How to improve uneven skin texture
Let’s face it, uneven skin texture can be frustrating. Sometimes it feels like no matter how much you scrub your face, it never seems to go away, or it always tends to come back. Honestly, this is completely normal for the majority of people out there. Skin is always being renewed day in and day out. With this newly formed skin, may come some uneven texture. There is a difference between uneven skin tone, and uneven skin texture, although some of the causes of both can be similar.
This article in particular will be about how to improve the texture of your skin and prevent problems such as, acne, rough/dry patches, or those pesky little bumps that form underneath the skin, that never seem to go away. Skin texture will never go away completely, thankfully, because that would mean no more new skin cells for your face, but there are a plethora of ways to improve skin texture through the use of makeup and skincare treatments that will make your skin super soft and youthful looking.
Causes of Uneven Skin Texture
Most texture issues are due to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of new ones. As new skin cells are formed on the face, the dead ones have two options, either to fall off, or to build up, forming a layer of unwanted texture, or even breakouts. Because of this, it’s always important to keep your skin clear of that debris.
Other skin problems such as dry skin, or even eczema and acne can prevent a smooth surface, which we’re all after. Some other causes aren’t so obvious though. Smoking can cause a lot of health problems on the inside of your body, but the effects also show up on your skin. Smoking decreases oxygen to other parts of the body, which is a big problem when it comes to your skin, considering skin is our largest organ. Lack of water is also a huge issue that a lot of people face without even knowing it. My biggest beauty secret is to drink as much water as you can. Consider your skin like a freshly cut apple. When an apple is left out in the harsh environment completely exposed, without any form of hydration, then it starts to break down, the same goes for your skin. Lack of water causes dullness, texture issues, uneven skin tone, and premature aging.
The sun and it’s harsh rays can also cause texture issues. Sun exposure is believed to contribute to many skin issues such as premature aging, uneven skin texture, sun spots, and even skin cancer. Always remember to wear your sunscreen kids! Aging is also a huge contributor to continued skin texture overtime. That’s okay though, because everyone ages, and with prevention, the effects of aging can be lessened, including texture issues.
So, considering all of the possible causes of texture issues, how do we make texture go away?
Clearing Up Skin Texture
The number one method that helped improve my skin issues, was washing my face with a balancing cleanser. Most people think that all facial cleansers are the same, but I assure you they are not, while other people buy a facial cleanser that claims to treat a certain skin condition such as dryness or acne.
I would personally recommend buying a cleanser that will balance out your skin’s PH level. I know that can be a scary thought if you have something like acne. But, most acne cleansers are just covering up the problem, and not solving it at it’s root. Acne products have a lot of alcohol in them, which is great for drying out the pimples, but it also dries out your whole face in the process. Overtime, your skin will start to look very dull, and will start to overproduce oil, which leads to more breakouts, which leads to more acne, which leads you to buying more acne covering products, and the cycle continues.
Always buy a cleanser that simply removes dirt and oil and allows your skin to breath. I personally use this Simple Cleanser which doesn’t dry out my skin and balances out my PH level. It’s also super affordable, which is a huge plus in my books!
Remember to always wash your face a maximum of twice a day, no more, because that may break down your skin’s protective layer if scrubbed too much. No matter what type of skin care products you’re using, make sure to incorporate a good moisturizer and a good SPF to form a protective layer on your skin and to not dry it out. Also remember to pat products into your skin, not rub.
Exfoliating is also an amazing way to clear your skin of all of that debris and dead skin cell buildup. There are tons of different ways to exfoliate. I recently picked up this Bath and Body Works face exfoliant and have been loving it, especially during the spring and summer because it smells like a much needed tropical vacation. Some other exfoliators I would recommend are
exfoliating beads. Exfoliating beads are basically the same thing as the scrub, but tend to be a bit harsher. A high end exfoliator that I have used and loved is one by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. They call it their budding grains, and it actually does feel like sand on your face. It made my skin super soft without dulling it down.
Another more pricey option is getting a facial scrubber like the Clarisonic, or something similar if you’re on a budget. I use my Clarisonic about twice a week and it has worked wonders on my skin. I truly believe that it cleanses all of the dirt, debris, and dead skin off of my face, all the way to the root. I would say it’s definitely something to invest in. Try not to over exfoliate, because you’ll end up getting the exact opposite result with your skin’s texture. Only exfoliate a maximum of twice a week.
If you want to go all out and have the budget for this, there are actually laser treatments that can cure uneven skin texture. A laser skin resurfacing improves and corrects a lot of things, not only skin texture issues, but also hyperpigmentation, wrinkle formation, acne scars, it also shrinks pores and tightens skin. I have personally never had this treatment done, but I know people that have and they have loved it. If it is in your budget, then give it a go!
