Skin Texture 101: Your Guide to the Types of Skin Texture and How to Care for Them

7 Different Types of Skin Texture

Before you attempt to guess which type of skin texture you have, we figured we’d break down some of the most common ones with help from the experts. Discover the different types of skin textures and how to treat each of them below so you can better understand your skin and give it the care it requires.

 1. Normal Skin Texture

Yes, some people are blessed with normal skin texture. This skin texture tends to be smooth and free of dryness or oiliness. Similarly, your skin tone should be even (aka no age spots or discoloration), and you likely don’t experience blackheads, whiteheads, or even any blemishes. A normal skin texture will look different from person to person, especially depending on age, location, and genetics, but it will ultimately appear soft, supple, and well-hydrated.

The key to maintaining a normal skin texture? Keeping up with your regular skincare routine. Even if you don’t already have “normal skin,” you can achieve it by using a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen daily. Dr. Tomassian recommends exfoliating two to three times a week and also using a retinol product to “build collagen and elastin” for brighter, bouncier skin.

We recommend starting with the ELIZABETH MOTT Vitamin C Cleanser, because every skin type can benefit from vitamin C, and this face wash gently cleanses without stripping or drying your complexion. Then use a niacinamide serum like the KOYAL BEAUTY H2-Glow Face Serum with Niacinamide and Sea Buckthorn to soothe dry, sensitive skin and improve skin texture. Finish with the FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to soften your complexion and protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Yes, your skincare routine can be that simple to maintain non-flaky, non-oily, and non-bumpy skin texture.

2. Oily Skin Texture

Oily skin texture often shows up as “enlarged pores, bumps, and uneven surface from excess sebum,” according to Dr. Tomassian. Double-board-certified dermatologist Gabreilla Vasile, MD, notes that “the size of your pores is genetic, but oily skin textures will always have larger pores than other skin textures.”

Excess oil can cause clogged pores, which lead to breakouts, especially if you already have acne-prone skin. To keep oil at bay, start with the LAVIDO Thera Intensive Oil Control Clarifying Gel Wash. It contains salicylic acid, cinnamon, sage, and spearmint to help cleanse and balance oily skin. Pat on a serum for oily skin, like the ELEMIS Clarifying Serum, which is clinically proven to help reduce blemishes, visible pores, and blackheads in just two weeks. And remember, even oily skin needs a moisturizer. Dr. Tomassian says to use something that is gel-based, like the BYROE Kale Hydrating Gel Moisturizer, which delivers hydration without leaving your skin feeling slippery or looking extra shiny. Protect your complexion from the sun with the NAKED SUNDAY CabanaClear™ Water Gel Serum SPF50, and you’re good to head out the door.

In the evening, incorporate a chemical exfoliant two to three times a week into your routine. We like how gentle and effective the LAUREN'S SKINCARE Brightening Skin Pads are. With ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, witch hazel, and lemon balm, the toner pads HELP reduce redness, tighten pores, and brighten skin. On nights when you don’t use the skin pads, use a retinol like the DR. BRANDT SKINCARE Triple Active Retinol to combat fine lines and wrinkles while also helping to reduce oil production.

3. Dehydrated Skin Texture

Sitting opposite oily skin texture on this spectrum, we have dehydrated skin texture. “Skin looks dry, flaky, and sometimes wrinkles look more pronounced,” says Dr. Tomassian. Your complexion may also appear dull and feel tight.

Obviously, when your skin is dehydrated, hydration is essential. Dr. Tomassian recommends a heavy, creamy moisturizer, something like the DR.JART+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream, which contains ceramides, panthenol, and glycerin to help increase the skin’s barrier strength, moisture, and bounce. Dr. Vasile suggests “applying the product to damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.”

Moisturizer isn’t the only product you need for dry skin. The FIRST AID BEAUTY Pure Skin Face Cleanser gently washes away impurities without upsetting dry, sensitive skin. Then go in with a hydrating serum like the BLISS Skin Euphoria All-In-One Perfecting Daily Serum. After your moisturizer and serums, finish with a nourishing sunscreen like the ORIGINS GinZing SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer, which features hyaluronic acid to help maintain moisture throughout the day. In the evening, incorporate a physical exfoliant (we love the DERMALACTIVES Purifying Gentle Facial Scrub) to buff away dead skin cells and flaky patches.

4. Uneven Skin Texture

Coarse, bumpy skin that isn’t a result of acne can often be traced back to skin buildup, dehydration, excess skin exposure, and hormonal changes or aging. Bruno says you may see visible tightness, dryness, and flakiness. The easiest way to know if you have uneven skin texture, apart from examining your skin in the mirror, is by running a finger over your complexion. If you have bumpiness and dryness, you likely have an uneven skin texture.

Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to target this issue. Bruno suggests physical and chemical exfoliation (one of the best treatments for uneven skin), including glycolic acid or lactic acid, to remove dead skin cells. Try the DR. BRANDT SKINCARE Advanced Microdermabrasion Face Exfoliator, which incorporates both glycolic and lactic acids to help reveal smoother, brighter, more even skin.

