How to Treat Textured Skin: Causes & 9 Treatments & Clinic Solutions

Textured skin, such as dryness, visible pores, or scarring, is a common concern that can affect the surface quality and overall appearance of the skin. While variation in texture is completely normal, many individuals may choose to explore ways to support their skin health and surface quality.

The skin naturally regenerates as new cells replace old ones, which means roughness, large pores, or acne scars can be managed with the right approach. Understanding the underlying causes of textured skin is an important first step in managing and improving its appearance.

• Textured skin can be effectively treated through a variety of approaches. From good quality, science-based skin care to advanced professional treatments like chemical peels, fractional laser and even skin boosters, there are various treatments for different texture concerns.
• Dead skin cell buildup is a major factor in uneven texture. While the skin naturally sheds around 40,000 cells every hour, slowed cell turnover leads to rough patches, clogged pores, and a dull appearance.
• Consistency beats intensity for lasting improvements. Regular use of proven active ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid delivers more sustainable results than sporadic, aggressive treatments.
• Professional help is essential when at-home skincare isn’t enough. If department store products fail to improve texture despite consistent use, consulting a skincare therapist is recommended to design a customised treatment plan to support individual skin needs.
• Diet and lifestyle habits could be the culprit. Sun exposure, smoking/vaping, processed foods and medication (just to name a few) can contribute to uneven texture. Free radicals caused by sun, screen time and pollution can strip your skin of essential nutrients and poor diet choices and even some medications can alter your skin microbiome, causing enlarged pores, roughness or acne. 

At Esteem Clinic, we’ve helped many individuals address and manage skin texture with tailored, clinically backed treatments. In this article, we’ll explore what textured skin is, what contributes to it, and the various professional and at-home options available to help restore a smoother, more refined complexion.

What Is Textured Skin?

Textured skin refers to a surface that is less smooth and uniform. It may appear rough, bumpy, or dull to the eye and touch. While “flawless skin” is often portrayed as soft, smooth and airbrushed in the media, the truth is that most people experience some level of texture and changes in their skin.

Uneven skin texture can result from a variety of factors, including your skin type, age, environment, and overall health. Understanding what contributes to your skin’s texture can help guide appropriate care and treatment options.

How Skin Types Affect Texture

Each skin type has its own characteristics that influence how texture presents. However, it’s important to note that this is not the only factor. The type of skin simply outlines the most likely tendencies or patterns, but individual experiences may vary depending on factors like genetics, lifestyle, environment, and underlying skin conditions as well.

The most common skin types include:

• Normal Skin: Typically, the most balanced in texture with minimal irregularities. Pores are small, and oil production is well-regulated, resulting in a generally smooth and refined appearance.
• Dry Skin: Lack of natural oils in the skin, not to be confused with dehydrated skin, which is a lack of water-based molecules in the skin. Dry skin often feels tight and rough due to insufficient oil production.Flaky patches may appear, and fine lines become more visible, contributing to an uneven and dull surface.
• Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Produces excess sebum, leading to shiny areas, enlarged pores, and breakouts. The overactive oil glands can create a bumpy texture and clogged pores.
• Combination Skin: Displays varied textures across different areas of the face. The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) may be oily and prone to congestion, while the cheeks and jawline might be dehydrated.
• Mature Skin: As the skin ages, collagen production slows and cell turnover decreases. This leads to a loss of firmness, deeper lines, and a crepey or rough texture.
• Sensitive Skin: Can develop unevenness due to inflammation, environmental reactions, or product sensitivities. Signs may include redness, irritation, and dry or bumpy areas.

Common Signs of Uneven Skin Texture

Depending on the underlying cause, textured skin can present in different ways. The most common signs of textured skin include:

• Rough patches: Areas that feel coarse or dry to the touch
• Bumps: Raised spots from clogged pores, ingrown hairs, milia, or skin conditions like keratosis pilaris
• Dryness or flakiness: A lack of moisture that causes skin to peel or feel irritated
• Enlarged pores: Often seen on the nose or cheeks; these may look like tiny indentations, typically from excess oil or reduced skin elasticity
• Acne scars: Uneven areas ranging from minor dips to deeper pits left behind after acne
• Fine lines and wrinkles: Creases that contribute to a less smooth surface
• Dullness: A build-up of dead skin cells that prevents natural light reflection, making the skin look tired or lacklustre

What Causes Skin Texture?

