What causes the skin to be rough or have texture?

Outside the world of airbrushed photographs and Snapchat filters, having skin texture is normal! Your skin is your first line of defense between you and the outside world. Different factors like pollution, stress, sun damage, age, and skin conditions like acne and eczema contribute to your skin’s texture. These factors can also cause wrinkles, dark spots, and scarring, which also contribute to how your skin feels and looks.

Seasonal changes also affect your skin’s texture. The dry air during the fall and winter months results in a lack of moisture and hydration on your skin. When your skin is dry, the surface becomes rough and flaky. If you’re struggling with an uneven skin texture this fall, here are some tips you can incorporate into your fall skincare routine for a smoother complexion.

Cleanse regularly

Using a gentle cleanser every morning and night will remove dirt, oil, and environmental toxins from your skin, which can clog pores and cause skin aging. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t further irritate and inflame your skin, especially if you’re dealing with acne.

Exfoliate

It’s so important to regularly exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells that build-up on the surface. Salicylic acid and lactic acid are two of our favorite exfoliants that remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and can also penetrate deep into your pores, which is a plus if you have clogged pores or acne. 

Moisturize

Dry skin leads to a dull, rough, and flaky appearance. Using a moisturizer after you wash your face every morning and evening is a great way to lock in hydration. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer with added ceramides or hyaluronic acid to give your skin an extra boost of hydration. Also, adding a face oil on top of your moisturizer can add an extra layer of hydration, especially during the winter months.

Eat well

What you eat affects your entire body, including your skin. Try to minimize the number of refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and added sugars in your diet. Eating large amounts of these types of food interfere with the balance of your gut microbiome. This disruption can lead to system-wide inflammation, including inflammation with your skin.

Use an SPF

One of our favorite ways to improve skin texture is prevention! Sun damage can lead to inflammation of the skin, dark spots, and scarring. If you have breakouts, exposure to the sun also increases the likelihood of scarring. Using an SPF of at least 30 every day is a great way to reduce sun damage and prevent irritation and scarring on your skin.