We’ve all been there – you run your fingers across your face hoping for smooth, silky skin and instead you feel, rough patches, bumps, and indentations. Skin texture is a natural part of your skin’s story and while some unevenness is completely normal and just part of being human, that doesn’t mean you can’t help to improve it.
In this blog I will breaking down what causes skin texture and the steps you can take to – well - smooth things out!
What is skin texture, really?
Skin texture refers to the surface quality and feel of your skin and how it looks up closely. Healthy skin typically has a smooth, velvety, and even texture, is well hydrated and reflects light evenly giving a flawless appearance but things like rough patches, enlarged pores, lumps and bumps and fine lines can all contribute to making skin appear uneven and dull.
Skin texture is influenced by a variety of factors:
· Build-up of dead skin cells – dead skin cells can accumulate dulling the surface and causing a rough feel.
· Dehydration or dryness – without enough moisture skin can become rough or tight.
· Environmental exposure – which can cause damage to skin cells causing a dull lacklustre complexion.
· Age – natural deterioration of collagen, slower cell turnover and reduced elasticity can change the texture over time.
· Sun damage – prolonged exposure to UV light can cause hyperpigmentation and a leathery or coarse texture.
· Acne or clogged pores – can leave scars and bumps behind altering the skin surface.
Top 5 ways to improve skin texture.
1. Double cleanse:
Double cleansing is like a deep-cleaning ritual for your face — and it absolutely helps improve skin texture when done right. Double cleansing does exactly what it says on the tin and uses two different cleansers (a water-based and an oil-based one) to remove built-up grime, left over make-up, sunscreen, and pollutants all of which can lead to rough, bumpy skin. Clean skin absorbs subsequent skincare products more effectively leading to a more balanced and hydrated complexion.
2. Exfoliate:
The aim of the exfoliation game is to buff away dead cells from the surface of the skin which provides a number of benefits, including preventing future build-up and clogged pores, evening skin texture and fading hyperpigmentation. There are various methods to exfoliating from both chemical (enzymes or acids) which nibble away at the bonds between the dead skin cells to lift them away and physical (granules) which involves buffing the surface to detach the dead skin cells. As a general rule chemical exfoliation is a superior way to exfoliate as it is gentler, more effective, and less abrasive.
3. Hydrate:
When your skin cells are well-hydrated, they swell slightly with water. This plumping effect smooths out fine lines and gives the skin a more even, supple texture. Hydrated skin is more elastic and resilient too and that means it bounces back better from expressions, touch, and pressure, giving it a smoother, firmer appearance.
4. Don’t skip SPF:
Sun damage is a major cause or rough, leathery textured skin. Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable even when its cloudy and should be a broad spectrum protection of no less than SPF30.
5. Incorporate Vitamin C:
Vitamin C should be a key part of any skincare routine but especially those looking to even out skin texture. A true multi-tasker, Vitamin C is celebrated for its effectiveness at addressing countless skin concerns from uneven skin tone, sun damage, rough texture, fine lines, acne scars and general dullness. If you are looking to help improve the overall look and feel of skin, then Vitamin C will steal the spotlight.
In the same way that you dress according to the seasons and the weather outside, it is important to adapt your skincare routine too. Each season brings new temperatures and changes in moisture in the air and so curating your routine throughout the year ensures your skin stays balanced, hydrated and visibly smooth.
Lucy x