Uneven skin texture is rarely caused by just one factor. In most cases, several factors work together over time to affect the skin’s surface and underlying structure. Understanding these contributing causes is essential to finding the right treatment approach. Below are some of the most common reasons textured skin can develop or worsen:

Dead Skin Cell Buildup

Our skin naturally sheds approximately 40,000 dead cells every hour as part of its renewal cycle. However, this process doesn’t always work efficiently. When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, they can clog pores, cause rough patches, and leave the skin looking dull or flaky.

As we age, the rate of cell turnover also slows down. Contributing factors like inadequate cleansing, infrequent exfoliation, dehydration, and cold or dry weather conditions can further hinder this natural shedding process.

Sun Damage

Long-term sun exposure plays a major role in the development of uneven skin texture. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, the key proteins that keep the skin firm.

This process, known as photoageing, is responsible for up to 80% of visible facial ageing. Over time, the skin may become thickened and coarse (a condition called solar elastosis) and develop uneven pigmentation or scaly, rough patches such as actinic keratoses.

Ageing

As we age, structural changes in the skin become more pronounced. The epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (middle layer) both become thinner, making the skin more fragile and uneven in appearance. The fat layer beneath the skin also diminishes, affecting firmness and texture. In addition, natural oil production drops significantly around the age of 40, contributing to increased dryness, fine lines, and a rougher surface feel.

Acne, Scarring, and Inflammation

Inflammatory skin conditions, like acne, can leave lasting changes in texture. As the skin heals, fibrous tissue can replace damaged areas, resulting in scarring. These scars may be raised (hypertrophic/keloid) or indented (atrophic), such as acne or chicken pox scars, each affecting texture in different ways. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/erythema (brown or red spots) often accompanies these scars, adding to the overall uneven appearance.

Hormonal Changes and Genetics

Fluctuations in hormone levels during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and even stress hormones can also significantly impact skin texture. These changes often influence oil production, hydration levels, the rate of cell turnover and how quickly the skin heals. Genetics also play a substantial role in how skin ages. Research suggests that up to 60% of the skin’s ageing process is influenced by genetic factors.

Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers

Lastly, external factors can also impact the skin’s texture. 

• Air pollution introduces microscopic particles that accelerate ageing because of free radical damage and inflammation. 
• Smoking depletes collagen and damages elastin, leading to sagging, enlarged pores and roughness.
• Exposure to harsh cleaning products or chemicals can strip the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it irritated and uneven.
• Indoor heating and air conditioning reduce ambient humidity, which can further dehydrate the skin and contribute to dryness and texture irregularities.
• Even regular hot showers can dehydrate the skin and cause sensitivity, redness or oily t-zone.

Can Skin Texture Be Treated?

Put simply, yes, skin texture can be treated. However, the best approach depends on the underlying causes and individual skin type. Treatment methods should aim to address the root causes behind uneven texture (not just the symptoms) while supporting the skin’s natural renewal process.

• Exfoliation: Exfoliation is an effective way to improve uneven skin texture caused by dryness. Dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface, leading to a rough, dull appearance. Chemical or Enzyme exfoliants help dissolve these dead cells and clear clogged pores, as well as promote natural cell turnover.
• Moisturising and Hydration: Hydration plays a key role in skin health. Well-moisturised skin tends to look and feel softer, while also functioning more effectively as a barrier. Regardless of skin type, using topical moisturisers alongside a diet that includes a healthy balance of good fats can provide a strong foundation for supporting overall skin texture.
• Active Ingredients: Skincare products that contain ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can help support the skin’s texture when used consistently over time.
• Professional Treatments: For those seeking more professional solutions, advanced treatments, such as laser therapy, skin needling, chemical peels, and injectable skin boosters, can support improvements in skin texture. These procedures are usually performed in a series and are tailored to the individual’s skin condition.
• Sun Protection: Sun protection is an important part of maintaining and supporting skin texture. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can break down collagen and elastin, which may contribute to larger pores and a rougher surface over time. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas and reapplied as needed, particularly during prolonged outdoor exposure.

How to Improve Skin Texture At Home

Many approaches to supporting skin texture begin with at-home strategies. Consistent care can help support the skin’s natural renewal process, reduce roughness, and maintain overall surface smoothness through routine habits and gentle treatments.

