Personally, I’ve dealt with textured skin NUMEROUS times, caused by different issues ranging from the teenage days acne scars, to the good old enlarged pores from my extremely oily skin, and even dryness, from the wrong products causing irritation on my skin. Over the years, I’ve researched and and experimented how to get rid of textured skin, and figured out the best ways to combat textured skin, and I’m here to share all the secrets!
How to get rid of textured skin and turn it into smoothness
First things first, we can’t find the perfect answer for how to get rid of textured skin without understanding what exactly can be causing your textured skin. Let’s look into the different causes, along with a few markers that will help you identify the root of YOUR textured skin.
Understanding the Causes of Textured Skin
Textured skin often results from a combination of multiple factors, and the roots are usually intertwined. I know, that makes things super complicated. But don’t worry, the solution is pretty simple once you’ve identified the correct root causes.
Here’s a list of common causes and ways you can identify the symptoms:
- Large pores: Visible and clogged pores
- Acne: Scarring, rough patches, redness and visible pores.
- Dryness: dry patches, tightness, redness and irritation
- Aging and Sun Damage: rough patches, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Using the Wrong Skincare Products: worsened skin type derived issues such as dryness for dry skin, and clogged pores for oily skin
- Skin Conditions
- Rosacea: redness, visible blood vessels, and bumps commonly on cheeks, nose, and forehead [1]
- Eczema: dry and itchy patches that can be red and inflamed, often with flaky or crusty areas [2]
- Psoriasis: thick, red, itchy patches with silvery scales [3]
- Keratosis Pilaris (KP): dry skin resembling goosebumps, common on the upper arms and thighs [4]
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: red, flaky patches that appear greasy or scaly, often accompanied by dandruff on the scalp [5]
- NOTE: If you suspect one or more of these conditions, make sure to pay a visit to a dermatologist for a professional consult!
Skincare Routine for Smoother Skin
Now, we have a better understanding of what is causing our textured skin. Before we start talking about how to get rid of textured skin specifically tailored solution for your specific problem, the SIMPLEST solution to every skincare issue – if you haven’t already guessed it, is this – cleanse, moisturize, and SPF. If you don’t have a strong 3-step skincare routine consisting of the right ingredients for your skin type, that’s your first step!
Cleanse
Cleanse 1-2 times daily using gentle cleansers. Harsh cleansing methods and products will only exacerbate your skincare issues. Double cleansing with oil cleansers and gel cleansers will avoid clog pores without stripping moisture.
Moisturize
Irritation and inflammation commonly result in textured skin, and moisturizing with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin [6] is a must. If you have oily skin, avoid comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter.
SPF
Sun damage is the main cause of skin aging and its accompanying symptoms like rough patches, fine lines, and wrinkles [7]. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 in your morning routine everyday, and reapply once every two hours to strengthen protection.
Now that we’ve covered all the basics, let’s dive into the real deal – how to target your specific skin issues.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation works wonders for many different skin problems, and will gradually smooth out your textured skin slowly but surely. The instant gratification from harsh scrubs can be very tempting. But remember, this can worsen your textured skin by causing even more redness and irritation!
Instead, opt for AHAs or BHAs 2 – 3 times a week in your nighttime routine. You can choose between cleansers or serums that contain these ingredients. Always apply sunscreen to shield your skin from UV rays when exfoliating [8].
If you’re dealing with dead skin buildup caused by dryness or irritation, go for AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid. AHAs are also effective in fading dark spots and discoloration commonly caused by sun damage [9]. For tackling oily skin type related issues such as clogged pores, acne, and enlarged pores, BHAs like salicylic acid are your best bet [10].
Just remember not to use them together to avoid irritating your skin! To combine AHAs and BHAs, alternate between the two exfoliants 2-3 times a week.
Incorporate Active Agents to fight Skin Texture
Active agents are key solutions for how to get rid of textured skin that directly target your specific skin concerns. These ingredients are available in various forms – cleansers, serums, moisturizers, etc. Always check how they interact with each other and start slowly to avoid irritation.
- Vitamin C: Repare and protect from sun damage, reduces scarring and dark spots, reduces signs of aging [11].
- Retinoids: Aids in reducing keratosis pilaris , reduces rough patches, and targets acne and clogged pores [12, 13] *use with caution and use strong SPF
- Niacinamide and Aloe Vera: Balances oil production, minimizes pores, fades dark spots, and reduces redness [14].
- Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin: Hydrate and plump the skin, non-comedogenic moisturizing ingredients
- Collagen support: Using skincare containing collagen peptides can help plump skin and improve the skin barrier [15].
Gentle Mechanical exfoliation
Incorporate mechanical exfoliation into your routine 1-3 times per week. This is especially effective in removing dry buildups, particularly for keratosis pilaris (KP) and dry skin related texture issues [16].
DO NOT go overboard! Use caution to avoid irritation.
- Exfoliating Powders: These powders gently remove dead skin and absorb oil.
- Dry Brushing: Use a soft-bristled brush on damp skin to remove dry patches.
- Soft Washcloth: Use small circular motions to remove dead cells.
This type of exfoliation best avoided for sensitive or acne-prone skin types. Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants such as AHA and BHA if you fall into these categories.
In-office treatments for textured skin
Skincare products can and will make a huge improvement on your textured skin if used consistently, but may not fix 100%. If you’re still wondering how to get rid of textured skin quicker, other professional procedures are available for faster results:
- Chemical peels
- Laser resurfacing
- Microneedling
- Microdermabrasion
Lifestyle Adjustments for Smooth Skin
Your lifestyle can have a profound impact on your skin. Consider these factors:
- Diet: A balanced diet with plenty of fiber and antioxidants supports skin health.
- Manage Stress: Stress can worsen skin issues; regular exercise and mindfulness practices may help.
- Avoid Smoking and Pollutants: They accelerate aging and affect skin texture.
The Bottomline
Getting rid of textured skin definitely takes combination of knowledge, a tailored skincare routine, healthy habits, and LOTS of stress. It may be daunting at the start. Hopefully, with this guide and patience, you will be able to get rid of texture issues and achieve smoother skin!