How To Help Reduce The Appearance Of Uneven Skin Texture

During puberty in our teen years, we are often faced with a multitude of skin issues (via Skin Health Institute). From breakouts to oily skin and dry patches, those critical years bring up a crop of skin problems that we learn to deal with as we get older and our hormones begin to even out.

Our 20s are when we really start to learn what really works for us and which ingredients can solve our particular skin issues. Salicylic acid for acne-prone and oily skin, vitamin C for hyperpigmentation, hyaluronic acid for dry skin, and aloe vera to soothe sensitive skin — we learn the basics and tailor them for our routine. While these other skin concerns are things that many master, uneven skin texture is something that plagues many of us throughout our lives.

Uneven skin texture affects many people, but it's not always as easy to fix as oily or dry skin. There are a number of causes for uneven skin texture. According to Perfection Plastic Surgery and Skin Care, rough-textured skin can be caused by acne scars, aging, dead skin buildup, smoking, and skin conditions like rosacea or eczema. However, the root of the issue is the same: The skin isn't shedding dead skin cells enough. Read on to see how to increase the turnover rate of skin cells.

Exfoliation is a common way to smooth out the skin. It quickens the skin shedding process, revealing fresher, brighter skin. AHAs that can be used daily are good for gently exfoliating the skin and smoothing out textured skin. Lactic acid, which comes from fermented lactose, increases cell renewal in the skin, per Verywell Health, and also reduces the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Wearing sunscreen can also help to prevent uneven skin texture. According to Skincare.com, exposure to the sun's UV rays can age the skin, causing your skin to appear rougher and more weathered. Applying an SPF before leaving the house and every two hours thereafter will help prevent rough skin and other conditions such as sunburn or skin cancer.

Oftentimes, we aren't getting a decent cleanse using one face wash alone. Traces of makeup, pollution, and sunscreen from the day follow us to bed, clogging our pores and causing breakouts. Double cleansing, a skincare method that originated in Korea, involves using an oil-based cleanser before a water-based one to get rid of grime from the day. Cleansing with two products removes excess oil that contributes to breakouts. It also ensures a more in-depth cleanse, allowing our other products to work more effectively (via Byrdie).

If you want more immediate results, a chemical peel done by an expert will remove dead skin almost instantantly, giving you glowing, smooth skin, according to The Mayo Clinic. Before the peel, the esthetician will examine your various skin needs to determine the strength of your chemical peel.

The Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum reportedly gives results overnight or within a week. Formulated with vegan lactic acid, hydrating squalane, and renewing clover, the serum gently exfoliates, turning over skin cells to give you smoother skin. Apply the serum before moisturizer and wake up to smoother skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Spray gives you sun protection without the hassle of squeezing sunscreen out of a tube and rubbing it in every two hours. The spray has an SPF of 60 and is non-greasy, thanks to its oil and alcohol-free formulation. The lightweight formula and 360-degree spray makes it easy to apply all day.

While most oil cleansers focus on hydration more than exfoliation, the Mara Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil does both. The product is packed with fruit enzymes like papaya and pineapple that work to slough away dead skin. The vegan and cruelty-free formula also has squalane and jojoba oil, which help to keep the skin hydrated.