Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Angela Vaz
I know what it feels like to struggle with skin texture because I’ve struggled with acne for over 20 years.
If you have acne and you haven’t been able to kick it, read this post.
I’ll also include several other posts at the bottom of this post (because I have written a lot about acne from personal experience).
I’m now in my 30s and trust me when I say that it’s not something that you can get rid of quickly.
I used to stare at my reflection, running my fingers over the tiny bumps on my cheeks, forehead, and chin, wondering why my skin didn’t feel as smooth as I wanted it to.
Social media makes it worse – I used to wonder how people achieved “glass skin.”
No matter how much makeup I applied, the uneven texture was always noticeable.
I have tried countless products, from drugstore scrubs to expensive serums, but nothing seemed to work—until I truly understood my skin and what it needed.
The journey to smooth skin isn’t just about using the right products; it’s about creating a holistic routine that works for your unique skin type.
I mean this.
If you’re dealing with bumpy, rough, or uneven skin texture, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone, and there are proven ways to achieve the smooth, radiant complexion you’ve always dreamed of.
Let’s dive into the causes of skin texture and, more importantly, the effective ways to eliminate it.
What Causes Skin Texture?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand what causes uneven skin texture in the first place. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Dead Skin Cell Buildup – When your skin doesn’t shed dead cells properly, they can accumulate and create a rough, dull surface.
- Clogged Pores – Excess oil, dirt, and makeup can clog pores, leading to bumps and rough patches.
- Acne Scarring – Previous breakouts can leave behind uneven marks and pitted scars that affect skin texture.
- Sun Damage – Prolonged sun exposure can lead to rough, leathery skin and hyperpigmentation.
- Dehydration – Lack of moisture can make skin appear flaky and rough.
- Aging – As we age, collagen production slows down, leading to a loss of elasticity and a more uneven texture.
How to get rid of Skin Texture?
Now that we know what causes uneven skin texture, let’s understand how we can smoothen our skin more.
1. Exfoliate your Skin
Exfoliating regularly is one of the best ways to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother surface.
There are two types of exfoliation to consider:
- Physical Exfoliation: Using scrubs with gentle particles (like jojoba beads or rice powder) to manually buff away dead skin cells.
- Don’t do this, because this is too harsh – and we overdid physical exfoliation in the 90s. It wasn’t a good idea.
- Chemical Exfoliation: Using acids like AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- What Works Best: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant I don’t suggest using any other products. I’ve tried and tested both of these and they work, period!
- How often: 2-3 times per week, depending on skin sensitivity
2. Drink a lot of water
Dehydrated skin can appear rough and flaky.
To combat this, make sure you’re hydrating both internally and externally:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Use hydrating serums with Snail Mucin (this one is my favorite because it works rather quickly) to plump the skin.
- Use a moisturizer with ceramides and glycerin to lock in the hydration. This is super important! I am currently using this and I love it.
3. Use a Retinoid for Skin Renewal
Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, are known to boost cell turnover and improve skin texture over time.
They help smooth out rough patches, fade acne scars, and even skin tone.
This works slowly but it works!
- Start with an over-the-counter retinol and gradually build up to prescription-strength tretinoin if needed.
- Apply at night and always follow up with sunscreen in the morning.
This product is expensive (I know), but read the reviews and judge for yourself. Even though I was hesitant to buy it at first you feel the results within a week – your skin becomes smooth and so beautiful.
4. Don’t forget Sunscreen
Sun exposure can worsen skin texture and lead to premature aging. Using sunscreen daily is crucial to maintaining a smooth complexion.
- Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher.
- Reapply every 2.5 hours when exposed to direct sunlight.
I only suggest using La Roche Possay. It’s the best sunscreen I’ve ever used!
5. Incorporate Niacinamide for Even Skin Tone
If you’re like me and have a lot of hyperpigmentation as well, I suggest using niacinamide as well.
Why?
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, helps to reduce redness, minimize pores, and even out skin texture.
It’s got no side effects and it’s very easy to incorporate in any routine!
I only use Niacinamide 10% by The Ordinary.
If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, read this post I wrote recently.
6. Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Choices
Okay, I know it’s a given.
But I have to include this because this is something so many of us overlook.
Please read this post if you’re looking to incorporate foods to get rid of acne.
Your diet and lifestyle play a significant role in your skin’s health. To support smoother skin:
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, nuts).
- Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.
- Get enough sleep to allow your skin to repair itself overnight.
- Manage stress, as it can lead to breakouts and skin texture issues.
7. Professional Treatments for Stubborn Texture
If your skin texture doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, please go to a skin clinic.
Severe texture cannot be remedied with products. My partner has very deep acne scarring and this is something that can only be corrected by a clinic.
They have the professional experience to help you with this. They might suggest:
- Chemical Peels: Help remove dead skin layers and stimulate collagen production.
- Microdermabrasion: Gently exfoliates and resurfaces the skin.
- Laser Treatments: Target deeper layers of the skin to promote regeneration.
Final Thoughts
Achieving smooth, even skin texture takes time, patience, and consistency.
I know it’s difficult to wait.
There’s no overnight fix, but by incorporating the right products and habits into your skincare routine, you’ll start to notice improvements over time.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to find what works best for you.
Don’t get discouraged if progress feels slow—every small step brings you closer to your skincare goals.
Keep experimenting, stay hydrated, and most importantly, be kind to your skin!
Have you found any skincare tricks that have worked wonders for your texture? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Read these posts if you need more help:
How to clear your skin in the next 10 weeks if you have acne
How to feel confident with acne
9 foods to eat to get rid of cystic chin acne
5 best foundations for oily and acne-prone skin
11 ways to get glowing skin naturally
5 foods that cleared my hormonal acne
Considering Accutane? Try these 14 things before going on Accutane
