Whether bumps or pits, roughness or a distinct lack of luminosity, uneven skin texture impacts all of us at some point. For which, “how to get rid of skin texture” is a question regularly fielded by dermatologists and facialists in clinic, who share that some of the most obvious hallmarks of uneven texture include congestion, tiny bumps under the skin, rough, dry patches, and dullness: “Anything that disrupts the skin’s smooth, even surface,” notes consultant dermatologist, Derrick Phillips, FRCP.
Often found on the forehead, nose, chin (especially around the mouth) and the cheeks, Jaya Nila, founder of Sifali, says that these areas of uneven texture can be caused by a number of different root causes: “Anything from dehydration and dead skin cell build-up to barrier damage or scarring from old breakouts,” she says. “Most of the time, clients say they can feel the texture before they see it.”
Vogue’s Favorite Products for Skin Texture
How to Treat Uneven Texture
Since there are myriad different reasons it occurs in the first place, your first port of call is to assess what’s going on in your skin, preferably with the help of a professional who is best placed to advise. When you know what’s going on, make sure you have the right skincare to treat the issue at hand–for the purposes of this article, we’re solely discussing the skincare formulas that work, however there are a number of different in-clinic treatments (including laser, microneedling and more) that can help too.
Remember, consistency is key: “Texture can improve quickly on the surface, but deeper claritys and smoothing take time,” says Nila. “It’s also normal to see changes to the skin in phases–it often purges or flakes slightly before it evens out. Play the long game: repair, replenish and refine.”
Ahead, Here’s a handy guide for what works best for some of the key issues.
If The Cause Is: Dead Skin Cells
If you’re not exfoliating enough, a “build-up of dead skin cells can give the skin a dull, rough feel and reduce its natural glow,” says Dr. Phillips. A good exfoliator doesn’t just remove this accumulation of dead cells, but also helps to promote cell turnover to reveal smoother skin–start by exfoliating once a week, using a chemical exfoliant (which are typically gentler than their physical counterparts), and build up to twice a week if you have very oily or blackhead-prone skin.
“It’s important not to over-exfoliate as this can compromise the skin barrier, leading to irritation and inflammation,” says Dr. Phillips. Look for ingredients like lactic and poly hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate, recommends Nila, and always follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer.
If The Cause Is: Acne or Enlarged Pores
“Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, acne-associated scarring, and enlarged pores can also contribute to irregular texture,” says Dr. Phillips, who advises against picking or squeezing, which can increase inflammation and lead to further scarring. What you can do is focus on improving the acne using an (aforementioned) chemical exfoliant once or twice a week, incorporate a retinoid treatment and ensure you hydrate the skin. Opt for formulas catered to oily and acne-prone skin and be consistent with your routine.
If The Cause Is: Collagen Depletion
Collagen–the building block that provides support to the skin–starts to deplete naturally from around the age of 25, and degrades faster the older we get. Trying to keep it in situ is your first port of call, making sure to wear a broad spectrum, high factor SPF every day–UV exposure accelerates collagen loss and can also exacerbate uneven texture more generally.
You should also look to incorporate a retinoid into your routine: “They speed up skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and unblock pores, a combination of effects which helps refine skin texture,” explains Dr. Phillips. Don’t expect results overnight–expect to wait at least four to six weeks for changes to begin to occur, and longer for more significant results.
If The Cause Is: A Compromised Skin Barrier
We all know the importance of a robust skin barrier for all facets of skin health, texture included. Whether you’ve overdone it on the active ingredients, been exposed to airborne pollutants or experienced harsh weather conditions, skin barrier disruption manifests as dry or scaly skin, redness, rough patches or acne. So make sure yours is well looked after.
Nila recommends incorporating ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and ceramides to strengthen and heal, plus it’s also key not to overdo it using too many formulas. If your skin barrier is damaged, strip your routine back to a gentle cleanser, nourishing serum and ceramide-rich moisturiser until it heals.