If you’re more of a do it yourself type of person, then there are at home treatments available! You can try out exfoliating at home like I already said, or you can try out chemical peels and face masks/serums! For chemical face peels, I would suggest using a glycolic peel to improve the texture and longevity of your skin. Make sure that you test whatever products you are using on your hand before applying them to your face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Face masks are a huge contributor to my smooth skin. I have slowly but surely been trying to convert my skin care routine to all Korean beauty products. I know so many people that swear by them. I have been trying out these Dermal sheet masks over the past few weeks and have been in love. They make my skin feel and look alive. I use these after a good exfoliating session to make sure that my skin is hydrated and that all of the chemicals in the masks can really sink into my pores.
Another really good product that is always readily available and that I swear by is a vitamin C serum. I have been using this Mint Pear Vitamin C Serum. At the end of the day, our body needs vitamins, so it’s important to nourish ourselves so that we are healthy on the inside, and youthful looking on the outside. Vitamins such as vitamins C, A, and E help improve skin texture immensely because they are directly targeted for skin. Other really important fuels for the body that help our skin are dark leafy greens for skin clarity, and omega 3 fatty acids for longevity and elasticity.
Covering up Uneven Skin Texture
I believe that starting with improving your skincare routine is the first and most important step to clearing up texture issues. But, a much faster solution, and the one that most people go with, is covering up the texture first with makeup products. The first step to anyone’s makeup routine is usually to use a foundation primer to make sure your makeup lasts all day. I would
recommend using a silicone based primer. Silicone based primers like this one from Benefit Cosmetics creates a layer on top of any large pores or texture, and smoothes it all out to make your skin look even. The Professional from Benefit is also super affordable and cute! It’s slowly become a staple in many people’s beauty routines.
Another very common thing that people do to cover up skin issues is using a higher coverage foundation, thinking that it will cover everything. In fact, lower coverage foundations are actually less harsh on the skin and don’t tend to cling to any sort of dry patches caused from dryness, eczema, or acne. I know that a lighter coverage foundation isn’t for everyone, and I never thought in a million years that I would be using one myself. But, I promise that overtime, these lighter coverage coverups are going to improve your skin and be better for your skin’s longevity, as well as reduce breakouts.
I personally use my all time favorite drugstore foundation when I have texture issues, and that is the L’Oreal Pro Glow Foundation. It gives my skin a nice youthful glow, while still giving me a 24 hour longevity. It is also really easy to build up or to sheer down depending on how you’re feeling that day. To sheer it out I use a beauty sponge instead of a brush to spread out the foundation all over my face because a beauty sponge will soak up any excess product and give you a nice even and sheer coverage.
I think the main contributor to why texture can pop up, even under makeup is, is due to the powders we use. When it comes to texture, be sure to use a powder that is an HD micronized powder. This basically means that it is super finely milled and has less of a chance to cling to pores or dry patches. My personal two favorites are this MAC one and the Elf under eye HD Powder to set my under eyes. Another one that I have been hearing good things about is the NYX HD powder. Micronized powders also tend to have less flashback in photos. All together it’s a win win!
A huge trend going around right now is the highlighter craze. I know that I love a good highlighter that makes me glow like a star, but be picky when it comes to highlighters with texture issues. Most of the time, things like sparkles and extra shine in products will actually bring out that texture and call extra attention to it. You can try a less intense highlighter, or even using a liquid highlighter to smooth over the skin instead of sitting on top of it. Try to avoid highlighters that have sparkles in them as well, and opt for the ones that are more finely milled. Becca Cosmetics has one of my favorite formula for highlighters.
Try playing around with different makeup products using these tips and tricks to help cover texture issues, and also incorporate a good skin care routine, some healthy eating, and you’ll be on your way to clearer and smoother skin in no time!
Now What?
Now that you have all of this new information, you’re probably thinking, ok, now what do I do with all of this? I know that it’s a lot of information, and I know that it’s not practical to completely do a 180 in your life. That is why I would suggest starting off slow. Instead of ordering the fries at a restaurant, order the salad. After you’re all out of your facial cleanser, buy another one that balances out your PH levels. Or even create an alarm on your phone reminding you that today is your day to pamper your skin. Slow and steady always wins the race. Skin issues can be frustrating and sometimes it feels like they’ll never go away, but with conscious effort, and commitment, you never know what could happen. Also, try not to feel embarrassed about skin issues. There are millions of other people going through the same thing you are going through and that is completely fine. Remember that no one is perfect, and you are beautiful inside and out.
About the author
Madison Corum is a Michigan based makeup artist, caffeine addict, and full time blogger with a passion for all things beauty, fashion, and travel related. She runs the blog http://itslikelymads.com/ all about affordable beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle, helping you get what you want, go where you want, all while looking good and not breaking the bank! You can also check her out on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Further reading
If you like your gadgets, you might want to read up on other ways to improve skin texture using laser hair removal, light therapy, or ultrasonic exfoliation. Be sure to follow the tips in this article first, though. Even a pro airbrush makeup system can only do so much!