Smooth, soft, silky skin is the ultimate goal, but not all of us are blessed to be born with it. Whether a sign of a compromised moisture barrier, exposure to low humidity, or a reaction to an irritating ingredient, everything from our environment to our skincare routine can trigger unwanted changes in skin texture.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fixes – keep on scrolling for our top tips for achieving smooth skin.
Chemically exfoliate with AHAs
AHAs like glycolic acid trigger the skin’s natural process of renewal, meaning dry and dead skin cells are shed. By removing these cells, fresh new ones are revealed, so skin feels smoother and softer. Soak a cotton pad in an acid-based toner and gently swipe over skin once a week to prevent them from building up again.
Try a silicone-based primer
While silicones won’t smooth skin in the long-term, they do have an immediate smoothening effect so are a common ingredient in makeup primers – since the goal of a primer is to create the perfect canvas for foundation. Check the ingredients list for the likes of dimethicone, cyclomethicone (or anything ending in ‘-icone’).
Moisturise twice daily
Since dry skin often contributes to and worsens rough skin texture, it’s important to keep skin well hydrated to ensure it remains soft and smooth. Choose a moisturiser which contains hydrators (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) as well as humectants (like silicones and oils) to seal in the hydrating ingredients.
(Gently) physically exfoliate
Physical exfoliation can be irritating for sensitive skin, but it’s also an efficient way to keep on top of stubborn dryness or rough skin that’s hard to shift. For a mild exfoliation, try cleansing with a konjac sponge – soaked in water they provide a soft buffing effect.
Use an exfoliating cleanser
Exfoliating scrubs and toners are often too strong and harsh to use daily so to keep on top of rough skin on an everyday basis, introduce an exfoliating cleanser into your routine. They typically contain low amounts of exfoliating ingredients so are unlikely to cause irritation but will still help you to maintain smooth, soft skin.
Incorporate a face oil into your routine
Packed with nourishing ingredients and rich in vitamins, face oils are perfect for softening rough skin. Applied as the final step in your skincare routine, they’ll help to seal in the hydrating benefits of your moisturiser. Spend time massaging them in to achieve the best results.
