Flakes, Pores, and More: A Handy Guide to Textured Skin

Texture can be a beautiful thing. You definitely want texture in your soft wool sweaters and your crispy pizza. In your hair, texturising spray looks fabulous. But do you want it to show up on your skin? 

The truth is, no one's skin actually looks like an Instagram filter. Even teenage influencers have pores, blemishes, and rough spots underneath it all. But what if you're not comparing your skin to the unrealistic standards of social media? What if your skin used to be plump and smooth, and now is a mosaic of different textures?

Bumpy skin can appear for many reasons. It might be down to acne, sun damage, or psoriasis. However, one common factor that comes to us all is age. As the elasticity of our skin breaks down, it starts to sag and become rough. Then there are the myriad hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause that can start as early as your mid-30s and last for years.

But why exactly do we get an uneven skin texture as we age? Let's start by understanding what textured skin is. 

What is textured skin?

Healthy skin has a smooth, supple appearance and a bouncy feel. That means the skin's elastin and collagen have not degraded. It also indicates that the skin has plentiful hydration and is well moisturised.

On the other hand, textured skin does not have all these elements in balance and abundance. It can be dry and rough, with uneven patches and a thick feel. Dry skin texture shows up as ashiness and flaky patches that can shed like snakeskin, while oily skin has an orange-peel texture with enlarged pores. Bumps, including milia, acne, and pustules, are often a cry for help from your skin, and indicate an underlying cause to the uneven texture. 

What causes textured skin?

You’re not an orange, nor a snake. So why should your skin resemble either? The reasons for uneven skin are myriad, and it might be easier to ask what doesn’t cause bumpy skin texture. Too dry, too oily, too old or young or hormonal - skin texture doesn’t discriminate. 

Texture occurs when dead skin cells build up on your face and create blockages and bumps. Clogged pores then flare up into pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Congested skin looks dull or red, and acne can lead to scarring, further impacting the texture of your skin. 

Dehydration is a common cause of bumpy skin on the face - and make no mistake, it can affect oily complexions! Whereas oily skin is the result of excess sebum, hydration comes from the water that plumps up your skin, both from within your body and from the air. 

Environmental factors play a role in textured skin, too. Besides moisture, pollution and free radicals in the air can irritate skin and exacerbate conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Plus, they cause oxidative stress, which over time depletes the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin. That’s why as you age, your cheeks don’t just start to sag, but develop uneven skin textures as well. Sun damage is another contributor to the breakdown of your skin’s firm texture. 

How to improve skin texture?

Clearly, bumps and patches can plague anyone, and the reasons behind it are as diverse as the different varieties of textured skin. So how can you improve skin texture? Here are some tips that won’t just boost the health of your skin, but will contribute to your overall wellness. 

Buff, polish, and peel

Exfoliating is a crucial step to remove the layer of dead skin that collects and clogs pores. Beware of harsh scrubs that have large granules, as these result in microtears that can actually make skin texture worse. Instead, choose a gentle, finely ground scrub that melts on the skin, like a sugar scrub. 

For the mildest experience, you can skip physical exfoliation altogether. Go for an acid formula that dissolves the gluey substance holding dead skin cells together. If your skin is used to acid and you want to take it to the next level, there's always the option of a professional chemical peel.

Don’t skip the SPF 

Enjoy the sunshine with some protection. Use a moisturiser with SPF to easily add to your routine, or a mineral sunscreen. Make sure to choose at least SPF 30.

 

Make friends with oils

Although you may have oily skin, facial oils can still help your skin retain a smooth texture. Applied as the last step of your skincare routine, oils seal in hydration and deeply moisturise. 

MUKOOMI Hemp CBD Oil is made with 100% organic CBD in pure hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. CBD regulates the production of sebum, balancing both dry and oily skin for a smooth, even texture. Apply it to flaky, dry patches for an extra hit of moisture. 

Call it quits

It's easier said than done. But smoking isn't just detrimental for your lungs; it takes a huge toll on your skin. The free radicals from smoke rapidly break down your skin's natural firmness and constrict blood supply. While it isn’t exactly breaking news that smoking is bad for your health, textured skin is just one more good reason to cut down on the cigarettes. 

Moisturise!

Textured skin needs plenty of moisture to make it plump and soft. Even if you struggle with oily skin, skipping the moisturiser puts you at risk of dehydrating your skin. A good moisturiser also protects skin from the elements - like MUKOOMI Hemp CBD Face Cream. Tiger Grass repairs the skin’s natural barrier and reduces scarring, while antioxidant-rich Japanese Knotweed fights free radical damage.  

Glow up

Vitamin C has fast become a skincare staple ingredient. This antioxidant fights free radical damage and boosts collagen production, giving a smoothening effect and glowing look to textured skin. Try a vitamin C serum or moisturiser in the morning for maximum benefits - and be careful not to mix it with acid peels, niacinamide, or retinol products.

Start from within

Nothing you put on your skin is a substitute for what you put inside your body. Your largest organ grows healthy and strong from the nutrition you feed it, so pay attention to your diet. If you’re eating a lot of processed foods, it can increase the inflammation in your body and your skin. Skin texture is often a symptom of other issues such as poor gut health, so a switch in diet can go a long way. 

Opt for foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as berries, beans, leafy greens, dark chocolate, and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Reducing deep-fried dishes, dairy, and sugar helps to decrease free radical damage and inflammation. And omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for a healthy gut and glowing skin; find them in seafood like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and oysters. Tinned versions are easy and inexpensive to prepare. 

For vegans, walnuts and flaxseeds are a good source of omega-3. MUKOOMI CBD Hemp Oil packs in a perfect balance of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, from pure hemp seed oil. 

Related Post: Eight CBD Salad Dressings to Help You Eat Your Greens

There are so many “magical” products out there that claim to solve skin texture. The truth is, textured skin is unique and individual to each person. So don’t be discouraged if someone else’s quick fix doesn’t work for you! Keep trying