When it comes to skincare, a smooth, glowing complexion is the holy grail. So, it’s no wonder that improving skin texture is up there are one of the most popular beauty search terms on Google. I’ve never had the best texture to my skin if I’m completely honest. Having suffered with mild rosacea since a child, I’ve always had a slightly rough complexion with tiny bumps under the skin on my cheeks and backs of my arms.
But, as I’ve got older, educated myself on skincare and after a lot of trial and error, it’s improved ten-fold (bar the odd flare-up in winter or at that time of the month). And yet, with every online article, press release or product description promising a silky soft skin tone, I’m sold hook, line and sinker. Why? Because there’s always room for improvement and nothing screams healthy skin more than a smooth texture. Make-up goes on better, heavy foundation can be swapped for the lightest of bases and highlighter almost becomes redundant as we rock our very own, natural glass skin.
So, I thought I’d quickly share the tips and products I’ve used that have helped me get the skin texture I’ve always longed for.
REMOVE ALL TRACES OF MAKE-UP
Without being overly dramatic, my life changed when I discovered Face Halo! When the PR told me that these material, reusable pads just needed water to completely take off a whole face of make-up in under a minute I thought it was a marketing spin. But that is exactly what happened when I got home that night like some kind of skin wizardary! A little bit of water and the unique microfibres grab every last bit of make-up without dragging it around your face!
They also last for 200 washes each and are so. much better for the environment so win-win!
CLEANSE
Trying cleansers is one of my favourite things to do when it comes to new products as, along with moisturisers, they can provide the most effective results. One of the biggest culprits contributing to poor skin texture is congestion. Touching our face, pollution, a dirty phone and dirty make-up brushes can all contribute to congestion so it’s super important to cleanse properly and effective. I use a Clarisonic brush which makes a huge amount of difference but if you use your hands, try and use a hot muslin and cleanse TWICE without fail.
I’ve been loving this new Skinceutical’s cleanser for the last few months – if it says ‘anti-ageing and anti-blemish’ I’m sold! It leaves my skin really glossy and seriously clean and fresh afterwards with no excess residue left. I’ve really noticed a difference in the amount of tiny blemishes and blackheads since I’ve been using it.
VITAMIN C
I was a bit skeptical about using vitamin C before as it’s made my skin really dry but also break out before. But I think it’s very much down to find the RIGHT vitamin C product. A potent antioxidant, it helps protect skin against free radical damage (caused by the environment), as this can break down collagen and promote premature ageing. It also smooths the skin’s texture like a boss, lightens dark patches and helps repair sun damage.
It’s unstable and difficult to keep as it oxidises as soon as it hits daylight which is why vitamin C is always in opaque packaging. Keep it in a cupboard or drawer and use it slowly (once a week to start with) – start with a low concentration (around 10%) to begin with and see how your skin reacts. I use this This Works mask once a week instead of my morning cleanser to really brighten up my face and create a smooth surface for my make-up.
RETINOL
If you read this blog or follow me on Insta you’ll know that I’m obsessed with retinol! That and AHA’s (more on that later) have completely changed my skin texture. A class of vitamin A, retinol encourages cell turnover which evens skin tone, increases blood flow, help fight acne, reduce wrinkles and stimulate collagen. It’s an all-singing, all-dancing gam-changer to your skincare regime and will smooth even the most stubborn marks and scars.
My favourites are:
Medik8 (the strongest non-irritating retinol on the market and worth the price)
Skinceutical’s 0.3 Corrective Treatment
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Bybi Bakuchiol Booster (natural)
AHA’S
I’ve written ALOT about chemical peels (read about it HERE) and I will always recommend them to anyone suffering with poor skin texture from congestion or ageing. Glycolic acid is the most common AHA – derived from sugar cane, it possesses an exfoliating quality as well as boosting collagen making it a powerhouse in anti-ageing. I use Alpha H’s Liquid Gold 3-4 times a week at night and I wake up with the most glow poreless skin. It can become addictive though which can be drying so try to use it sparingly.
It will make skin tingle a bit to begin with so go easy until you build up more of a resistance but you’ll be hooked!
SPF
OK, I’m not going to wax lyrical about ALLLLL the benefits of wearing SPF daily (but you can read it HERE) but I will say this – it is not to be over-looked if you want to improve your skin texture. SPF not only protects your skin from premature ageing and free radical damage, it reduces redness generally and leaves skin a lot smoother over time. I use it every day, in every season. Yep, even when it rains!
I can’t believe I over-looked it for so long because it’s made a massive difference to my complexion. As I’ve got dry skin, this goes hand-in hand with poor skin texture and SPF really locks in the products I put on my face beforehand and protects it at all costs.
FACE OIL
I know, this one might sound counter-productive, clogging our pores with oil but using a face oil can drastically improve skin texture as it stops it from producing too much of its own oil. If it does, it’ll lead to blemishes and an uneven skin tone so try to choose an organic one that has the right balance of antioxidants and nourishing ingredients. I love this By Sarah London’s Facial Oil it’s really light and hydrating leaving skin plump and dewy in the morning.
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