What causes uneven skin texture and
HOW CAN I IMPROVE IT?
How to get rid of
TEXTURED SKIN AND UNEVEN SKIN TEXTURE
Textured skin is the term given to skin that appears raised or uneven in certain areas, creating an uneven skin texture you might see or feel.
Textured skin is the term given to skin that appears raised or uneven in certain areas, leading to what’s often described as uneven skin texture. It can appear anywhere on the body, but you’re more likely to notice it on your face, where it may feel bumpy and dry to the touch, like grainy facial skin. It’s often the result of enlarged pores, acne, or acne scarring.
It’s impossible to achieve completely flat, smooth skin because to do so would mean having no pores – and pores play a vital role in keeping skin healthy.
However, there are ways to prevent and minimise the appearance of textured skin. These include at-home solutions such as using an exfoliation scrub, a retinol serum and products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help improve skin texture gently over time.
Where on the body does
TEXTURED SKIN & UNEVEN SKIN TEXTURE APPEAR?
- Back:
Since this area has a large surface area and is difficult to reach, dead skin cells can build up and give the appearance of textured skin or generally rough skin. Additionally, any pimples or acne scarring may be more difficult to resolve in this area and also contribute to uneven texture.
- Face:
Milia and clogged pores on the face can become enlarged over time, leading to an uneven texture and rough facial skin. Sun damage also contributes by breaking down the skin’s collagen, leading to a lack of elasticity and an uneven appearance.
- Neck:
Similarly, since this area is likely to be exposed to the sun, UV radiation will break down the skin’s collagen production over time, which can add to uneven skin texture on the neck.
- Legs:
Rough or bumpy skin on the legs may be caused by general dryness or, in some cases, a condition called keratosis pilaris (KP), which is a build-up of a protein called keratin, often showing up as small grainy skin on the body.
- Arms:
Your arms may also experience KP and have small bumps as a result, which you might notice as a slightly rough patch on the skin.
What are the causes of
TEXTURED SKIN & UNEVEN SKIN TEXTURE?
- Ageing:
As we age, the skin naturally loses its ability to readily produce elastin and consequently loses firmness, leading to an uneven texture and sometimes visibly rough skin.
- Dryness:
Dry skin, which may be the result of psoriasis or KP, can feel rough to the touch and may appear flaky, contributing to an overall uneven skin texture and rough patch on the skin.
- Acne:
Persistent and severe acne can leave the skin with pitted scars that leave the skin looking uneven and feeling like rough facial skin in certain areas.
- Sun exposure:
As we’ve covered, excess exposure to UV radiation can break down the skin’s collagen, causing it to lose elasticity. The sun can also cause the skin to become dry or rough, especially if you experience sunburn, which can worsen uneven skin texture over time.
- Genetics:
Genetics play a large role in your overall appearance and skin texture. If a parent or grandparent struggled with uneven skin texture or enlarged pores, then you’re more susceptible to experiencing it too.
- Skin conditions:
Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can cause rough, uneven skin texture and dryness in different areas of your body.
Identifying the underlying cause is the first and most crucial step in getting rid of uneven skin texture, since it’ll give you guidance on which solutions to pursue. If you’re still unsure, consult your dermatologist for a professional diagnosis and solution recommendation.
How can I get rid of
TEXTURED SKIN ON THE FACE & UNEVEN SKIN TEXTURE?
Determining the most suitable solution will depend on the severity and cause of your skin texture. In addition to the preventative tips mentioned earlier, here are some potential options to help you improve skin texture gently and consistently:
- Vitamin C:
This particularly effective skincare ingredient is widely regarded for having multiple benefits. Vitamin C helps to control excess sebum production with its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the possibility of pimples and clogged pores that can lead to rough facial skin and an uneven skin texture.
- AHAs:
Glycolic Acid is a popular example of an AHA, a chemical that’s suitable for many sensitive skin types. This ingredient works by removing the top layers of skin to reveal fresher skin beneath and also stimulates collagen and elastin production. You can find this in the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator, which also contains Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to deeply clean and refine skin pores and improve skin texture.
- Retinol:
Can help to stimulate cell turnover and control sebum overproduction by regulating the sebaceous glands. Retinol can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and overall texture, which is helpful if you’re trying to smooth out uneven skin texture.
- Anti-inflammatory topical ingredients:
Textured skin may be the result of inflammation, so to mitigate this you can use soothing topical ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Niacinamide and Turmeric. These can calm redness and support a smoother, less rough patch on the skin.
- Collagen support:
Using skincare containing collagen peptides (a topical form of collagen that can be absorbed by the skin) can help to plump skin and lips. It can also help to ease inflammation and improve the skin barrier, which may have become damaged from over-exfoliation, contributing to uneven skin texture or grainy facial skin.
- Hydrating ingredients:
Seeking out humectant ingredients is a great idea since they retain lots of moisture. Hyaluronic Acid is an example of this, which you can find in a number of NIVEA products. Well-hydrated skin often feels softer and helps reduce the look of rough skin areas.
- Professional options:
Laser therapy, chemical peels, micro-needling, and microdermabrasion are examples of clinical procedures available through professional providers. Speak to your dermatologist if your condition doesn’t improve after trying conventional, at-home options to improve skin texture.
- Remember, some options may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before making any drastic lifestyle changes or adopting a new skincare product to tackle uneven skin texture.
