7 Ways to Improve Skin Texture That You’ve Never Heard Before?

Everyone embarks on the quest for smoother, more radiant skin texture at some point in their life. However, this age is different for everyone. Some people struggle with acne scars and bumpy skin texture after puberty. Others are fortunate to have clear smooth skin during their teenage years and into adulthood, but sun damage and age-related hormonal changes can contribute to dry, rough skin. No matter your situation, if you’re wondering how to get clear, smooth skin, read below for 7 ways to improve skin texture.

6 ways to improve skin texture

Exfoliate on a regular basis

Exfoliation is any process that removes dead skin cells from the outermost layer of skin. The buildup of dead and keratinized skin cells can take a toll on your skin’s texture and appearance, which is why exfoliating on a regular basis is important to achieve smooth skin. There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation, also referred to as mechanical exfoliation, utilizes an abrasive substance to scrub away dead skin cells through motion. Chemical exfoliation utilizes chemical agents to break up dead skin cells, allowing them to be washed away more easily.
While both methods of exfoliation can help with skin texture improvement, most skin care experts recommend using chemical exfoliants. This is because physical exfoliants, like microbeads and crushed walnut shells, are too abrasive for the skin and may cause microtears and irritation. Thus, it is best to look for an over-the-counter product that contains chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid. These ingredients exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the top layers of skin) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased. Ultimately, this helps to improve uneven skin texture, resulting in smoother, softer skin.

Our top recommendations is Carrot & Stick The Micro Polish Exfoliator

Keep skin pores clear with a AHA/ BHA

Pores are another thing to consider when it comes to skin texture improvement. If you have big pores on your face, you may have tried products that claim to “shrink” or “tighten” pores. However, it is actually a common misconception that skin pores can be tightened. This is because skin pores do not have muscles around their opening to allow them to open and close. So, rather than purchasing products that make false claims about tightening pores, it’s best to focus on keeping pores clear. When skin pores are clear, they appear smaller and less noticeable.

Our top pick is Carrot & Stick The Micro Peel, which is a daily peel serum for skin texture.

Vitamin C to even out skin texture + tone

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is well known to help even out skin tone, improve uneven skin texture, fade dark spots, and brighten the complexion. Vitamin C donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as the superoxide ion and peroxide that are generated when the skin is exposed to UV light. This is important because ROS can damage important cellular components, such as DNA and collagen, which can lead to lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.

Vitamin C also has the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. This is accomplished through inhibition of melanin synthesis. Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin color, but too much of this pigment can lead to undesirable dark spots called hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C decreases melanin formation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that is required for melanin synthesis. The result is skin that appears brighter with less dark spots and a more even skin tone.

Our top pick is Carrot & Stick The Defense Serum

Probiotics for skin texture improvement

The use of probiotics in skin care is a relatively new trend that is claimed to promote clear, flawless skin by restoring the skin’s microbiome. The microbiome is a population of many types of bacteria (over 10,000 different species) that are both good and bad. When there’s more bad bacteria than good, skin conditions like acne, sensitive skin, and bumpy, uneven skin texture can develop. Thus, keeping the microbiome balanced is critical in maintaining healthy skin. This is where probiotics come into the picture. Probiotics include various strains of helpful bacteria that collaborate with your skin. Scientists have identified a few strains of bacteria that are able to improve the appearance of the skin by strengthening it through improved barrier function. Overall, probiotic skin care products are another option for skin texture improvement.

We recommend Carrot & Stick The Face Cream.

Try a chemical peel

Chemical peels can be an effective way to improve skin texture if you’re willing to spend the time (and money!) making a trip to your dermatologist’s office. There are several different types of chemical peels that don’t require a prescription (i.e. salicylic acid). Medium peels use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in concentrations ranging between 25% and 50%. Deep peels use high concentrations of TCA or phenol to strip away more layers of skin. While chemical peels are lauded for their ability to promote clear, smooth skin, that doesn’t mean they don’t have any drawbacks. As the name implies, a chemical peel causes the skin to literally peel off, along with redness, stinging, numbness, and burning of the skin. Chemical peels also increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s imperative to wear sunscreen every day for months after the peel to prevent serious damage.

Our top pick is Formulyst The Spot Peel