6 Tips for Improving Uneven Skin Texture

When it comes to common skin concerns, acne, discoloration, and wrinkles are often the most prevalent. Skin texture—which refers to how smooth your skin looks and feels—isn’t talked about quite as frequently. While some skin texture is normal (we all have pores, lines, and bumps, after all), having a noticeably uneven skin texture can be frustrating to deal with. Fortunately, it, like most skin concerns, is manageable with the right routine and products.

To find out what causes an uneven, bumpy, or rough complexion and to get tips on how to improve skin texture on your face, we reached out to Balanda Atis, cosmetic chemist and AVP of Scientific Communications at L’Oréal Paris. Read on for her expertise, product recommendations, and smooth skin tips.

What Is Textured Skin?

Textured skin is best described as skin that has an uneven look or feel, thanks to enlarged pores, bumps, fine lines, or flakiness. In some cases, an uneven skin texture can make your skin appear dull or splotchy. In essence, textured skin is the opposite of smooth skin—both in how it looks and how it feels.

One way to assess the texture of skin is by rubbing a hand along it—if it feels rough or bumpy, there’s a chance your skin texture isn’t as even as it could be. Transparently, no one’s skin is perfect—nor should it be!—and we encourage you to embrace your skin, no matter the texture. That said, we understand if you want to know how to reduce skin texture to promote a more even, homogenous appearance (and we promise, we’ll get to that shortly!)

What Causes Uneven Skin Texture?

If you find yourself wondering “Why is my skin so textured?”, the answer is that it depends. There are several causes of textured skin, some of which are in your control and others which are largely out of it. That being said, understanding the root cause of your uneven skin texture can help you determine the best approach for managing it. According to Atis, here are a few things that can contribute to a rough or uneven-looking skin texture:

• The natural aging process: As we blow out more birthday candles on the cake, our skin may change. Specifically, skin can become thinner, drier, and less elastic over time, according to Mayo Clinic. These changes can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, which can give your skin an uneven look and feel.
• Having acne-prone skin: Whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and other types of acne can cause the skin to have a rough, uneven texture. If the breakouts are accompanied by scarring, which can sometimes occur (especially if you pop your pimples, so hands off), that rough texture can persist long after your breakouts clear.
• Enlarged pores: Everyone has pores, but if yours are on the larger side—as is often the case for those with oily skin—it can make your skin appear mottled rather than smooth.
• Your skincare habits: How you care for your skin can play a significant role in determining how it looks and feels. If you’re not using the right products for your skin type and concerns, your skin likely won’t feel as even or smooth as it could.
• Environmental stressors: According to Atis, exposure to extreme weather may affect your skin texture. Cold weather, for example, can contribute to dryness, which may leave your skin feeling rough or flaky. Sun exposure can also affect your skin texture over time, per the Cleveland Clinic, so be sure to wear plenty of SPF anytime you go outside.

How To Improve Skin Texture

If you have uneven skin, don’t stress: There are ways to help improve uneven skin texture on the face. The first thing you should do when attempting to get rid of texture on your face is assess (and adjust) your skincare routine. From exfoliation and peels to changing up your at-home skincare routine, here are a few expert-approved ways to improve your skin texture.

1. Wash your face twice a day

Starting with the basics, it’s important to wash your face twice daily (once in the morning and once before bed). Doing so helps reduce the build-up of dead skin cells, oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants that can contribute to dull, uneven skin.

“Understanding your skin will help you find the best cleanser for you,” says Atis. If you have oily skin, for example, you may want to opt for an oil-free gel cleanser. Those with drier or more sensitive skin, meanwhile, may benefit from a more hydrating formula, such as the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. It contains ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide and leaves the skin feeling clean and comfortable.

When washing your face, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using lukewarm (rather than hot) water and gently massaging the cleanser onto your face with your fingertips. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, and after rinsing, be sure to pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

2. Use an exfoliating serum

Serums are powerful treatments designed specifically to help address skin concerns like unevenness and dullness. They can, therefore, be a huge asset for those looking to reduce skin texture—provided you choose the right formula. Keep an eye out for serums containing chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). These can help to gently resurface the skin to promote a smoother, more even skin texture. A note: over-exfoliating can dry out the skin or potentially lead to redness and discomfort. Start slowly, and dial back your usage if your skin feels irritated.

3. Don’t skip moisturizer

Like cleansing, moisturizing twice daily is a must (no matter your skin type). But it’s essential to select the right moisturizer for your needs. If you have drier skin, you’ll typically want to reach for nourishing cream formulas that help hydrate the skin and trap in moisture. Those with oilier skin often do best with water-based moisturizers that absorb quickly and feel lightweight on the skin.

Atis also suggests making sure your chosen moisturizer is non-comedogenic. This label “means that the formula has been [shown] not to clog your pores, which can also give you unwanted texture.” If a product is non-comedogenic, it’ll typically say so on the label—so read the packaging carefully before making your purchase.

4: Add a retinol into your routine

Topical retinol—a form of vitamin A—can help firm, plump, and smooth the skin, promoting a more even skin texture over time, Atis says. It’s often used to help reduce the appearance of age-related skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.

She’s a fan of the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol, which is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for all skin types. Still, if you’re a new retinol user, it’s important to gradually add the ingredient into your routine to avoid irritation. Start with twice-weekly usage (at night) and gradually increase the frequency depending on how your skin responds. A note: It’s typically best to avoid pairing retinol with other exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs). If you want to use an exfoliating serum too, alternate days to avoid irritating your skin.

5. Try an at-home peel

If you’re wondering how to get a better skin texture quickly, a chemical peel is probably you’re best bet. “Peels improve the texture of your skin by helping to remove dead [cells]” from your skin’s surface, Atis says. Professional chemical peels are typically done in a dermatologist or aesthetician’s office and can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Thankfully, you don’t have to shell out tons of money to get a more even skin texture—you can try a gentler at-home peel instead. At-home peels are typically much gentler than those you’d receive in an office and can usually be used more frequently, too. Be sure to take a close look at the instructions on your chosen peel before incorporating it into your routine to help reduce the risk of irritation.

6. Protect your skin from the sun

We said it before and we’ll say it again: There are tons of reasons why you should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and helping to prevent skin texture issues is one of them. “The UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging and uneven skin texture,” says Atis. Follow the AAD’s advice and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day—rain, snow, or shine—to help protect your skin.

For an even better line of protection, take additional measures such as wearing protective clothing, and sunglasses. The easiest way? Seek shade—especially during peak sun hours.

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