Before we start, let’s answer this question: What is textured skin? It sounds super obvious, but this term includes any sort of texture you might see on your face or body, such as breakouts, bumps, enlarged pores, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, roughness and dry, flaky patches.
It’s important to note that textured skin is *perfectly* normal. But when you see hyper-smooth (and hyper-filtered) faces on Instagram and TikTok, it can make you think everyone else has skin that’s 100% flawless… and send you frantically googling “how to get glass skin.” Let us reassure you, everyone has some sort of skin texture. We’re human, after all! That said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to achieve your best skin texture. Read on to find out what causes textured skin and learn 5 proven solutions to help you improve uneven skin texture and get the smooth, glowing, healthy-looking skin you deserve.
What causes textured skin?
One of the biggest causes of textured skin is a build-up of dead skin cells. This build-up can make your skin feel dry and rough, and lead to flaky patches that cling to foundation and cause your makeup to look cakey and unnatural. If “how to prevent cakey foundation” is another one of your google searches, we’re here to say that improving your skin texture is one surefire way to do it!
Dead skin cells can also mix with sebum and create a sticky mixture that clogs your pores. This causes the lining of the pore to become stretched out and enlarged (i.e. the dreaded “orange peel” texture). And when gunk in your pores comes into contact with bacteria, it can lead to bumps and breakouts, as well as potential acne scarring.
The natural aging process and excess sun exposure also cause changes to skin texture. Skin produces less collagen and elastin as we age, leading to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen loss also contributes to enlarged pores, because skin loses the elasticity that’s necessary to keep pores tight. And in case you didn’t know this already, excess UV exposure speeds up this process by triggering collagen breakdown. (We know, eek.)
How to get rid of textured skin
If you’re freaking out a bit after that last section, take a deep breath! We didn’t mean to alarm you, we just wanted to give you the facts. Now it’s time to learn some easy at-home solutions to improve skin texture instantly and transform your texture over time. Ready? Let’s get started:
1. Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation is key to improving skin texture, because it prevents dead skin cells from building up on your skin’s surface. “When you exfoliate regularly, you’re removing the dead skin cells that lead to flakes, breakouts and uneven texture,” explains master esthetician Kendal Galette. “Plus, you’re also helping to support your skin’s natural collagen-building process.”
DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning is a safe and gentle way for all skin types to exfoliate—and as a bonus, remove peach fuzz. “You’ll notice that your foundation goes on more smoothly without peach fuzz,” adds Galette.
You’ll see smoother skin texture the first time you Flash, and even better results if you commit to sonic dermaplaning once a week. Our clinicals studies show that 100% of women noticed improved skin texture after just 1 use, and 97% had visible fine lines and wrinkles after 4 weeks.
“Little skin texture imperfections that I’ve had for years and thought I was stuck with have flaked off after 2 uses,” says LUXE+ customer Connie S.
2. Keep skin hydrated: When skin is dehydrated, your texture can feel rough, and your skin can look parched and crepey. The solution: use a hydrating + barrier-boosting serum 2X per day to replenish moisture and “plump up” your skin’s surface. Look for tried and true hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, niacinamide to repair skin’s barrier, and ectoin to reduce inflammation.
We formulated HYDRAFLASH Cocooning Serum to wrap your skin in lightweight hydration while also helping to support collagen production, visibly brighten, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. “I use it regularly and I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin's texture and firmness,” says user Marjorie Star.
3. Unclog your pores: If you’re proactive about keeping your pores clear, you’re less likely to end up with whiteheads and blemishes that lead to bumpy texture. In addition to using LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning once a week, apply an exfoliating toner twice a day to help control oil and prevent gunk from building up in the lining of your pores. Botanical Ketoacid Toner includes a blend of salicylic, lactic, malic and floral acids that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Extractions also help clear pores, but you’ve got to do them right. “Never squeeze clogged pores or use a sharp metal tool,” Galette cautions. “I have my clients use DERMAPORE+ to remove clogs. The ultrasonic vibrations gently loosen up the sebum and dead skin that’s clogging your pores, and the rounded spatula extracts it safely.”
4. Wear your SPF: This is an easy one! Wearing a Broad Spectrum sunscreen every day helps protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays that cause collagen breakdown and lead fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.
5. Remove your makeup every single night: Thoroughly cleansing your face before bed prevents clogged pores and removes daily grime and pollution that can lead to inflammation and premature skin aging. It’s a key step for keeping your skin texture looking smooth and healthy.
There you have it, five ways to improve your skin texture at home! Whether you prefer a no-makeup look or you’re a makeup lover, these tips will help you achieve your best skin texture, cake-free foundation and a healthy glow.