Gentle Exfoliation with AHAs/BHAs and Enzymes

Chemical exfoliation using ingredients such as Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and Enzymes (from fruits) helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells by breaking down the ‘glue’ that holds them together.

• AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, are water-soluble and work on the skin’s surface. They help reduce the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and roughness.
• BHA, salicylic acid, is oil-soluble and penetrates deep into the pores, making it particularly effective for oily or acne-prone skin. It also has soothing anti-inflammatory effects.
• Enzymes, like bromelain and papain, are proteins that break down other proteins such as keratin – the protein that skin cells are made from. Enzymes have a much gentler approach to exfoliation, thus making them the best choice for sensitive skin types.

For supporting skin texture, products typically contain AHAs at 5–10%, BHAs at 1–2% or Enzymes at 1-5% concentrations. Start with 1-2 times a week to allow the skin to adjust, then increase (depending on %) to every second day until your skin texture has improved. Always follow with daily sunscreen, as exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity.

Hydration Through Diet and Skincare

Proper hydration plays a vital role in maintaining smooth, healthy skin. Well-hydrated skin has better elasticity, less visible dryness, and a smoother texture overall.

• Dietary hydration is essential. According to the European Food Safety Authority, women should aim for 2.0 litres of water per day, and men for 2.5 litres. Including water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges can boost hydration further.
• Healthy fats found in foods such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts support the skin’s natural barrier, helping it retain moisture and reduce dryness.

Topical hydration is just as important. Moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin can help draw water into the skin, while ceramides strengthen the skin barrier to lock that moisture in.

Natural Remedies Like Aloe and Honey

Various natural ingredients can soothe the skin and support hydration when used consistently:

• Aloe vera is rich in water and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming irritation and improving hydration. When applied regularly, aloe can support healing and improve overall texture.
• Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin. It also contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties, helping reduce acne-related texture issues while protecting the skin from environmental damage.

These ingredients can be applied individually or together in a mask to support overall skin health.

Sun Protection as a Daily Habit

Protecting the skin from sun damage is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, steps in improving texture. UV exposure degrades collagen, increases pigmentation, and creates rough, uneven skin over time.

A long-term Australian study found that individuals who applied broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily showed no visible signs of skin ageing after 4.5 years, compared to those who used it occasionally.

Daily sunscreen use helps prevent further texture issues and allows other treatments, such as exfoliation and retinoids, to work more effectively. Apply sunscreen every morning, regardless of the weather, and reapply as needed throughout the day, especially after using exfoliating products the night before.

Skincare Ingredients for Smoother Skin

Improving skin texture often comes down to using the right ingredients. Active compounds in skincare products can manage the skin’s surface appearance.

Retinoids and Retinol/Retinal

Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A and is among the most researched ingredients for supporting skin texture. By accelerating cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, retinoids reduce the appearance of fine lines, uneven tone, and surface irregularities. Prescription-strength options are typically more potent, but over-the-counter retinol/retinal provides similar benefits with fewer side effects.

Starting with the lowest strength and applying it every second night is generally recommended, especially for sensitive skin. Some initial dryness, redness, or flaking is common and often subsides with continued use. Noticeable improvements typically occur after consistent application for 8–12 weeks.

Vitamin C and Niacinamide

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant known to brighten the skin, improve tone, and support collagen synthesis. It helps protect the skin against environmental stressors and may also contribute to a more even skin tone and smoother surface over time.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) complements vitamin C by strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and targeting areas of pigmentation. Contrary to outdated concerns, these two ingredients can be used together and may even enhance each other’s benefits when applied correctly.

Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides

Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water within the skin, offering immediate hydration that smooths out fine lines and texture irregularities. It’s particularly effective when layered under a moisturiser to lock in moisture.

Ceramides, naturally occurring lipids in the skin, help restore and maintain the skin’s barrier. When combined with hyaluronic acid, they create a “double-lock” hydration effect, drawing moisture in and preventing it from escaping. This synergy promotes a smoother, healthier skin surface over time.

Azelaic Acid for Sensitive Skin

Azelaic acid is a well-tolerated option for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin. It has gentle exfoliating properties and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it suitable for those prone to redness, rosacea, or acne.

