5 Common Causes and What Actually Helps
One thing we all want for our skin is that glass skin, clear and smooth texture. So why is it that so many of us struggle with uneven texture?
First thing to know is that texture on the skin is normal. It is part of the skin’s anatomy to have varying texture. Having pores, indentations, fine lines, small bumps - all of this is normal. However, there are ways to reduce the appearance of these concerns. The concern is more when the skin is overly textured (eg. a lot of tiny little bumps under the skin). That can be a sign of something deeper.
Here are 5 common causes of skin texture and what you can do about it.
Congested Skin
Congested skin looks and feels like small bumps, blackheads, whiteheads, or rough-looking skin especially across the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. It is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum in hair follicles leading to clogged pores. It can persist for various reasons including certain skincare products that aren’t suitable for the skin (typically too thick for the skin, so it doesn’t absorb well), overly harsh cleansing, and excessive exfoliation or not enough exfoiation.
How to improve congested skin: Make sure you have a consistent skincare routine, that you are exfoliating the appropriate amount for your skin type and consider treatments such as customized facials or a chemical peel that is suitable to your skin. Korean peels really shine here - they help smooth out the skin and boost that natural glow.
Dehydration and a compromised skin barrier
Dehydrated skin typically feels tight, looks dull, gets flaky, or appears rough despite producing oil. Dry skin typically refers to a skin type that produces less oil, whereas dehydration refers to insufficient water in the outer layers of the skin and can affect oily skin too. This can occur due to the use of harsh cleansers, over-exfoliating, too many or incorrect active ingredients for your skin type, environmental conditions and inadequate moisturization. Whent he skin barrier is irritated or impaired, the skin may become more sensitive, uncomfortable and uneven.
How to improve dehydrated skin: Gentle cleansing with a cream cleanser, making sure you are using the right moisturizer for your skin type, using barrier-supportive ingredients in your routine (eg. ceramides, beta-glucan, peptides, etc.) and simplifying your routine if you have a lot of actives. Skin treatments such as custom hydrating facials and dermalinfusion can be especially supportive for the skin barrier and improve dehydrated and dry skin.
Buildup of dead skin cells
When you notice that your skin has a rough texture, looks dull or doesn’t appear smooth when the light hits it, or makeup sits unevenly, then this could be due to a buildup of dead skin cells. The natural shedding of dead skin cells can become uneven, and accumulated surface cells may contribute to a rough or dull appearance. This can look similar to dehydrated skin and congested skin.
Exfoliation is important, but more exfoliation doesn’t necessarily mean smoother skin. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin barrier and make texutre more noticeable.
How to improve build up of dead skin cells: Ensure that you are exfoliating the right amount for your skin type. Oilier skin tends to need more exfoliation each week vs. dry skin typically can be exfoliated 1-2 times a week. Retinol is an excellent support for reducing dead skin cell build up. However, the right percentage will depend on your skin. Getting support from a trained professional is key when starting retinol or when determining a good exfoliation schedule. An excellent option for this is a customized chemical peel, as it can get deeper into the skin and stimulate cell turnover and shedding to improve texture and radiance of the skin.
Acne scars and post-acne marks
Uneven skin texture after acne, pitted acne scars, post-acne marks and flat red, pink or brown marks left after a breakout can all contribute to an uneven skin texture. There are two types of textural scarring. Atrophic scars create indentations or depressions in the skin, while hypertrophic scars are raise because of excess scar tissues. Scars develop in association with inflammation from acne, which can damage the skin and affect collagen formation during healing. Picking or squeezing blemishes can increase the risk of scarring.
How to improve acne scars: Flat discolouration and indented scars require different approaches. Professional assessment will help determine which treatments specifically are appropriate for your skin. Microneedling may help improve the appearance of certain atrophic acne scars by stimulating collagen remodeling. Chemical peels may help with some superficial unevenness and discolouration, depending ont the type of peel and skin.
Textural acne scars generally require a series of treatments, and the improvement varies. Not every scar can be eliminated with a treatment and improvement in appearance of scarring depends on how long you have had the scars and general skin health.
Skin changes associated with aging and sun exposure
Rough skin texture can develop with age, sun-damaged skin and collagen loss. Fine lines, wrinkles, rough patches, more noticeable pores or skin that appears less firm and smooth than it once did are all part of the skin aging process. As skin ages, collagen and elastin change, cell turnover may slow, and cumulative UV exposure can contribute to uneven pigmentation, wrinkles and changes in skin texture. UV damage accumulates over time, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is an important part of maintaining skin health and helping prevent further photodamage.
How to help aging and sun damaged skin: Consistent sunscreen is the ultimate key to preventing further damage to the skin. Reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours is part of this. Depending on your goals, there are many options available to support the skin’s natural aging process and improve collagen production. Chemical peels and microneedling may help improve aspects of uneven texture and signs of photoaging. Retinol is a supportive product you can use in your skincare routine to improve cell turnover and collagen production. While skincare and professional treatments can improve the appearance of some changes, results depend on the concern and no treatment reverses all signs of aging. Healthy, radiant skin at every age is the goal rather than wrinkle-free or perfect skin.
If you are unsure where to start with your skin and would like customized support including a consultation and treatment options for your skin, you can book complimentary consult appointment with our licensed medical aestheticians and naturopathic doctor in Calgary, and they can walk you through the options for your skin.