Textured Skin: What It Means and How to Get That Glow
So, how do you get rid of textured skin? First of all, what does that even mean? I'm Dr. Heather, MD, board-certified dermatologist. Let's get into it!
Key Takeaways
What is Textured Skin?: Textured skin often refers to large pores, rough texture, or a lack of "glow."
Retinoids are Key: Retinoids are the most effective ingredients for improving skin texture by exfoliating and increasing cell turnover.
Start Slow: Begin with a pea-sized amount of retinoid a few times a week to avoid irritation.
Moisturize: Adding a moisturizer can help combat any dryness or irritation from retinoids.
Decoding "Textured Skin"
Textured skin can be a bit of an ambiguous term. But in general, when people complain about textured skin, they're usually talking about a few different things:
Large pores: When your pores are large, the skin doesn't look as smooth.
Rough texture: This means the skin lacks that smooth, glowy appearance and can look dull.
Retinoids
If texture is your number one skin complaint, there's one ingredient that really, really helps: retinoids!
Over-the-counter, we have retinol and retinal, both of which are very effective at improving skin texture. Retinoids work by exfoliating the skin and increasing cell turnover rate. This helps to shed dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. When your skin is smoother, it reflects light more evenly, giving you that healthy glow.
How to Use Retinoids
The key with retinoids is to start slow. I recommend a pea-sized amount for the full face. Take that little pea and dab it on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then rub it in. Use it at night, and you can start every other night. If you're feeling dry, you can even use it just two or three times a week. You only need to use a retinoid two to three times a week to get the benefits!
Moisturizer Matters
Another tip is to add a moisturizer. You can put the moisturizer first or on top – studies have shown it doesn't make a difference which order you apply. This helps to keep your skin hydrated and can prevent irritation from the retinoid.
Conclusion
So, if you're complaining of texture, the number one thing I recommend is using a retinoid. You can use retinol or retinal, but remember to start slow, as retinoids can be a little irritating if you use them too aggressively in the beginning.
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