasers, sloughing away rough, dead skin cells can help rehab your skin’s texture.
Tip #1: Exfoliate
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,” says Dr. Houshmand. “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.” We recommend the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser for this.
Tip #2: Try Glycolic Acid Peels
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.” For an at-home treatment use glycolic acid pads, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, which work to reveal brighter looking skin, an even tone and a reduced appearance of wrinkles. The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel is also a great option and contains a combination of glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids.
Tip #3: Use Sunscreen
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 and seeking shade. Try the CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion.
Tip #4: Incorporate a Vitamin C Serum Into Your Routine
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. One of our personal favorites is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which boasts a combination of antioxidants like vitamin C and ferulic acid. If you want a more gentle option, opt for the Good (Skin) Days C’s the Day Serum.
Tip #5: Laser Resurfacing Treatments
If you’ve tried all of the above but haven’t seen the results you want, talk to your board-certified dermatologist about laser resurfacing treatments.