By unclogging pores and reducing pigmentation, azelaic acid helps improve skin texture without the irritation associated with stronger actives. It also works well in combination with niacinamide to brighten skin tone and reduce blemishes.

Professional Treatments for Textured Skin

If at-home skincare does not sufficiently support skin texture, professional treatments provide targeted approaches using advanced technologies and techniques. These procedures are designed to address skin texture in a controlled and monitored setting. Commonly used treatments include:

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure designed to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. This is achieved using a diamond-tipped wand or a fine spray of microcrystals that gently abrade the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and promoting fresh cell growth.

This treatment is used to address common texture concerns such as enlarged pores, rough skin, blackheads and dull or tired-looking skin. Regular microdermabrasion treatments help to maintain skin thickness and skin care penetration, which supports long-term improvements in firmness and smoothness.

Sessions typically last about 30 minutes and require no downtime, allowing patients to return to daily activities immediately. While immediate smoothing effects are often visible after the first session, a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart is usually necessary to achieve lasting, noticeable results.

Clinical Peels

Chemical peels are a widely used professional treatment designed to improve skin texture by removing the outer layers of the skin. This controlled exfoliation reveals fresher, smoother, and healthier skin beneath the surface.

By accelerating skin cell turnover, chemical peels can effectively target a range of texture concerns, including rough patches, uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines and acne (including acne scars).

Chemical peels come in varying formulations and strengths, each suited to different skin issues and recovery tolerances:

• Light Peels: Also known as superficial peels, these typically use mild acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid in low percentages. Light peels primarily work on the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) to improve minor texture irregularities, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Recovery time is minimal, often involving only slight and temporary redness or a tight, dry feeling for a day or two. This type of peel is ideal for individuals seeking gentle rejuvenation or maintenance.
• Medium Peels: These penetrate deeper into the skin, often using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in moderate concentrations. Medium peels target more pronounced skin concerns such as moderate discolouration, sun damage, and shallow acne scars. Recovery typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, during which the skin may peel and appear red or raw before healing to reveal improved texture and tone. Medium peels provide more significant and longer-lasting results compared to light peels.
• Deep Peels: Reserved for severe skin texture issues, deep peels penetrate through the epidermis and into the upper layers of the dermis. They often use stronger agents like phenol, which require extensive healing time and are performed only by Doctors or Dermatologists. Deep peels can dramatically improve deep wrinkles, extensive scarring, and significant pigmentation irregularities. Due to their intensity, recovery can take several weeks, and such peels are usually performed under medical supervision.

While peels are highly effective, it is important to follow a clinician’s post-treatment care instructions carefully to support healing and protect the new skin from sun exposure and irritation. Multiple sessions spaced weeks apart may be recommended for optimal results, depending on the peel type and individual skin concerns.

Laser Genesis Skin Therapy

Laser Genesis is a non-invasive laser treatment that uses a gentle laser to deliver controlled heat to the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin). This stimulates the body’s natural collagen production and encourages skin cell renewal. Over time, increased collagen helps strengthen the skin’s structural support, leading to noticeable improvements in skin texture and firmness.

In addition, Laser Genesis effectively reduces redness caused by inflammation or broken capillaries and evens out overall skin tone. It is also beneficial for softening fine lines and diminishing the appearance of pores and acne scars, making it a versatile treatment option.

Laser Genesis is suitable for a variety of skin types, including sensitive and darker skin tones. Most patients experience only mild redness immediately after treatment, which generally subsides within a few hours. For noticeable results, multiple sessions are usually recommended, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. Outcomes vary between individuals, and improvements typically appear gradually over the course of a series of treatments.

Skin Needling

Skin needling involves the use of a device equipped with fine needles that create controlled, microscopic punctures in the skin. These tiny injuries trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins responsible for skin strength, elasticity and smoothness.

This procedure is particularly effective for supporting textured skin caused by acne scars, enlarged pores and uneven tone. By stimulating new tissue growth, microneedling may contribute to a smoother skin surface, though results vary depending on individual skin characteristics.

Skin needling can also be combined with topical agents, such as hyaluronic acid, growth factors or your own platelets (PRP), during or immediately after the procedure. The micro-channels created by the needles allow these active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing their effectiveness and delivering more comprehensive results.

Multiple sessions are generally recommended, spaced about 6-8 weeks apart, to allow sufficient healing and collagen remodelling between treatments.