She also advises applying moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to help keep the skin hydrated and protected. We like the AVANT SKINCARE Pro Intense Day Cream Hyaluronic Acid. She’s also a fan of retinoids to promote cell turnover and improve skin texture, so start incorporating the INNISFREE Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum into your evening routine two to three times a week to help improve skin texture. And if all else fails, she recommends turning to professional treatments, including microneedling, chemical peels, hydradermabrasion, or laser therapy.

5. Scarred Skin Texture

Different from uneven skin texture, scarred skin texture looks like “divots in the skin, typically from acne,” according to Dr. Tomassian. Bruno says there are three types of scars: atrophic (depressed), hypertrophic (raised), and keloid. Topical treatments include silicone gels, retinoids, or lightening agents, like hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation. There’s also laser therapy in the form of microneedling, fractional CO2 laser, or broad band light (BBL) to help improve scar texture and redness. Bruno is a fan of microneedling because it stimulates collagen production to smooth out scars. She’s also in favor of Skinvive, an injectable moisturizer that creates hydration in the skin and a blurring effect while stimulating new collagen.

A great at-home option for those who may not have the resources to visit a dermatology clinic is the MOTIVO SKINCARE Silicone Scar Serum. Packed with powerful ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and amodimethicone, the serum targets raised scars, keloids, and post-surgical marks with precision without causing further irritation. The EVRE. Bright & Early Vitamin C Scar Serum is another great option to help reduce hyperpigmentation and acne scars with vitamin C, pineapple, and liquorice root extract.

Similar to other skin textures, you should use a gentle cleanser every day to quell texture issues, along with a moisturizer and sunscreen to prioritize skin health.

6. Sun Damaged Skin Texture

“Large pores, thicker, more wrinkled skin, and patchy discoloration” is how sun damage can impact the skin, according to Dr. Tomassian. Bruno also notes to look out for uneven texture, dark spots, wrinkles, and a leathery appearance. If this is something you’re personally dealing with, Bruno says you can turn to topical antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E serums to protect against free radicals. We swear by the ODACITÉ Brightening Serum, Vitamin C and E + Hyaluronic Acid to help visibly brighten and even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fight oxidative damage from free radicals.

There are also retinoids to help improve cell turnover and reduce fine lines. Our IPSY community loves the KOKIE PROFESSIONAL Retinol 2% + Niacinamide Serum, and understandably so. The nighttime treatment combines retinol and lactic acid to help achieve brightness, fade dark spots, and target wrinkles. Of course, these products only work if you limit your sun exposure and do your best to protect your skin from environmental factors—so don’t forget to apply sunscreen religiously (yes, even when it’s cloudy) to keep your skin in tip-top shape. We suggest the HANALEI COMPANY Face Moisturizing Lotion with Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ for nourishment meets broad-spectrum protection. And add a cleanser like the KEYS SOULCARE Golden Cleanser into your routine to get all that gunk off your skin’s surface so the products can better penetrate the pores to leave you with smooth skin in the long run.

7. Mature Skin Texture

With age comes maturity, and that also refers to our skin. As we get older, we’re more prone to skin aging, in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and a loss of elasticity and firmness. Bruno says this can be a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, or environmental stressors. Retinoids can encourage collagen production and cell turnover, while peptides and growth factors can stimulate collagen.

Start your skincare routine with a hydrating cleanser like the KIRAMOON Silkie Rinse Gentle Hydrating Cleanser to nourish your complexion. Then go in with a chemical exfoliation to tackle various skin issues. We’re big on the MOON JUICE Acid Potion AHA + BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator, which targets issues that needles address—without the needles.

Speaking of needles, both Bruno and Dr. Vasile also suggest in-office procedures, including lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels, for mature skin that still calls for treatment post-skincare. Dr. Vasile says in some cases, fillers and toxins (i.e., Botox) may also be right for you.

Don’t forget to incorporate a retinol like the FIRST AID BEAUTY 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides in your routine to help promote cellular turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, encourage collagen production, improve skin texture, and strengthen your skin barrier. Lock in hydration with the BLISS Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer, then complete your routine with the EVERYDAY HUMANS Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum to protect your skin from the sun.

The 4 Main Causes of Skin Texture

Skin texture is caused by four main factors: genetics, sun exposure, lack of cleansing, and lack of moisturizing. Let’s break down how each impacts various skin conditions over time.

1. Genetics

As Lady Gaga once said, “Baby, you were born this way.” Your genes play a huge role in determining the type of skin texture you may be dealing with throughout your life. “Genetics play a major role in determining your natural skin texture, including how oily your skin is, the number of pores you have, and how large they appear,” notes Dr. Tomassian. There’s not much you can do about your genetics, though you can aim to improve your skin texture by following the tips above.

2. Sun Exposure

Dr. Tomassian shares that this is a big environmental factor in determining your skin texture. “Sun damage is the biggest factor that worsens skin texture over time, as chronic UV exposure can cause the skin to thicken, pores to enlarge, and blackheads to develop, while also leading to uneven and blotchy discoloration.” The solution is simple: Wear sunscreen every day. Seriously, never leave the house without putting it on and waiting 15 minutes for it to set. Be sure to reapply as well, so toss a powder sunscreen or spray into your bag to protect your skin as best you can.

