What causes textured skin and how can I improve it?

Textured skin is the term given to skin that appears raised or uneven in certain areas. Textured skin can appear anywhere on the body, but you’re more likely to notice it on your face where it may feel bumpy and dry to the touch. It’s often the result of enlarged pores, acne, or acne scarring.

It’s impossible to achieve completely flat, smooth skin because to do so would mean having no pores - and pores play a vital role in keeping skin healthy.

However, there are ways to prevent and minimise the appearance of textured skin. These include at-home solutions such as using an exfoliation scrub, retinol serum and products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Rough, textured skin can appear on different parts of the body and for various reasons. Common areas include:

1. Back: since this area has a large surface area and is difficult to reach, dead skin cells can build up and give the appearance of textured skin. Additionally, any pimples or acne scarring may be more difficult to resolve in this area and also contribute to uneven texture.

2. Face: milia and clogged pores on the face can become enlarged over time, leading to an uneven texture. Sun damage also contributes by breaking down the skin’s collagen, leading to a lack of elasticity and an uneven appearance.

3. Neck: similarly, since this area is likely to be exposed to the sun, UV radiation will break down the skin’s collagen production over time.

4. Legs: rough or bumpy skin on the legs may be caused by general dryness or, in some cases, a condition called keratosis pilaris (KP), which is a build-up of a protein called keratin.

5. Arms: your arms may also experience KP and have small bumps as a result.

1. Ageing: as we age, the skin naturally loses its ability to readily produce elastin and consequently loses firmness, leading to an uneven texture

2. Dryness: dry skin, which may be the result of psoriasis or KP, can feel rough to the touch and may appear flaky, contributing to an overall textured appearance

3. Acne: persistent and severe acne can leave the skin with pitted scars that leave the skin looking uneven

4. Sun exposure: as we’ve covered, excess exposure to UV radiation can break down the skin’s collagen causing it to lose elasticity. The sun  can also cause the skin to become dry or rough, especially if you experience sunburn

5. Genetics: genetics play a large role in your overall appearance and skin texture. If a parent and grandparent struggled with uneven skin texture or enlarged pores, then you’re more susceptible to experiencing it too

6. Skin conditions: conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can cause rough, uneven skin texture and dryness.

- Vitamin C: this particularly effective skincare ingredient is widely regarded for having multiple benefits. Vitamin C helps to control excess sebum production with its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the possibility of pimples and clogged pores

- AHAs: Glycolic Acid is a popular example of an AHA, a chemical that’s suitable for sensitive skin types. This ingredient works by removing the top layers of skin to reveal fresher skin beneath and also stimulates collagen and elastin production. You can find this in the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator, which also contains Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to deeply clean and refine skin pores.

- Retinol: can help to stimulate cell turnover and control sebum overproduction by regulating the sebaceous glands. Retinol can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and overall texture.

- Anti-inflammatory topical ingredients: textured skin may be the result of inflammation, so to mitigate this you can use soothing topical ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Niacinamide and Turmeric.

- Collagen support: using skincare containing collagen peptides (a topical form of collagen that can be absorbed by the skin) can help to plump skin and lips. It can also help to ease inflammation and improve the skin barrier, which may have become damaged from over-exfoliation.

- Hydrating ingredients: seeking out humectant ingredients is a great idea since they retain lots of moisture. Hyaluronic Acid is an example of this, which you can find in a number of NIVEA products.

- Professional options: laser therapy, chemical peels, micro-needling, and microdermabrasion are examples of clinical procedures available through professional providers. Speak to your dermatologist if your condition doesn’t improve after trying conventional, at-home options.

Remember, some options may not be suitable for everyone, so we recommend consulting a dermatologist before making any drastic lifestyle changes or adopting a new skincare product.