Staring at your skin through the many photo filters available these days is so satisfying. Those apps blur just the right spots to give your skin instant glam without really having to do anything. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t like it.
Then reality kicks in, and you look into the actual mirror to see that bump or redness that only you see more than everyone else does. What gives? How can you get smooth skin without having to spend a fortune on high-end products? Let’s look at the options.
What Causes Uneven and Irritated Skin Texture
Irregular skin texture, red patches, dry skin, and bumps are caused by many different factors such as the sun, environmental factors, and stress. If your skin suddenly becomes irritated and scaly, it may be an allergic reaction to soaps, facial products, or shampoos, among other things.
Hormonal Changes
Let’s face it, regular monthly hormonal changes are no fun, and it shows. Your skin directly reflects what’s going on inside your body.
When hormones have their highs and lows, so does your skin. These hormonal ups and downs can cause breakouts, dry skin, and oily skin. It can seem like a wild card every month. Stress also contributes to the fluctuation in your skin’s texture.
The Buildup of Dead Skin Cells
Dead skin cells build up when you don’t exfoliate your skin regularly. Lack of moisture, hydration, and natural oils in your skin leads to dry, rough patches and uneven skin texture. Exfoliating regularly will help prevent the buildup of dead skin cells.
Dehydration
You’ve probably heard that drinking water throughout the day is good for your body, digestion, and energy levels. But did you know that by drinking water, you are hydrating your skin from the inside out? It’s true.
What goes on inside your body reflects outside. Drinking plenty of water will help you to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Medications
Some medications can cause dehydration and dry skin. Drugs such as diuretics and statins cause dry skin.
If you are taking certain medicines, make sure you are reaching your daily intake of water. We aren’t doctors, so make sure you check with yours if you have questions and concerns.
Smoking
One of the most obvious reasons that dry, uneven dry skin occurs is because of smoking. Not only is smoking dangerous to your overall health, but it also takes a severe toll on your skin.
Smoking causes your skin to age more quickly, causing premature dry skin. Exfoliation and moisturization are vital for everyone, but especially smokers.
Dry Weather
Some of us inevitably live in more dry areas of the world than others. Drier regions such as those regions that receive less rain and snow annually and mountain states of the US have much drier air. This dry air contributes to dry skin. Invest in a rich, creamy moisturizer.
How to Improve Your Skin’s Texture
You can do many things to help improve your skin’s texture and make it more smooth, regardless of what region you live in or if you haven’t exfoliated in months. Here are a few:
Gently Cleanse Your Skin Daily
Cleanse your skin twice a day with a gentle facial cleanser designed for your skin type. Cleansing in the morning provides a clean canvas for your facial serums, treatments, and makeup.
Cleaning at night removes the day’s dirt, oils, and makeup. Never sleep in your makeup because it will cause clogged pores and congested skin—resulting in an uneven skin texture. Besides face wash, our Cotton Candy Remover Cloths will help make sure your skin is squeaky clean.
If you work out or sweat during the day, always cleanse afterward to remove the sweat and oil.
Invest in a quality cleanser that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or parabens.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the term used for the removal of dead skin cells. Certain skin types may choose not to exfoliate, such as those with severe acne, rosacea, and eczema. Exfoliating these skin types can cause more harm than good, causing redness and irritation. However, for most of us, it’s an essential part of our daily routines.
When exfoliating your skin at home, it is important to do so with care. You don’t want to damage your skin by over scrubbing or leaving chemical peels on for too long.
Did you know that there are two ways to exfoliate your skin at home? These two exfoliation methods are called: mechanical and chemical.
- Mechanical exfoliation is the process of using an exfoliating scrub, brush, loofah, or tool to buff away dead skin cells gently.
- Chemical exfoliation is the process of using a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid or alpha and beta hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells.
It is essential to know your skin type before exfoliating your skin. Knowing your skin type will help you choose which type of product you should use for your skin. It will also help you to understand how often to exfoliate your skin. Generally, it is safe to exfoliate two to three times per week, but dry and sensitive skin types might want to exfoliate less frequently.
Tips When Exfoliating:
Follow these tips for the safest, most effective exfoliation.
- If you are taking medications, look at the ingredient labels and make sure they are compatible with your medications. Retinol and benzoyl peroxide can cause sensitivity and lead to excessive dryness.
- Be gentle, and don’t overdo it. Scrubbing too much can cause redness and irritation.
- Always moisturize after exfoliating. Use a moisturizer suited for your skin type and apply it liberally. It will lock in moisture and aid in the velvety smooth texture you’re seeking.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your face is uber important. Even if you have oily skin, moisturization is vital. Again, knowing your skin type helps you know which moisturizer to use.
Always look for a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free moisturizer when available regardless of your skin type.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Look for oil-free formulas in light, watery, or gel consistencies. Avoid ingredients such as mineral oil, cocoa butter, and petrolatum.
- Dry Skin: Rich, creamy lipid formulas are best suited for you. Look for ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Avoid raw oils such as coconut oil and shea butter.
- Normal skin: Normal skin types can handle a variety of moisturizers. Oil-free and fragrance-free are good things to look for on a label. Water-based moisturizers work well with your skin type. Look for formulas containing Cyclomethicone.
- Sensitive Skin: Seek out labels targeted to sensitive skin types in acid-free formulas. Formulas with soothing ingredients such as aloe, colloidal oatmeal, and hyaluronic acid are great ingredients.
- Combination Skin: Look for balancing formulas to balance out oily and dry areas. Ceramides, niacinamides, and hyaluronic acid are ingredients to help balance and soften your skin.
Conclusion
Many factors cause rough, irritated skin. Hormones, dehydration, medications, smoking, dry weather, and lack of exfoliation contribute to uneven skin texture. There are many things you can do at home to get smoother skin.
Gentle facial cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturization are basic ways you can help repair your skin’s texture. Knowing your skin type will help you determine which products to use.
Glamnetic Cotton Candy Cloths help wipe away makeup, exfoliate the skin, and provide you with a Fresh Face. They are just another way we are here to help you look glam every day of the week.
Sources:
Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake | Nutrition | CDC
Driest States in the US | Current Results
Dry skin: Who gets and causes | American Academy of Dermatology
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? 11 Qs on Skin Type, More | Healthline