It’s uplifting when you have your skincare routine locked down at a micro level, from your double cleanse to your clarifying mask – whatever the skin concern or surprising hormonal breakout, you have it handled. However, a change in skin texture is one of those things that can creep up on you without warning (regardless of how thorough your routine is) and it can be hard to know how to treat it.
Celebrity aesthetician and skincare guru, Claudia Fallah highlights “The environment can play a key role in skin texture, and dirt, chemicals, pollution and sun exposure can strip the skin of its natural collagen and elasticity, causing it to appear dehydrated, dull or rough looking. Also, smoking can damage collagen and elastin, which are fibrous components of skin that keep it firm and supple, and even a stressful lifestyle and fatigue can lead to visible ageing of your skin”.
With Claudia’s expertise we unveil how to treat and improve skin texture for a smoother, brighter and softer complexion overall.
Exfoliate
Skin texture can be a result of a build-up of skin cells on the skin’s surface. To remedy this, you can implement exfoliation into your routine that consists of either physical or chemical exfoliation. For those that prefer physical exfoliation, the Upcircle Beauty Coffee Face Scrub Herbal Blend is a gentle but effective exfoliant (fun fact: made from repurposed Arabica coffee grounds from London cafes). Both skin-kind and sustainable, the finely milled coffee powder buffs away dead skin cells and offers simultaneous moisturising properties thanks to shea butter and a blend of nourishing oils.
If you’d rather try a chemical exfoliant, By BEAUTY BAY’s 5% Glycolic Acid + 1% PHA Toner is a potent and powerful resurfacing treatment which sloughs away dead skin cells with AHAs and PHAs, leaving skin brighter and smoother. It refines and decongests pores as well as promoting cellular turnover to encourage smoother skin in the long-term.
Moisturise
You may find that you are only experiencing uneven texture in certain areas of the face and this can be due to blackheads or dryness. Claudia suggests using skin boosters, “serums, anti-pollution ampoules, hydration masks or facial oils will supercharge any skincare regime”. Supplementing in an oil treatment like Herbivore Orchid Antioxidant Facial Oil will help to regulate sebum production if your skin sits on the oily side (it sounds counterintuitive but trust us!) as well as smoothing dry patches. The natural blend of concentrated superfoods (including broccoli, flax seed, rosehip and macadamia oils) will deeply nourish and moisturise areas of concern.
Treat
Other vital ingredients to supplement into your routine would be vitamins A, B3, C, and E, and hyaluronic acid. “Hyaluronic acid needs to be in a high concentration” Fallah explains. “Which means in the INCI list it needs to be towards the top instead of at the end, for the skin to absorb it efficiently. It’s a naturally occurring substance in our body and scientific studies have shown that it helps to improve skin hydration and production of collagen, fight free radicals, maintain skin elasticity, and even has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help with wound healing.”
Go pro
Micro-needling has many skin benefits, from reducing scarring to encouraging better product absorption. It works to reduce and diminish skin texture by forcing the skin into repair mode after facing the micro-injuries caused by the fine needles. In repair mode, the skin produces more collagen which reduces the appearance of scars, pores and smoothing texture overall. The Kitsch Micro Derma Facial Roller is studded with 0.25mm stainless steel needles that will lightly puncture the skin, promoting new cell growth and reducing texture. Depending on your skin type, opt for a monthly or weekly treatment to reveal a softer and renewed complexion over time.
Protect
No skincare issue could be addressed without mentioning SPF, the not-so-secret holy grail ingredient that’s essential to maintaining a healthy complexion. Sun exposure can cause an uneven skin texture as well as hyperpigmentation and enlarged pore size, and prevention is better than cure. Claudia explains, “A high SPF is most important when it comes to skin texture and youth. Sunblock helps to prevent wrinkles, skin ageing, photodamage, and reduces the amount of redness and uneven skin. Primary exposure to UV light is through sunlight and tanning beds. But don’t forget your computer screen (blue light) can penetrate your skin into deeper levels than UV rays, causing symptoms like pigmentation, age spots and fine lines”. The Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ will provide maximum protection from the sun and pollutant exposure.
