Rough, bumpy, uneven skin affects us all at some point, leading us to wonder where we went wrong in our skincare journey. But we have good news! There are plenty of ways to smooth textured skin and refine your complexion. In this guide, we will help you identify the type of textured skin you’re dealing with so you can learn how to get rid of it!
What is textured skin?
Textured skin is a common condition that manifests in many different ways. Before learning how to get rid of textured skin, it’s helpful to understand the nuances of this cosmetic concern.
How does your skin type affect skin texture?
People with a dry skin type may notice their skin feels rough, tight, or flaky, with lots of fine lines and a patchy appearance. Dead skin may be more visible on folks who lack adequate moisture. Enlarged pores, breakouts, and milia are more commonly associated with oily skin.
Meanwhile, those with combination skin may experience both ends of the spectrum. The aging process brings a loss of elasticity and slower cellular regeneration, resulting in textured, crepey skin that makes fine lines and wrinkles even more pronounced.
What are the common signs of textured skin?
Unfortunately, you don’t just feel textured skin when it appears – you also see it. The visible and tactile symptoms include:
- Enlarged pores
- Small bumps
- Dry, flaky patches
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull complexion
- Fine lines
- Rough, sandpaper-like surface
Some people first notice textural changes when their makeup no longer sits correctly on their skin. Foundation may settle into fine lines, and setting powder may accentuate rough patches.
How to tell what type of skin texture you have
A full sensory inspection can help you determine what type of textured skin you’re dealing with. Start by touching your cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin, and noting how each area feels. Then look at your skin in the mirror under natural light, searching for enlarged pores, flaky areas, discoloration, and other blemishes.
Related: Treat and Prevent Tiny Bumps After Waxing for Clients
What causes textured skin to develop?
There are many driving forces behind textured skin, including age, lifestyle factors, and genetics. Here are some of the most common causes:
Dead skin cell buildup
Our bodies naturally shed dead skin cells, but some of us slough off old layers more efficiently than others. If you forget to exfoliate regularly, the buildup can lead to clogged pores, acne breakouts, and a rough, bumpy, uneven skin texture.
Sun damage and scarring
Chronic sun exposure encourages uneven melanin production and reduces your ability to shed dead skin cells. In turn, your skin may become thinner in some areas and thicker in others, with increasing patches of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin. You may also notice a drop in resilience, as your skin holds onto old scar tissue.
Smoking and nicotine
Everybody knows that smoking and nicotine have negative effects on our lungs and overall health, so it should come as no surprise that it also impacts our skin. Studies show that nicotine accelerates skin aging, clogs pores, inhibits blood flow, and delays wound healing.
Aging skin, less collagen production
Collagen and elastin are the connective tissues that give youthful skin that bouncy, radiant quality. But collagen production slows down with age and long-term sun exposure. That’s why you’ll begin to notice fine lines and wrinkles as the years go by.
Related: Are Your Clients Concerned About Hyperpigmentation and Waxing?
How do you get rid of textured skin?
Ready to improve your skin texture and bring a youthful glow back to your face? Here’s how to get rid of textured skin safely and effectively:
Regular exfoliation
Chemical and physical exfoliation can immediately improve surface-layer textural concerns on your face by eliminating dead skin cells that give skin a rough, patchy appearance. And exfoliating as part of your regular skincare routine can even out discoloration, soften acne scars, and boost cell turnover rates for skin that looks and feels healthier.
Consider using an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) like lactic or glycolic acid for dry, dull skin or a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid, to penetrate clogged pores and balance oily skin. And remember, a consistent waxing schedule will also help exfoliate your skin!
Vitamin C and antioxidants
Skincare products with vitamin C and other beneficial antioxidants are among the best topical treatments for textured skin. These ingredients help repair and defend skin against environmental damage, fade age spots and hyperpigmentation, and improve overall skin radiance.
Consistent SPF use
Textured skin won’t vanish overnight. Instead, restoring skin health is a gradual process. As you slowly get rid of textured skin, it’s essential that you prioritize sun protection.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every morning, and reapply every two hours that you’re outdoors. Sunscreen alone won’t reverse uneven skin texture, but it will help prevent existing textural concerns from worsening.
Skincare treatments
If it’s safe for your skin type, chemical peels are a great skincare treatment solution to smooth your skin texture. They come in a variety of strengths and chemical types. While at-home peels are available, it’s usually best to see a professional for these types of treatments, though.
Microneedling treatments are another transformative tool to get rid of textured skin. This rejuvenating treatment actually boosts collagen production to improve the look and feel of dark spots, enlarged pores, lax skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Facial oils and serums
While excessive sebum production is often to blame for acne breakouts, your skin requires a delicate balance of oil and water. When used appropriately, the right facial oils can help control sebum and help your skin maintain equilibrium. An experienced esthetician can work with you to find the right products for your skin type.
Hydration is key!
It may seem like simple advice, but the truth is that most of us don’t drink enough water. Our bodies require water to function and keep our skin looking healthy and radiant. Without enough water, your skin struggles to stay hydrated, moisturized, and smooth.
Related reading: How to Even Out Skin Tone
Care for textured skin before and after waxing with Bare Beauty Wax Supply!
Correcting textured skin can feel like a daunting task, but you don’t have to endure it alone. Bare Beauty is your source for pre- and post-waxing supplies to help your skin effortlessly recover from every hair removal session.
For estheticians needing waxing supplies, look no further than Bare Beauty Wax Supply! We carry hypoallergenic, high-quality waxes and everything else you need for a successful esthetics business.