8 Causes of Textured Skin and 5 Ways to Treat It, According to Dermatologists

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Searching for a smooth, bump-free complexion? Figuring how to get rid of textured skin is the best place to start. If your skin is full of highs and lows (literally), you’ve likely searched at-home solutions like acne treatments, anti-aging creams, the best face exfoliators, and beyond—but these can only do so much. Ahead, our experts share the best tips to help you get even, smoother skin.

Dermatologists explain how to get rid of textured skin, treatment methods, and exactly what causes it in the first place.

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; and Lesley Clark-Loeser, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Precision Skin Institute.

What is textured skin?

Textured skin can refer to a number of skin conditions, but in general it “refers to skin that may feel raised, bumpy, or uneven,” explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “This can be a result of breakouts, clogged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, rough, dry or irritated skin, as well as pores.”

How do I know if my skin texture is uneven?

You can tell if you have uneven skin texture by the way your skin looks and feels. If you can see or feel any sort of bumpy or otherwise raised areas while applying your skincare products or makeup, this may be an indicator of textured skin.

Some are more prone to experience textured skin than others, and your skin type may determine what type of texture you have, Dr. Garshick explains. “For example, those with oily skin may experience clogged pores and breakouts leading to more textural changes, while those with dry skin may experience rough, flaky patches that contribute to changes in texture.” Additionally, those with mature skin tend to experience things like fine lines and wrinkles, which can contribute to the skin’s overall texture, Dr. Garshick explains.

How to get rid of textured skin

While there are a slew of products and treatments that can make skin feel more even, “there really is no specific secret weapon or a one-size-fits-all all solution for textured skin, as its causes can be quite varied,” says Lesley Clark-Loeser, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Precision Skin Institute. “The key is knowing your skin or consulting with a dermatologist to help you understand your skin type and tailor a routine that is ideal for you.” In addition to discovering the cause of your skin texture, consider the below options for a smoother complexion.

The right skincare routine

For many causes of textured skin, the skincare products you apply can mean the difference between a smooth and bumpy complexion. For example, those who struggle with dry skin or dry patches should focus on using hydrating, moisturizing ingredients while those with acne should focus on using proven acne-fighting ingredients like exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids/retinol, Dr. Garshick says. For those who experience texture due to sun damage, fine lines, or wrinkles, at-home use of exfoliating acids, and products that induce collagen production like retinoids and growth factors can help smooth the skin, explains Dr. Clark-Loeser.

In-office treatments

If you aren’t satisfied with the results of at-home efforts to smooth skin, consider speaking to your dermatologist about professional skincare treatments, including:

• Microneedling: “Microneedling is collagen induction therapy that occurs with a device that contains microscopic needles that vibrate back and forth and are glided over the skin,” Corey L. Hartman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist previously explained. “The needles penetrate the epidermis and stimulate production of collagen and elastin.” The treatment may help smooth skin that feels textured due to fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and other textural irregularities like large pores, small bumps, and roughness.
• Lasers: Dr. Garshick says that certain lasers in a dermatologist’s office can help smooth the complexion, especially regarding acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. During your visit, your dermatologist will examine your skin and determine if a laser treatment is right for you, and if so, which kind would be best for your needs.
• Chemical peels: While at-home face peels can be very effective at treating uneven skin tone and texture, in-office chemical peels penetrate more deeply and may be needed for more severe cases. These peels smooth out the surface of the skin via exfoliation and help the skin produce more collagen, per Dr. Garshick. There are different types of chemical peels, and your dermatologist can help determine which is best for you.
• Injectables: Injections performed by a dermatologist, including Botox, fillers, and steroids, can be very helpful for treating several different textural irregularities, explains Dr. Garshick. Botox and fillers may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while steroids may help minimize the appearance of acne scars and certain types of acne.

What causes textured skin?

Below, find some of the most common causes of textured skin to help you figure out how to best care for your complexion:

1. Rosacea

Rosacea, a skin condition, is a common reason for textured skin in adults and young adults, explains Dr. Clark-Loeser. In fact, the skin condition, characterized by flushed skin (usually on the cheeks) and bumps or pimples, affects more than 14 million Americans. Dr. Clark-Loeser suggests a “less is more” approach to treating rosacea via gentle products. Products containing niacinamide and sulfur soap can be particularly helpful.

2. Milia

Milia, which appear as “small white or yellow papules” are a type of cyst that appears on the skin due to trapped dead skin, Dr. Garshick explains. “While certain people may be more susceptible than others, it can occur in all ages, genders, races and ethnicities.” Exfoliating acids and retinol/retinoids may be effective at preventing milia, but seeing your dermatologist for manual extraction is often the best way to have milia removed.

3. Dry Skin

Whether due to your skin type or from environmental factors, dry skin can contribute to “less smooth and even possibly bumpy skin,” Dr. Clark-Loeser explains. “Extreme temperatures and humidity, like cold temperatures with low humidity or hot climates with either very low or high humidity can challenge the barrier function of the skin, resulting in inflammation and dryness.” There are lots of dry skin treatments, like using mild cleansers, the best moisturizers for dry skin, and gentle facial exfoliants.

4. Blackheads and whiteheads

“Blackheads and whiteheads are types of breakouts known as comedones and may occur when the pores become clogged,” Dr. Garshick says. Blackheads, or open comedones, appear darker because the clogged pore is open to the air which causes oxidation. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are not open to the air, appearing lighter in color. “The best way to treat blackheads and whiteheads is with the use of retinoids, as well as exfoliating acids to help prevent the buildup of dead skin,” Dr. Garshick says.

5. Acne

In addition to blackheads and whiteheads (which are non-inflammatory acne), inflammatory acne like papules and pustules, also contributes to textured skin. This type of acne “results from a combination of oil, inflammation, bacteria, and buildup of dead skin cells.” Garshick recommends using acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.

6. Acne scars

A common result of mild to severe acne, “acne scars also contribute to textural changes as scars may be raised or depressed,” Dr. Garshick says. “In some cases, the treatment may include lasers or microneedling to help boost collagen production or steroid injections to help flatten keloid or hypertrophic scars.”

7. Fine lines and wrinkles

“While fine lines and wrinkles are normal, they may become more pronounced with age and lead to textural changes in the skin,” explains Dr. Garshick. Luckily, if these visible signs of aging bother you, there are a variety of treatments to help smooth the skin, like at-home use of retinoids, peptides, growth factors, and sun protections, as well as in-office procedures including neuromodulators (like Botox) and lasers, Dr. Garshick adds.

8. Sun damage

According to Dr. Clark-Loeser, “Accumulated sun damage, with or without precancerous lesions,” can also contribute to overall skin texture. In addition to causing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots, sun damage can cause other textural changes like rough patches and loose skin, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Treat sun damage with the same topicals you would use on fine lines and wrinkles (with an emphasis on SPF), says Dr. Clark-Loeser, and schedule a visit with your dermatologists to rule out skin cancer and find out your options for in-office skin smoothing procedures.

How to prevent textured skin

Sometimes it can be hard to avoid a bit of skin texture every once in a while, but following a skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns can go a long way toward mitigating the many causes of textured skin. Consider using topical exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) to buff away dryness and dead skin, and always be sure to use at least SPF 30 to prevent sun damage and skin cancer, Dr. Clark-Loeser and Dr. Garshick note.

Does skin texture change with age?

The texture of your skin does tend to change with age. This occurs due to the “loss of collagen” which “causes changes in skin texture leading to fine lines, wrinkles, as well as enlarged pores,” Dr. Garshick explains.

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