Blemishes, blackheads, and zits. These are often the main targets of your skincare routine. But, if you really want to get a smooth and radiant complexion, skin texture should also be a priority.
Having rough, uneven textured skin is something people often notice last but solving it is actually an important step in getting beautiful, younger-looking skin. Your skin’s texture is also a good indicator of overall skin health.
What Causes Rough and Uneven Textured Skin
Your well-being, diet, stress levels, sun damage, and pollution can all affect your skin’s health. Living in an environment with a dry climate and low humidity is also a factor.
Genetics can also be a key player for those who struggle with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. These skin conditions can cause rough and dry patches on the skin.
The skin’s normal aging process is also a huge factor. As we age, our bodies go through chemical and hormonal changes. This affects how our skin is able to renew and maintain collagen.
Our skin’s exposure to all these factors can affect how it is able to shed and heal. The build-up of dead skin cells, dehydration, and constant irritation on the skin can all lead to rough and dry skin.
Skincare Routine for Smoother Skin
Although it is virtually impossible to get perfectly pristine skin, there are several ways to get as close to that as possible. Here are five steps you can take to solve uneven textured skin.
#1 Sunscreen Is a Must
We cannot say this enough. SUNSCREEN IS A MUST. The sun can help provide the body with vitamin D which is good for our skin and bones. However, the harmful UV rays from the sun can cause our skin to lose collagen and it may even lead to skin cancer.
Collagen and elastin hold up the skin so that it stays plump and smooth. Too much sun exposure will destroy them and your skin will end up blemished and loose.
An SPF of 30 or higher gives you the right amount of defense from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. If you are planning to stay under the sun for long periods, use sunscreen that is at least SPF 50 or higher.
#2 Cleanse and Exfoliate
Gentle and consistent cleansing is key to declogging pores and helping the skin shed dead skin cells for skin renewal. Find the right cleanser for your skin type. Wash daily but avoid overwashing too. Overwashing can ruin the skin’s microbiome and lower your skin’s defenses.
Mild physical and chemical exfoliation can break down and wash away dead skin cells and lift out debris that clogs up pores.
With physical exfoliation, it is very important to find the right material that isn’t too abrasive on the skin. Harsh materials can cause micro-tears in the skin. It also promotes excess oil production as your skin tries to protect itself. A soft washcloth is your safest bet. Remember to limit physical exfoliations to once or twice a week too.
Chemical exfoliation is quite effective but consulting a dermatologist for the right products and procedure is a must. Although it can be very helpful at helping your skin renew and heal, it can also do a lot of damage if done improperly.
Exfoliation can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Always take precautions and learn as much as you can about it before proceeding.
#3 Moisturize
Yes, even if you have oily skin! Moisturizing can actually help control oil production. Too much oil production is the culprit behind clogged pores and uneven skin. Get yourself a moisturizer that complements your skin well.
Luckily, there are many products today that are water-based and packed with nutrients and antioxidants for the skin.
Finding a good toner and moisturizer combo can also be more effective. Toner preps the skin so that it can better absorb the helpful ingredients from your moisturizer.
A well-moisturized skin looks brighter and younger-looking.
#4 Get Healthy Inside and Out
Your health should always be the number one priority. When your health is at its best, your skin follows!
To get better health, you have to get your diet in check. No, dieting does not mean you hold back at eating. A good diet is about eating food that has the right balance of nutrients and staying away from junk food. Eating processed foods and refined carbohydrates can ruin the balance of good and bad bacteria in your stomach. This can lead to inflammations that can affect your skin’s look and feel.
Consuming the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will help your skin’s defenses and get you clearer and smoother skin. Fruits, vegetables, and berries are great sources of the right nutrients for your skin.
Zinc is also an essential mineral to help your skin repair. You can get this from dairy products, legumes, poultry, and meat. Luckily, dark chocolate can also be a source of zinc. Just remember to avoid munching on dark chocolate with too much sugar in it.
Another big part of keeping healthy is proper hydration. Water flushes out the toxins from the body and it keeps our cells healthy and strong. Remember to drink around eight to ten of water a day. It is also important to drink this throughout the day and not just in one sitting. You need to help your body absorb and use up the water properly too.
Smoking and consuming too much alcohol should also be avoided. Smoking depletes the important nutrients needed by the body and it displaces oxygen. Too much alcohol also dehydrates the skin. These two things damage your body’s cells and break down collagen in the skin.
#5 Manage Stress Levels
Stress can affect your health in many ways. It messes up your sleeping schedule and eating habits. Aside from a healthy diet, sleep is necessary for the body to repair and recover. Lack of sleep can cause premature skin aging. Get around seven to eight hours of good sleep daily to allow your body to rest and rejuvenate.
tl;dr
The texture of your skin isn’t just about appearances. It also tells you when you need to take care of your body more. Getting smooth glowing skin because your body is well taken care of is just an awesome bonus!
XOXO