8 ways to smooth out uneven skin texture

Following the steps of your skincare routine can be soothing and self-affirming. But sometimes as you massage in your moisturizer you may notice new issues like uneven skin texture. 

If rough or uneven skin is plaguing you, here are some common causes and tips for smoothing skin out. 

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Different factors can lead dead skin to buildup leaving your complexion looking rough. Let’s take a closer look at some of the causes and factors that can lead to uneven skin texture.

Aging

The epidermis (your skin’s outermost layer) gets thinner with age, which makes it more vulnerable to damage. As time goes by, your skin is exposed to more external factors like sun damage, smoking, and others that lead to an uneven skin texture. This combination may lead to skin that feels drier or looks more wrinkly (Zhang, 2018). 

Cell turnover, which is when dead skin is shed and replaced with new skin, also slows down as we age. Too many dead cells not only dull the appearance of skin but also contribute to enlarged pores and areas of roughness. Our levels of collagen, a protein that helps skin look fuller, also decreases with age leading to fine lines and wrinkles (Zhang, 2018; Rodan, 2016).

Sun damage

Roughly 80% of skin changes we see on our face as we age is from sun exposure. Sun damage speeds up the aging process, resulting in wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin. Sun damage also lowers collagen levels, which may make wrinkles and uneven skin texture more noticeable (Zhang, 2018; Rodan, 2016).

Skin type

Healthy skin requires lots of hydration. If you have a dry skin type, not getting enough water can make it appear dull and coarse in texture. Our skin also naturally gets drier over time (Gade, 2022; Zhang, 2018).

Skin conditions like sebaceous keratosis, acne vulgaris, rosacea, and melasma can also affect skin texture. Scar tissue from acne scarring may create uneven skin texture and areas of bumpiness (Samargandy, 2022).

Lifestyle factors

Finally, lifestyle factors, such as smoking or drinking too little water, may affect your skin texture. Smoking can prematurely age your skin, changing the thickness or density of skin to different degrees. And your skin may feel more dry and uneven if you’re dehydrated (Yazdanparast, 2019; Liska, 2019).

If your skin looks like it needs some rejuvenating, here are some tips to get you started.

1. Keep hydrated

Improving uneven skin texture may be as simple as drinking more water. Studies show that staying hydrated does the same for skin, making it feel less dry and more smooth (Liska, 2019).

Be sure to keep up with a daily moisturizing routine, too. Using a gentle cleanser and topical moisturizer helps iron out rough patches and improve your skin barrier function (Draelos, 2020; Rodan, 2016). 

In one small study, participants with dry skin who followed a twice-daily regimen of facial cleansers followed by moisturizer reported better skin texture and significantly less dryness than those who didn’t use moisturizer (Kim, 2022).

2. Wear sunscreen

Protecting your face with a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen goes a long way in preventing sun damage, which can lead to an uneven skin texture. In one study, participants who wore sunscreen daily over a one-year period saw noticeable improvements in skin texture, clarity, and pigmentation (Randhawa, 2016). 

3. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate

Everyone deals with dead skin cells, but the good news is you can wash them away with a weekly exfoliating routine. Try a nice exfoliating scrub, chemical exfoliant, sonic cleaning brush, or exfoliating mitt. Gently rub your skin in a circular motion, paying special attention to areas that feel rough or uneven.

Some chemical exfoliators may be better for people with sensitive skin or who have acne. These use acids––like glycolic, lactic, malic, or salicylic acid—to strip skin of dead cells and unclog pores (Rodan, 2016).

Avoid falling into the trap of over-exfoliating, however. Doing it too often, too hard, or with abrasive products can irritate the skin and worsen its texture (AAD, n.d.).

4. Try a chemical peel

This cosmetic procedure is a popular option for improving skin tone and texture. A chemical peel accelerates the exfoliation process by removing the top layer of skin. Chemical peels can rejuvenate the skin on your face, reduce pore size, and help skin issues like acne scars, rosacea, or pigmentary disorders (Samargandy, 2021). 

A warning ahead of time: chemical peels are stronger than traditional exfoliants you use at home. While you can do it DIY with a gentle mask, it’s best to schedule a treatment with a healthcare professional to avoid any flare-ups or burns.

5. Use a vitamin C serum

When it comes to skincare, vitamin C is your friend. This antioxidant may help reverse some signs of aging like smoothing out uneven skin texture. Topical vitamin C may also defend your face from many things that contribute to rough skin, such as enlarged pores, brown spots, and age spots (Zhang, 2018; Pullar, 2017). 

6. Explore topical retinoids and retinol

Retinoids help brighten and smooth skin, while also reversing signs of aging. They can increase collagen production, too, which helps fill out uneven skin textures (Zhang, 2018; Rodan, 2016).

To avoid irritation, start slowly and gradually add retinoids to your daily routine. It’s important to know that retinoids increases skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to pair it with at least an SPF 30 sunscreen (Rodan, 2016).

7. Stimulate collagen production with microneedling

During a microneedling treatment, a device with thin needles (called a dermaroller) is used on the skin. The procedure works by creating small injuries that trigger a repair response, in turn boosting collagen production. Some studies have shown microneedling to improve skin texture by as much as 50% (Iriarte, 2017). 

8. Look into laser resurfacing

For people with chronic skin issues, professional treatments like laser resurfacing are an option. This procedure uses a laser to delicately remove top layers of skin, which can improve skin texture, pigmentation, and acne scars (Pressig, 2012). 

It takes time for skin to adjust to a new routine, so be patient. These tips can help smooth out rough skin and strip away dead cells, but if uneven skin texture continues to be a problem or is caused by an underlying medical issue, talk to a dermatologist or healthcare professional. They can recommend the most effective products and treatments for you based on your skin type and concerns.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

June 13, 2022

Written by

Amelia Willson

Fact checked by

Chimene Richa, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Chimene Richa, MD

Dr. Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and medical writer for Ro.