6 Tips for Improving Uneven Skin Texture
08.01.25 | By Rebeca Walkley
Understand what your skin type means, its misconceptions and the ingredients to look out for and more info
When it comes to common skin concerns, acne, discoloration, and wrinkles are often the most prevalent. Skin texture—which refers to how smooth your skin looks and feels—isn’t talked about quite as frequently. While some skin texture is normal (we all have pores, lines, and bumps, after all), having a noticeably uneven skin texture can be frustrating to deal with. Fortunately, it, like most skin concerns, is manageable with the right routine and products.
To find out what causes an uneven, bumpy, or rough complexion and to get tips on how to improve skin texture on your face, we reached out to Balanda Atis, cosmetic chemist and AVP of Scientific Communications at L’Oréal Paris. Read on for her expertise, product recommendations, and smooth skin tips.
What Is Textured Skin?
Textured skin is best described as skin that has an uneven look or feel, thanks to enlarged pores, bumps, fine lines, or flakiness. In some cases, an uneven skin texture can make your skin appear dull or splotchy. In essence, textured skin is the opposite of smooth skin—both in how it looks and how it feels.
One way to assess the texture of skin is by rubbing a hand along it—if it feels rough or bumpy, there’s a chance your skin texture isn’t as even as it could be. Transparently, no one’s skin is perfect—nor should it be!—and we encourage you to embrace your skin, no matter the texture. That said, we understand if you want to know how to reduce skin texture to promote a more even, homogenous appearance (and we promise, we’ll get to that shortly!)
What Causes Uneven Skin Texture?
If you find yourself wondering “Why is my skin so textured?”, the answer is that it depends. There are several causes of textured skin, some of which are in your control and others which are largely out of it. That being said, understanding the root cause of your uneven skin texture can help you determine the best approach for managing it. According to Atis, here are a few things that can contribute to a rough or uneven-looking skin texture:
Having acne-prone skin: Whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and other types of acne can cause the skin to have a rough, uneven texture. If the breakouts are accompanied by scarring, which can sometimes occur (especially if you pop your pimples, so hands off), that rough texture can persist long after your breakouts clear.
Enlarged pores: Everyone has pores, but if yours are on the larger side—as is often the case for those with oily skin—it can make your skin appear mottled rather than smooth.
Your skincare habits: How you care for your skin can play a significant role in determining how it looks and feels. If you’re not using the right products for your skin type and concerns, your skin likely won’t feel as even or smooth as it could.
How To Improve Skin Texture
If you have uneven skin, don’t stress: There are ways to help improve uneven skin texture on the face. The first thing you should do when attempting to get rid of texture on your face is assess (and adjust) your skincare routine. From exfoliation and peels to changing up your at-home skincare routine, here are a few expert-approved ways to improve your skin texture.
1. Wash your face twice a day
Starting with the basics, it’s important to wash your face twice daily (once in the morning and once before bed). Doing so helps reduce the build-up of dead skin cells, oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants that can contribute to dull, uneven skin.
2. Use an exfoliating serum
Serums are powerful treatments designed specifically to help address skin concerns like unevenness and dullness. They can, therefore, be a huge asset for those looking to reduce skin texture—provided you choose the right formula. Keep an eye out for serums containing chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). These can help to gently resurface the skin to promote a smoother, more even skin texture. A note: over-exfoliating can dry out the skin or potentially lead to redness and discomfort. Start slowly, and dial back your usage if your skin feels irritated.
3. Don’t skip moisturizer
Like cleansing, moisturizing twice daily is a must (no matter your skin type). But it’s essential to select the right moisturizer for your needs. If you have drier skin, you’ll typically want to reach for nourishing cream formulas that help hydrate the skin and trap in moisture. Those with oilier skin often do best with water-based moisturizers that absorb quickly and feel lightweight on the skin.
Atis also suggests making sure your chosen moisturizer is non-comedogenic. This label “means that the formula has been [shown] not to clog your pores, which can also give you unwanted texture.” If a product is non-comedogenic, it’ll typically say so on the label—so read the packaging carefully before making your purchase.
The Best Products for Uneven Skin Texture
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel
If you want to try incorporating glycolic acid into your routine without committing to a peel, try this cleanser. This exfoliating formula helps gently slough off dead, dull skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin—and helps prep it for your serum application.
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