Rough skin. Uneven skin. Textured skin. All different ways to say that your skin has an overabundance of dead skin cells that need to come off so your hidden glow can be revealed. Uneven skin texture can dull the look of skin and oftentimes feels less than ideal. The texture of your skin can also have an effect on your makeup application. Smooth skin yields the best results when applying makeup evenly. Let’s discuss five super simple steps you can add into your skincare routine to make sure your skin stays smooth year round!
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is going to be your best friend when it comes to battling textured skin. While gentle, physical exfoliation 1-2 times a week is important, the biggest change is going to come from adding a chemical exfoliant to your skincare routine. Chemical exfoliants include AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), and PHAs (hydroxy, or fruit, acid). Using chemical exfoliants improve overall skin texture by gently dissolving dead skin cells that are causing rough texture on your skin. Using chemical exfoliants can also help improve skin’s tone and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Consider adding in a product like our TINGL Exfoliating Pads, which combine salicylic (BHA), glycolic (AHA), and lactic acid (AHA). We promise your skin will feel cleaner and look even more radiant! Another fantastic form of chemical exfoliant is lactic acid. Lactic acid is a humectant (aka a moisture preserver) and works very well for all skin types.
2. SPF
Not only can too much sun exposure enlarge pores and cause uneven texture and tone, but using chemical exfoliants makes your skin much more sensitive to the sun which is why it’s so, so important to apply SPF daily to protect your skin from further damage. A good trick to see if you’re applying enough sunscreen is to dispense your SPF on to the length of 2 of your fingers - that is how much you should be applying daily (and don’t forget to reapply)!
3. Hydrate
It’s a tale as old as time, hydration is the key to all success. Hydrating internally and externally will help immensely when it comes to uneven skin texture. When your skin is dry or oily, it’s important to regulate this sebum imbalance with the right moisturizer. Take note of your skin type and be sure to choose a moisturizer that will serve you best (not what everyone else is using)! Consider adding in a hyaluronic or peptide rich serum to ensure moisture is getting sealed in. If dry skin is something you struggle with, consider drinking more water and eating more fruits & veggies high in water content (think berries, bell peppers, watermelon, cucumber, etc.). Hydrating yourself from the inside is just as important as choosing a great moisturizer.
4. Retinol
Support all the work you’re putting into your skin with the use of a retinoid. Using retinoids has a myriad of positive outcomes, most notably decreased pore size and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol, especially when boosted with vitamin C, can not only smooth skin’s texture, but can even the tone as well. Our Retinol Complex 0.5% includes vitamin C and E, which serve to maximize the effectiveness of the retinoids and speed up the process to skin healing. When you first begin a retinol program, it’s common for your skin to flake a little bit or feel slightly dry. If this happens, simply increase hydration internally and externally. Stick it out though! Once your skin adjusts to this new product, your results will be so worth it.
