How to improve skin texture? If you’ve ever asked your dermatologist this question, you know how tiresome it can be to suffer from uneven skin. For the uninitiated, textured skin is an umbrella term that can be used to address everything from patches of rough skin to enlarged pores and bumps and pits. While many have the reflexive reaction of trying to cover up textured skin with makeup, a product like foundation is ironically likely to amplify any bumps and pits in your skin. This means it might be more important to get to the root of the matter rather than fix the symptom.
Now, “flawless” and perfectly smooth skin is largely a myth, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t products on the market that can help smoothen the skin’s surface and tackle areas affected by unwanted texture. Below, we list the formulas that will answer the, ''how to improve skin texture'' question.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Exfoliation is the holy grail of dealing with textured skin, although overzealous exfoliating is to be cautioned against, as it can cause irritation. Starting with a gentle exfoliating and toning solution and using it a few times a week will ensure that your skin’s texture smoothes out over time. Make sure to follow with a hydrating moisturiser to prevent dryness! Avoid this one if you have sensitive or dehydrated skin.
Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme
A milky gel-to-peel scrub that works three ways at once—physical, chemical and enzymatic—this lightweight formula rolls away dead cells with a satisfying pilling action. Infused with AHAs and BHAs, it instantly smooths, brightens and refines texture for radiant, baby-soft skin, while doubling as the ultimate pre-makeup prep for a clean, glowy canvas.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Lactic acid is known in skincare circles for its ability to soften up rough skin, which may appear as patches of texture on your face. Lactic acid is also particularly suited to those who suffer from dry skin, being the most hydrating among chemical exfoliants, which means your skin can absorb moisture while simultaneously tackling dead skin. This Sunday Riley formula is notorious for its ability to reveal bright, radiant skin.
Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum
A gentle yet effective 0.1% retinol serum, this lightweight gel blends pure retinol with bakuchiol to smooth fine lines, refine pores and boost elasticity, all without the typical irritation. Enriched with soybean oil and panthenol to hydrate and calm, it strengthens sensitive skin while keeping it soft, resilient and comfortably moisturised.
Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel
Powered by a 32% Micro-Acid+ Complex, this formula combines a 7-acid blend of AHAs, BHA and PHA to sweep away dead cells and dullness, while algae extract supports natural cell renewal for fresh, healthy-looking skin. Added yeast extract works deep within the skin’s surface to optimise renewal and target imperfections early, leaving skin smoother, brighter and more refined over time.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel
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This pH-balanced gel-to-foam cleanser lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping, using a blend of AHAs/BHAs to refine pores, smooth texture and even tone. Infused with jasmine, clove and grape extract for a refreshing cleanse, and Farnesol to help wash away bacteria, the sulfate- and soap-free formula leaves skin soft, supple and perfectly balanced for daily use.
Shiseido Waso Purifying Peel Off Mask
This refreshing peel-off mask by Shiseido is not only perfect for summer, but also leaves skin looking refined, with the formula’s antioxidant-laden red shiso imparting the mask with a playful metallic pink colour. It delivers nourished, smooth skin with pores looking visibly tighter.
iS Clinical Active Peel System
The fact that this peel is a two-step process instead of the usual one tells you right off the bat that it means business, and that it has the power to deliver real results. Step one involves controlled exfoliation with botanical-based acids coupled with hydrating botanical extracts through the application of what is a unique and proprietary blend. Step two imparts hydration and soothes the skin, which is a step sometimes overlooked when dealing with strong exfoliants. Use this peel to even out skin texture and to be left with hydrated, bouncy-to-the-touch skin.
Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
If you struggle with bumpy, uneven skin texture, this gel-textured, exfoliating peel from Paula’s Choice might be a good option to go with. The potent blend has ingredients like salicylic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic and lactic acid, which work to unclog pores, smoothen out fine lines and slough off dead skin cells to reveal smoother, softer skin.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Face Scrub
Formulated with a trio of skin-loving naturals, this blend combines rice bran to gently micro-exfoliate for smoother, brighter skin, papaya enzymes rich in papain to lift away dull surface cells, and finely ground colloidal oatmeal to nourish and soothe. Together, they polish without harshness, leaving skin soft, refreshed and radiant.
Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum With Matmarine + Zinc
If you're looking for a mild but effective formula, this niacinamide serum even works on sensitive skin types. The combination of niacinamide, zinc and matmarine helps reduce redness and inflammation while also strengthening the skin barrier and evening out skin texture. When used daily, it regulates sebum production, making the skin seem less oily and minimising the appearance of pores.
COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil
A skincare superhero, retinol helps with everything from uneven skin texture to fine lines and lack of radiance by facilitating the production of new skin cells. This formula from COSRX comes in a fast-absorbing oil consistency and is infused with hydrating squalane and nourishing vitamin E. As is with all retinol formulas, it is important to build consistency over time and to be religious with using SPF during the day.
FENTY SKIN Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Intensive Pore + Blackhead Scrub
The Fenty Skin Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Scrub is a creamy, non-drying exfoliator that detoxifies while keeping skin calm and balanced. With volcanic sand and silica to gently buff away buildup, charcoal and clay to draw out excess oil and impurities, and salicylic acid to target blackheads, it smooths and refines texture in one step. Soothing extracts of rhubarb and ginger leave skin fresh, soft and comfortably clean.
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