How To Improve Your Skin Texture According To Dermatologists

You could experience skin problems such as acne outbreaks, pimples, clogged or visible pores, flaky skin, and fine wrinkles if you have texture skin. Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, said, “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. How To Improve Your Skin Texture According to Dermatologists.
Chemical exfoliation, retinol, moisturizer, and careful sunscreen use are frequently combined to improve skin texture.

The finest ways to improve skin texture, as well as the best products and treatments to incorporate into your skincare routine, are revealed by three dermatologists in the following paragraphs.

How To Improve Your Skin Texture According To Dermatologists

Make use of a chemical exfoliant

The removal of WORN OUT skin cells from the skin’s surface is helped by chemical exfoliation, according to Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD, who is board-certified. This promotes cell turnover and exposes the smoother, younger-looking skin beneath. Want to pick up a facial scrub? Physical exfoliation can be highly harsh on the skin and lead to microtears, Gohara cautions.

Look for products with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid when selecting a chemical exfoliant.

By eliminating dead skin cells, clearing clogged pores, and encouraging the creation of collagen, these exfoliating acids can enhance skin texture.1 Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid are both present, however lactic acid is mild and best for dry and sensitive skin types.2 Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works well on oily and acne-prone skin because it decreases oil

To reduce the danger of over-exfoliation, which can cause sensitivity and irritation of the skin, it is generally advisable to exfoliate once to twice per week. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell University and a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, health.

Invest in a vitamin C serum.

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that has been shown to improve skin brightness and texture, according to Gohara. You can use this every day, but remember to wear sunscreen. (Vitamin C may make your skin more susceptible to the sun.)

Vitamin C serums are excellent for resolving texture problems brought on by sun and environmental damage because of their antioxidant capabilities.3 Additionally, vitamin C serums can assist in lightening dark spots and promoting the creation of collagen to firm the skin and minimize fine wrinkles.4

Use sun protection every day.

UV (ultraviolet) rays cause sun damage and problems with skin texture, which can be avoided by wearing sunscreen every day. According to Garshick, sunscreen helps to improve skin texture by reducing UV-induced collagen deterioration.

“Sun exposure can cause collagen to break down, resulting in skin laxity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Stretched or loose skin is referred to as skin laxity.

Gohara continued, “You should be using sunscreen every day, even on overcast days or if you work from home, as the sun from the window can damage your skin.” Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face, ears, neck, and chest, making sure that it has an SPF of at least 30.5

Apply treatments with retinoids or retinol

Retinol and other retinoids can reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles, congested skin, and acne-related skin texture.

“These vitamin A derivatives can stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing the skin,” claimed Chacon. Retinol, a form of retinoid, and retinoids also aid in pore cleaning to lessen acne outbreaks

Test a small patch of skin to observe how you react to retinoids before using them all over your body.

If everything is in order, add retinoids gradually to your regimen and stick to minimal doses.

Since retinoids might make your skin more sensitive to the sun, Gohara advises using them two to three times a week at night. There are over-the-counter (OTC) retinoid medications that contain retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, and retinol.

With the exception of OTC Differin (adapalene), stronger retinoids need a prescription.

Daily Moisturizing

“Keeping your skin hydrated can significantly improve its texture,” claimed Chacon.

Increasing the water content of your skin and repairing the skin barrier using moisturizer two times a day results in smoother skin.

8 Garshick advises picking a moisturizer with essential components like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which the skin naturally produces (and loses over time).

Water is attracted to and retained by hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers hydrate, retain moisture, and plump the skin. Additionally, hyaluronic acid won’t make breakouts or blocked pores worse.

9 Fatty acids called ceramides help the skin retain moisture and preserve it. Ceramide-containing moisturizers can be added to assist dry, flaky skin retain moisture and restore the skin barrier.

Attempt microneedling.

Dermatologists use minute needles to penetrate the skin’s surface during a minimally invasive technique called microneedling. Microneedling, also known as “collagen induction therapy,” improves skin texture by promoting cell turnover and collagen synthesis.11
With regards to fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, visible pores, and acne scars, microneedling can help with textural problems. “Most patients require several microneedling sessions, often spaced three to eight weeks apart.

Results may not be seen for three to six months, according to Gohara.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains growth factors that can aid in improving collagen formation and fading acne scars, can also be combined with microneedling.

Get a Chemical Peel Professional-grade chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon to remove layers of skin.

The degree of treatment severity can vary, with extensive peels necessitating a surgical setting.

Chemical peels improve skin texture by removing dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover, and increasing collagen formation, according to Garshick.1213

While a medium peel can take one to two weeks to recover, a light peel can take up to a week.

Deep peels may require many follow-up appointments and take up to 21 days to heal.

For those with significant sun damage, Garshick advises medium-depth peels.

Caution should be taken while using chemical peels if you have darker skin. They may make you more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation.12

Try laser skin resurfacing

According to Chacon, laser resurfacing is a more intensive professional procedure that removes the top layer of skin and stimulates the formation of collagen. Since laser resurfacing treatments might increase skin sensitivity to the sun, Garshick advises scheduling them in the fall and winter. Additionally, this process costs money and effort. According to Gohara, you can start seeing effects 30 days after your session.

Why does poor skin texture occur?

According to Gohara, “textured skin is typically a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface or a condition like acne or eczema.” Poor skin texture can also be caused by smoking, diet, dehydration, the sun, genetics, and the environment.

According to Garshick, “Skin texture may be inherited, as some people may be more prone to breakouts, dry skin, or rough, flaky skin.” According to Gohara, sun exposure can also cause textured skin because it inhibits the formation of natural oils and hyaluronic acid. As a result, excessive sun exposure can cause skin to feel uneven and harsh. Garshick notes that in addition to UV rays and pollution, losing collagen also results in fine lines and wrinkles that are more obvious.

According to Chacon, dehydration can cause the skin to feel tight and seem lifeless, highlighting small wrinkles. Food, the environment, or skincare products may cause reactions in people with sensitive skin.

A Brief Overview

Issues with skin texture can include everything from dry, flaky skin to infected, bumpy pimples. Rough texture can also be caused by sun damage. Everyone has some skin texture issues, but using a chemical exfoliant a couple of times each week can help remove dead skin cells, encourage cell turnover, and lessen outbreaks. More severe texture problems can also be treated with retinol or retinoid. You’re prepared to address texture issues once you’ve added a moisturizer and daily SPF.

If you’re still worried about the texture of your skin, speak with a board-certified dermatologist. Professional procedures including chemical peels, microneedling, or laser resurfacing may be suggested.