We’re all after smooth skin, but the reality is that most of us experience uneven skin texture. This common concern can affect all skin types and often presents as flaky, rough or uneven skin. Whether due to acne, aging or pore size, texture issues can make skin look flat, dull and less youthful. Here’s our guide to what causes uneven skin texture and how to fix it.
Causes of uneven skin texture
During your lifetime, your skin will undergo many changes that affect and alter its surface. These are the most common causes of uneven skin texture:
1. Dryness
Dryness is a common cause of uneven skin texture. Dry skin is characterized by an insufficient supply of oils and lipids, which lubricate the skin and keep its moisture barrier intact. Without adequate moisture, dry skin has difficulty turning over and shedding its cells properly. This causes dead skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin, making it look rough, flaky and dull.
Smoothing out dry skin is as simple as learning two steps in your skincare routine: exfoliating and moisturizing. Regular exfoliation with a a physical or chemical exfoliant removes dead cells from the surface of the skin and makes way for healthy cells hidden beneath. Follow up with a moisturizer that is rich in triglycerides and fatty acids. These beneficial ingredients not only replenish moisture, but also strengthen your skin’s lipid barrier. Together, these steps keep skin soft, smooth and supple for longer.
2. Acne
The most obvious symptom of acne is the change it makes to the surface of the skin. From small raised bumps to large inflammatory comedies, All types of spots can cause uneven and irregular skin. Depending on the severity of your acne, they could be isolated to one area or cover your entire skin.
Acne is caused by a mixture of factorsincluding excess oil, bacteria, hormones and genetics. A characteristic of acne-prone skin is that it doesn’t turn over effectively. Pores become clogged and the combination of oil, dead skin and bacteria leads to breakouts. Salicylic acid has a long history of effectively and efficiently treating acne. This gentle BHA clears clogged pores, calms angry skin and prevents future breakouts. With regular use, it contributes to a smoother, more even complexion.
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3. Acne scars
If you are prone to picking and popping, acne scars may appear on your skin. As the spots heal, your skin mounts an inflammatory response to repair the damaged tissue. This disrupts collagen production and structure, causing scars to sink into the skin. These usually appear as ice, cart, and/or rolling scars that disrupt an otherwise smooth surface.
You can improve the appearance of acne scars with a two-pronged approach that rejuvenates and plumps your skin’s texture. Look for natural exfoliants like rice flour and lactic acid (an AHA) to improve your skin’s surface as well as ingredients like vitamin C and botanical hyaluronic acid to improve elasticity and plump your skin.
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4. Fine lines & wrinkles
As you age, your skin’s stores of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid deplete. In addition, skin turnover slows down and your skin becomes increasingly dry and rough. Without adequate structural support, your skin can develop a variety of wrinkles, from crow’s feet and laugh lines to wrinkled skin and gravity creases. Each of these affects the texture of your skin, causing lines and wrinkles on its surface.
One way to smooth fine lines and wrinkles is to use skin care formulated with peptides. Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar he tells us that these complex molecules “trigger the body’s own natural processes to rebuild longer-chain proteins,” such as collagen and elastin. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, the peptides reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote firmer, more elastic skin.
5. Apple tree
Do you have tiny white bumps around your eye area? They could be milia. Often mistaken for acne, these small cysts are actually filled with keratin, a type of protein found in skin tissue, hair cells, and nails. When keratin builds up, it can become trapped and form small cysts just below the surface of the skin. Apples usually appear in clusters around the eye area, but can also appear on the cheeks and forehead.
While milia often clear up on their own, stubborn cases may require extraction by a licensed professional. It can be tempting to attack milia at home, but picking and popping can lead to inflammation, infection, and scarring (which will only worsen uneven skin texture). A licensed esthetician will use a small blade or needle to make a tiny incision in each milium and release the keratin blockage.
6. Large resources
Leather with Large pores can take on an orange peel-like texture. Pore size is determined by genetics, but can become enlarged due to congestion and the aging process. When oil and dirt clog your pores, the diameter of the opening actually expands. As you age and your skin becomes less elastic, it loses its ability to “bounce back” and pores become even more visible.
For this type of uneven skin texture, you want to clear congestion and improve elasticity. Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) dissolve the “glue” that holds dead skin cells to the surface of the skin and helps keep pores clear. Continue with a Natural retinol alternative that tightens and tightens skin without the irritation of a chemical retinoid. According to Natalie, another way to improve skin texture and dull skin is with an at-home facial. Watch this In The Mix to learn more.
Prprofessional skin texture treatments
In addition to the home care routine, there are several professional-grade treatments that can improve uneven skin texture. If you struggle with acne or skin sensitivity, we recommend that you consult your esthetician before booking a treatment.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a type of natural exfoliation that uses a specialized device to remove the surface layer of skin. As dead skin is removed, this process reveals new skin cells that look and feel smoother.
Professional Peeling
Professional peels is a more powerful and concentrated version of your home exfoliator. They provide a high percentage of active ingredients to break the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface of your skin. These peels usually use fruit acids like papaya or pineapple, which, in addition to exfoliating the skin, are rich antioxidants that minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is another professional treatment that can rebuild the skin. In this procedure, a medical-grade scalpel is scraped across the surface of the skin to remove a surface layer of dead skin cells. This provides an immediate brightening and smoothing effect for dull textured skin.
The bottom line
As we’ve seen, achieving smooth, even skin texture is a common goal, but many factors can cause unevenness, from dryness and acne to aging and large pores. By understanding the root causes and implementing a targeted skin care routine, you can improve the texture and appearance of your skin. Regular exfoliation and moisturizing, along with the use of specific ingredients like salicylic acid, peptides and AHAs, can make a big difference. For stubborn problems, professional treatments like microdermabrasion, peels, and dermaplaning offer advanced solutions you might find in a spa.
Looking for even more solutions to even out your skin’s texture? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa partner to receive personalized product recommendations from a licensed esthetician.