Skin Boosters

Skin boosters such as REJURAN® are injectable skin treatments containing predominantly hyaluronic acid and other skin-supporting ingredients. They are designed to support the skin’s natural regenerative processes.

When administered into the dermis, skin boosters stimulate collagen production and activate cellular repair mechanisms, promoting gradual improvements in skin firmness, texture, and elasticity. Over time, this can lead to smoother, more supple skin with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. Additionally, skin boosters help reinforce the skin’s barrier function, aiding moisture retention and enhancing the skin’s ability to resist environmental stressors such as UV exposure and pollution.

These treatments are often used on areas where skin may show visible signs of ageing or textural changes, including the face, neck, and hands. Because they work within the deeper layers of the skin, they may provide gradual improvements over time.

Like all injectable treatments, skin boosters may cause side effects such as mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.

A thorough medical consultation is required, as not all treatments are suitable for everyone. Every procedure carries potential risks, side effects, and downtime, and results may vary.

When To See A Professional

While some mild skin texture issues can improve with consistent at-home use of clinic-grade products, certain concerns require professional assessment. Knowing when to seek expert advice can help manage skin health effectively.

If you have been using products containing active ingredients such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol without achieving the desired results, it may indicate that your skin needs a targeted, medical-grade approach. Persistent texture issues, including roughness, enlarged pores, acne scarring, or uneven tone, often cannot be fully addressed with at-home skincare alone.

Professional consultation can help prevent further worsening of these concerns. Treatments such as chemical peels or skin needling are generally more effective when applied to newer scars, as this is when they most efficiently stimulate collagen production and support healthy cell turnover.

A qualified professional can evaluate your skin type, determine underlying causes, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include clinical procedures, prescription-strength topicals, or in-clinic treatments. Working with an expert ensures that treatment is appropriate for your skin and can support both short-term improvements and long-term skin health.

Tips on Choosing the Best Products for Textured Skin

When it comes to textured skin, choosing the right products starts with understanding your skin’s unique needs.

• Start with an appropriate cleanser: Choose a gentle formula that supports the skin’s natural barrier. For clogged pores, a salicylic acid cleanser can clean deeply without over-drying. For dry or sensitive skin, cream or oil-based cleansers help retain moisture and reduce roughness.
• Exfoliate appropriately: Chemical exfoliants are generally more effective than physical scrubs for improving texture. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid resurface the skin, while beta hydroxy acid (BHA), like salicylic acid, penetrates pores to remove debris. Glycolic acid is suitable for resilient skin, whereas lactic acid or enzyme-based options are better for sensitive skin.
• Use targeted formulations: Products combining exfoliating and barrier-supporting ingredients, such as moisturisers with salicylic acid and ceramides, can improve texture while maintaining skin health. Serums with niacinamide and zinc can help regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Introduce products gradually: Add one new product at a time, ideally every two weeks, to monitor effectiveness and avoid adverse reactions. Consistent use is important, as skin renews approximately every 28 days, and ongoing routines are necessary for measurable improvements.

What to Look for in Products

To build an effective routine, keep these key considerations in mind:

• Skin Type Compatibility: For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products with ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide. For dry or sensitive skin, opt for nourishing formulas containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.
• Concentration Levels: Start low and increase gradually as your skin builds tolerance.
• Product Combinations: New active ingredients should be introduced one at a time to monitor how the skin responds and reduce the risk of irritation.
• Consistency Over Complexity: Products should be easy to incorporate into a daily routine, as consistent use is crucial for visible results.

Key Takeaways

Uneven skin texture is a common concern and can result from factors such as dead skin cell buildup, sun exposure, diet, or genetics. Understanding these underlying causes is an important step in managing skin health. While a consistent at-home skincare routine can support smoother skin, persistent texture changes may benefit from professional assessment and guidance.

Esteem Clinic has been a trusted name in the aesthetics industry for over 25 years. With a commitment to advanced techniques and industry-leading technology, our team of experienced dermal clinicians delivers personalised solutions tailored to each client’s unique skin concerns and aesthetic goals. Before any treatment, Esteem Clinic offers a complimentary consultation, allowing clients to discuss their concerns, assess treatment suitability, and establish a clear plan moving forward.

To explore options and learn more about your skin, book a complimentary consultation with Esteem Clinic today.