Pores, spots, bumps and dry patches – all of these make up our skin texture and are completely normal. So why do so many people desire for flawless, airbrushed skin?
Many people believe that having healthy skin means having a smooth, filter-like complexion. But the reality is that our texture is part of our skin’s natural function and healing process. With that being said, it’s okay to want to minimise the appearance of uneven skin texture. So whatever your concern, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface.
What is textured skin?
Skin texture refers to rough, uneven or bumpy skin that’s often categorised by enlarged pores, dry skin, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne and acne scarring. Textured skin is most noticeable on certain areas of the face but it can appear anywhere on the body. It usually goes hand-in-hand with uneven skin tone, such as hyperpigmentation.
What causes textured skin?
There are a number of factors that can impact the health of our skin, the most common being:
- Ageing – as we age, our skin gradually loses elasticity and firmness while skin cell turnover slows down which leads to dry and uneven texture
- Sun exposure – excess UV radiation on the skin can break down collagen production, causing a loss in elasticity and an increase in roughness
- Genetics – if your parents or grandparents experienced uneven skin texture then you’re more susceptible to having it too
- Skin conditions – such as eczema and psoriasis can cause dry, rough, red and flaky patches of skin
- Acne – a build-up of dead skin cells and enduring a persistent flare-up of acne can cause bumpy and uneven skin, especially if they leave behind acne scars.
How can I improve textured skin?
There’s no quick fix for banishing your skin texture woes, however, there are a handful of things you can try that may help minimise the appearance of uneven skin texture. It’s worth noting that what works for one person may not work as well for the other, it’s very much a case of trial and error to see what works best for you. With that in mind, here are our top tips.
Tip 1: Double cleanse
The best skincare routines start with a double cleanse. Whether you wear make-up or not, cleansing your skin helps dissolve daily impurities, pollutants and make-up. Start with an oil-based cleanser like the nourishing No7 Cleansing Balm, enriched with No7’s Tri-Vit Complex and grapeseed oil to smooth away dryness and retain moisture.
For a deeper clean, follow with a foaming or creamy cleanser like the indulgent No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser. The formula wraps skin in a luxurious lather while the exfoliating muslin cloth polishes away dead skin cells.
Tip 2: Exfoliate regularly
Once your skin is cleansed, go in with a gentle exfoliator. This helps lift away dead skin cells and promote new growth, which may help unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Look for exfoliators enriched with vitamin C, as this may help control excess sebum production, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores. The Radiance+ Daily Energising Exfoliating Cleanser buffs away daily dirt and impurities, all while brightening the skin for an even-looking complexion.
Go one step further and consider using an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) such as Glycolic Acid in your routine. This wonder ingredient supports the skin’s natural renewal process, helping to clarify, refine and even texture. Opt for the No7 Laboratories Resurfacing Peel 15% Glycolic Acid, formulated to promote skin surface revitalisation to reveal smoother-looking skin.
Tip 3: Moisturise daily
As we mentioned earlier, a common sign of uneven skin texture is dry skin. To help combat dryness, it’s important to keep skin hydrated by using a moisturiser in the morning and evening. Doing this may help balance skin’s sebum production, prevent flaky and dry patches as well as replenish any lost moisture.
Wake up and apply the Derm Solutions™ Lightweight Hydrating Lotion post-cleanse to hydrate skin for up to 100 hours, and let our Adaptopro Complex™ and blend of ceramides, niacinamide and adaptogens support the skin’s delicate moisture barrier. Come night-time, massage Future Renew™ Damage Reversal Night Cream into your skin to reverse the visible signs of skin damage (such as uneven skin texture) while you sleep.
Tip 4: Minimise harsh skincare ingredients
While it can be difficult to pick out what ingredients are best suited for your specific skincare needs, it’s important not to introduce too many harsh ingredients at once. Doing this can strip the skin of its natural oils which can then exacerbate dryness and irritation. Opt for gentle products that don’t contain any harsh chemicals, like the Derm Solutions™ Calming Gel Cleanser which maintains the skin barrier for a clean, supple and hydrated feeling.
Tip 5: Wear an SPF
The finishing touch to any routine? Applying an SPF. Whether you’re new to this step or it’s your holy grail, wearing SPF should be non-negotiable – aim for at least factor 30, if not higher. This is because UV rays from the sun penetrate deeply into the skin, causing premature ageing, as well as depleting collagen production which can lead to a loss in skin elasticity and uneven skin texture.
Help protect your skin by finishing your routine with a moisturiser containing an SPF, like the Future Renew™ Damage Reversal 40 SPF Day Cream. The skin-loving formula offers UV protection, along with a powerful and unique peptide blend that works to support the skin’s natural self-repair process. For an ultra-light solution, try spritzing the Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Anti-Ageing Sun Protection Spray SPF 30 onto skin to help protect it against UV rays, all while delivering anti-age benefits. The light-as-air formula is easily absorbed, doesn’t clog pores and is perfect for spraying on top of your make-up too.
Tip 6: Enjoy a healthy lifestyle
Diet, exercise and sleep are all additional contributing factors to skin texture. While there’s no magic diet or specific food that will give you glowing skin, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can work wonders for your complexion. Exercise is also thought to improve collagen production and increase blood flow, which may help bring more oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Finally, when it comes to our beauty sleep, the goal is to aim for seven to nine hours per night to allow crucial time for skin repair. A lack of sleep may accelerate the ageing process, cause dryness and disrupt the skin barrier.
