How to Improve Skin Texture
Uneven skin texture manifests as rough, bumpy skin, clogged pores, blemishes, sagging, crepey skin, and defined wrinkles. Ageing skin plays a role in textured skin, but it can also be caused by environmental factors, your genes, clogged pores, even poor skincare habits. Though a frustrating skin concern, switching to the right skincare can help improve uneven skin texture and promote a softer, smoother complexion.
WHAT CAUSES UNEVEN SKIN TEXTURE?
Because textured skin can manifest in different ways, the causes vary. But generally speaking, the main causes of skin texture are skin ageing, our environment, genes, skin congestion and our skincare habits.
AGEING SKIN
As we age, our skin cell renewal cycle starts to slow down, affecting collagen and elastin production that’s responsible for the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. As this declines, skin begins to sag, wrinkles and fine lines become more pronounced and skin can have a crepey texture to it.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
UV exposure, free radicals and pollution can all impact the skin moisture barrier that’s responsible for protecting the skin from damage. Frequent exposure to these environmental aggressors, combined with an affected moisture barrier can lead to photoageing that affects skin texture. Another way the environment can cause textured skin is through irritants and dirt clogging up pores, leading to breakouts.
GENETICS
If you have a family history of skin concerns that contribute to skin texture, then you’re more likely to struggle with uneven skin texture as well. You may also inherit certain skin conditions that cause dry, rough skin or be more prone to oiliness that increases your risk of persistent breakouts.
CLOGGED PORES
Visibly enlarged pores that are clogged with dirt, excess sebum, and dead skin cells lead to skin texture issues. Clogged pores might manifest as rough and bumpy skin texture or lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and persistent blemishes.
IMPROPER SKINCARE
Using the wrong skincare for your skin type can worsen skin concerns like skin texture. A few improper skincare practices are:
- Harsh chemicals and over-exfoliating can dry out and irritate the skin and appear as skin flakes, bumps and even breakouts.
- Similarly, skin-drying ingredients that haven’t been balanced out with hydrating ingredients can prematurely age the skin, or make wrinkles and lines appear more pronounced.
- Comedogenic skincare, oil-based products or emollient-rich products might also worsen breakouts in oily skin types that lead to uneven skin texture.
- Not finishing your regime with a broad-spectrum sunscreen increases the risk of sun damage that can worsen skin texture.
- Not washing your face or forgetting to wash off your makeup can lead to clog pores that contribute to breakouts and skin texture.
So let’s discuss ways in which your skincare can improve skin texture.
6 SKINCARE TIPS FOR IMPROVING SKIN TEXTURE
1. CLEANSE TWICE DAILY
A cleanser twice-daily is non-negotiable. In the morning it helps refresh your skin and clear away dead skin cells, excess oil and any dirt accumulated overnight. At night, it’s important for removing any buildup of dirt and irritants from the day. A gentle cleanser, like the Effaclar + M Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser keeps the skin clear without stripping the skin moisture barrier.
2. USE CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS
Exfoliants are important for a deeper cleanse, breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin. Many cleansers will be formulated with a chemical exfoliant so you can cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. Look for alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid (for a more gentle exfoliation), or salicylic acid for deeper penetration.
3. VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Using a vitamin C serum, like the Vitamin C 12 Brightening Serum, both serves as a preventative measure for premature skin ageing and free radical damage, as well as an anti-ageing product that supports the skin cell renewal cycle. You can use vitamin C morning and night, but it is most beneficial when added to your morning routine.
4. RETINOL
Retinol helps with skin texture by promoting the skin cell renewal cycle. In doing this, retinol supports collagen and elastin production that contributes to skin's elasticity and suppleness, targeting loose, sagging skin and wrinkles. In addition to improving skin texture, retinol helps with uneven skin tone and excess sebum production. Opt for the Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum for smoother, more-even skin.
5. MOISTURISER
Keep skin hydrated and happy with moisturiser. Daily moisturiser formulated with humectants helps to smooth our fine lines and wrinkles, while also strengthening the skin moisture barrier to protect from environmental damage. For wrinkles and lines, look for a hydrating hyaluronic acid cream, like the Hyalu B5 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser to deeply nourish. Blemish-prone skin should choose a lightweight moisturiser like the Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser to manage excess sebum production.
6. DAILY SUNSCREEN
A core contributor to skin ageing is sun exposure, so always incorporate a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen and practise proper sun safety. Sunscreen is also an essential skincare product for preventing sunspots that can appear and darken as we age. The Anthelios Invisible Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ makes for a great, broad-spectrum sunscreen for all skin types.*
*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours before and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
RELATED ARTICLES
Stay In Touch
