This is How To Improve Your Skin Texture, According to Dermatologists (2024)

Having texture skin means you may struggler with skin issues acne breakouts, bumps, clogged or visible pores, flaky skin, and fine lines. "Although most people strive for that airbrushed finish, almost everyone has texture to some degree, whether it's caused by skin conditions, facial regimes, environmental factors, or even genetics,"Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine,toldHealth.

Improving skin texture typically involves a mix of chemical exfoliation, retinol, moisturizer, and diligent sunscreen application.

Keep reading to find out what three dermatologists find are the best methods to improve skin texture, and their top products and treatment recommendations to add to your skincare routine.

"Chemical exfoliation assists in removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin,"Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, toldHealth. "This encourages cell turnover and reveals smoother, fresher skin underneath." Tempted to grab a facial scrub? Gohara warns that physical exfoliation can be extremely rough on the skin and cause micro-tears.

When choosing a chemical exfoliant, look for products with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. These exfoliating acids help improve skin texture by removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and boostingcollagen production. Both glycolic and lactic acid are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), but lactic acid is mild and ideal for dry and sensitive skin types.Salicylic acidis a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that reduces oil production—making it suitable for oily andacne-prone skin.

"In general, it is best to exfoliate one to two times per week to avoid risks of over-exfoliation, which can lead to sensitivity and irritation of the skin,"Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist atMDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgeryand assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell, toldHealth.

Use a Vitamin C Serum

"Vitamin C is a potentantioxidantthat's been proven to help with skin texture and brighten the skin," said Gohara. "You can use this daily—just make sure to use it with sunscreen." (Vitamin C can make your skinsun sensitive.)

Thanks to its antioxidant properties,Vitamin C serumsare ideal for addressing texture issues related to sun and environmental damage. Vitamin C serums can also help fadedark spotsand stimulate collagen production to firm the skin and reducefine lines.

Wearing sunscreen daily prevents skin texture issues andsun damagecaused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. "Sunscreen helps to improve skin texture by helping to prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown," said Garshick. "Exposure to the sun can lead to loss of collagen, which can contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin laxity." Skin laxity refers to stretched or loose skin.

"You should be incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine even during cloudy days or if you are working from home, as the sun from the window can affect your skin," added Gohara. Pick a broad-spectrumsunscreenwith a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and apply it to your face, ears, neck, and chest.

Apply Retinol or Retinoid Treatments

Retinol and otherretinoidscan smooth textured skin caused by acne, congested skin, or fine lines. "These vitamin A derivatives can stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing the skin," said Chacon.Retinol(a type of retinoid) and retinoids also help unclog pores to help reduce acne breakouts.

Retinoids can be irritating, so test a small patch of skin to see how you react. If everything is good, introduce retinoids slowly to your routine and stick with low concentrations. Gohara recommends using a retinoid two to three times a week at night—since it can make your skin sun sensitive. You can find over-the-counter (OTC) retinoid treatments with retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde. More potent retinoids require a prescription, with the exception of OTCDifferin(adapalene).

"Keeping your skin hydrated can significantly improve its texture," said Chacon. Using a moisturizer twice a day helps increase your skin's water content and repair the skin barrier, revealing smoother skin. When choosing a moisturizer, Garshick recommends key ingredients likehyaluronic acid(hyaluronate) orceramides—which naturally occur (and become depleted) in the skin.

Hyaluronic acid attracts water and retains it. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid help hydrate, lock in moisture and plump the skin. Hyaluronic acid also won't worsen breakouts and clogged pores. Ceramides are fatty acids that hold in moisture and protect the skin. Adding a moisturizer with ceramides helps repair the skin barrier to smooth, flakey, dry skin and retain moisture.

Try Microneedling

Microneedlingis a minimally invasive procedure where a dermatologist punctures the skin's surface with tiny needles. Also called "collagen induction therapy," microneedling helps boost collagen and encourages cell turnover to improve skin texture.

Microneedling can help with texture issues related to fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, visible pores, and acne scars. "Most people need multiple microneedling treatments, usually about three weeks to eight weeks apart. It can take three to six months to see results," said Gohara. You can also combine microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which has growth factors in it that can helps improve collagen production and fadeacne scars.

Professional-grade chemical peels involve a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon applying a chemical solution to remove layers of skin. Treatments can vary in intensity, with deep peels requiring a surgical setting. Similar to other exfoliating treatments, chemical peels get rid of dead skin cells, stimulate cell turnover, and stimulate collagen production to improve skin texture, said Garshick.

A light peel can take up to a week to heal, while a medium peel can take one to two weeks. Deep peels can take up to 21 days to heal and require several follow-up visits. Garshick recommends medium-depth peels for people with a lot of sun damage. If you have a darker skin tone, be careful with chemical peels. They can increase your risk of hyperpigmentation.

How To Treat Dark Spots on the Face (Melasma)

Try Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacingis a more intense professional treatment that uses light energy to stimulate collagen production and remove the outer layer of skin, said Chacon. Garshick recommends scheduling laser resurfacing treatments in the fall and winter since it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. This procedure also takes time and money. You may notice results 30 days after your appointment, noted Gohara.

"Usually, textured skin is a cumulation of dead skin cells on the surface or a condition such as acne or eczema," said Gohara. Genetics, sun damage, dehydration, diet, and smoking can also contribute to poor skin texture.

"Skin texture may be related to genetics as some people may be more likely to experience breakouts or dry or rough, flaky skin," said Garshick. "Sun exposure can also contribute to textured skin as it limits the natural oils and deteriorates natural hyaluronic acid production," said Gohara. As a result, too much sun can make skin feel rough and uneven. Garshick adds that UV exposure and pollution also cause collagen loss, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

Dehydration can make the skin feel tight and appear dull, making fine lines more noticeable, said Chacon. People with sensitive skin may also experience reactions to skincare products, environmental factors, or food.

Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD

Disclaimer: This quiz is a first step in understanding your skin type. A dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in the skin, hair, and nails) can help you identify your skin type or confirm your results from this quiz. It's also important to see a dermatologist if you're experiencing changes in your skin, as this can sometimes be a sign of an underlying skin condition. They can diagnose you and get you started on a treatment plan if necessary.

A Quick Review

Skin texture issues can range from dry, flaky skin to inflamed, bumpy acne. Sun damage can also cause rough texture. Everyone deals with some skin texture, but adding a chemical exfoliator a few times a week can help remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and reduce breakouts. A retinol or retinoid can also treat more intense texture issues. Add a moisturizer and daily SPF, and you're ready to tackle texture issues.

Contact a board-certified dermatologist if you're still concerned about your skin texture. They can recommend professional treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser resurfacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it normal to have textured skin?

    Yes, it is normal to have textured skin, and many people experience dry, bumpy, or rough skin.

  • What are some of the best products for skin texture?

    Retinoids, glycolic acid serums or peels, lactic acid serums, and salicylic acid treatments help exfoliate away dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and boost collagen to reveal smooth skin. Vitamin C serums also help even out skin tone and plump the skin.

  • What are the different skin texture types?

    Dry skin texture can look flaky and scaley, while oily and acne-prone skin can cause bumpy skin, enlarged pores, and acne. Sun-damaged skin texture can appear wrinkled and leathery, and sensitive skin textures can be red and bumpy.

This is How To Improve Your Skin Texture, According to Dermatologists (2024)
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