3. Lack of Cleansing

Washing your face is critical to improving skin texture. If you’re tired of rough skin, wash your face. If your complexion is too oily, wash your face. “Environmental pollutants and dirt can enlarge pores, cause breakouts, and lead to poor skin texture,” says Dr. Tomassian, who recommends cleansing your face daily with a face wash designed for your skin’s needs.

4. Lack of Moisturizing

Similar to a lack of cleansing, a lack of moisturizing can prevent your skin from receiving the nourishment it needs, which can weaken the skin barrier. Moisturize every morning and evening, using something a little heavy-duty in the nighttime. Yes, even oily skin needs a moisturizer in their skincare routine. Look for something that’s gel-based so it doesn’t feel too greasy on your skin.

How to Improve Skin Texture

Skin texture is normal, though it can always be improved. There are a handful of ways to do so.

1. Wear Sunscreen Every Day

We probably sound annoying emphasizing this point again, but sunscreen is so important. Since environmental factors can deeply impact your skin, protecting it is the best thing you can do. Dr. Tomassian says to wear it every single day, even when it’s cloudy. Discover the best sunscreen for your skin type, slather it on, and you’ll be all set.

2. Moisturize Daily

Want to protect your skin barrier? Use a moisturizer. It can help provide extra hydration and keep your skin safe from environmental factors. It can even help oily skin by limiting unnecessary oil production, according to Dr. Tomassian.

3. Cleanse Regularly

At the end of the day, you need to wash away all the dirt, grime, oil, and who knows what else your face collected during your time outside. If that stays on your face, it can worsen your skin texture. So be sure to wash your face with an ideal cleanser for your skin type to kick off your nighttime skincare routine.

4. Exfoliate Weekly

You should use a chemical or physical exfoliant two to three times weekly. “This will remove dead dull skin on the top layer of the skin, leading to brighter skin,” says Dr. Tomassian. If you’re experiencing rough patches due to dry skin, you may want to exfoliate more—but try to resist. As great as exfoliating regularly is, over-exfoliating can weaken the skin barrier and lead to further irritation.

5. Use a Retinol

Not using retinol? Here’s why you should be, according to Dr. Tomassian. “This will build collagen and elastin to give your skin a nice bounce and recoil. It will speed cell cycle turnover to give brighter-looking skin, as well as fade hyperpigmentation, giving your skin texture a more even tone.” For beginners, start with the COCOKIND Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% once a week, and work your way up to a higher concentration as your skin acclimates.

6. Try Treatments

Sometimes you need a little extra help from high-powered treatments like lasers. “Fractional lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels are key” for improving skin texture, says Dr. Tomassian. “My favorite lasers would be Fraxel Dual, CO2 laser, as well as microneedling. These lasers will help turn over dull skin, improve hyperpigmentation, shrink the size of the pores, as well as build collagen.” He’s also a fan of face peels, saying that “chemical peels can be superficial and deep, such as VI Peel and TCA peels. These can improve skin texture, brighten the skin, and reduce hyperpigmentation.”

Smooth Skin Tip FAQs

Have a few lingering questions about achieving smooth skin? Don’t worry, because we have answers for you.

What Type of Skin Texture Do I Have?

To understand which type of skin texture you have, Dr. Tomassian says to “evaluate your skin for scarring, dry flaking patches, excess oil production, or roughness.” If you’re still having trouble, see a professional. “The best thing to do is be seen by a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate your skin and give you a complete treatment plan to achieve your goal skin texture,” encourages Dr. Tomassian.

How Can I Improve My Skin Texture Naturally?

When it comes to how to improve skin texture, you need to know which type of skin texture you have. From there, you can follow the steps above to use the best products for your complexion. All skin types can benefit from having a stable skincare routine. Start with a cleanser, some serums like vitamin C and niacinamide, and apply a moisturizer and SPF daily. Don’t forget to incorporate an exfoliant and retinol into your routine a few times a week.

What Are the Best Treatments for Improving Skin Texture?

There are plenty of treatments that are designed to improve skin texture and give you that smooth skin you’re after. Dr. Tomassian is a big fan of lasers like Fraxel Dual and CO2 laser, along with microneedling. He also recommends chemical peels like VI Peel and TCA peels to brighten your complexion and restore skin texture.

Recap: Skin Texture Is Normal, But Can Always Be Improved

Everyone has skin texture, and while it can never exactly “go away,” there are things you can do to improve your skin texture with the goal of achieving smooth skin. Start by determining your skin texture, either by doing it yourself or by seeing a derm. Once you’ve determined your skin texture, follow the advice above to build a skincare routine that addresses your current texture. Don’t forget to try expert treatments as well if you want a little something extra.

The IPSY Shop has everything you need, as far as skincare products go, to build a routine that works to improve your skin texture. Start shopping and get your skincare needs covered.