Troubleshooting Texture: Four Ingredients for Supporting Super Smooth Skin
Let’s talk about skin texture! We all have it. Yet for many people, skin that feels rough, patchy, or scaly to the touch can be frustrating.
If a silky smooth complexion is at the top of your list of skincare goals, you’re going to want to keep reading. We’ve compiled this quick guide to help you learn about four fabulous skincare ingredients which are easy to find in many of today’s popular products and incorporate into your weekly routine. Here’s the scoop:
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
For keeping skin texture in check and creating a smooth canvas for makeup, exfoliation is one of the most essential aspects of skin care. Some of our favorite go-to ingredients for exfoliation are AHAs, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or tartaric acids.
Alpha-hydroxys are plant-derived (they’re often sourced from fruit!), yet highly effective for preventing congestion in the pores as well as polishing away any buildup of dryness, dead skin, or debris on the surface of your skin. Just be sure to use them in moderation - about 1-3x weekly - in order to avoid irritating or damaging your skin.
Vitamin C
The benefits of Vitamin C for the skin are practically endless. It’s one of the absolute best ingredients. Its antioxidant properties promote optimal skin health by supporting skin immunity, encouraging collagen synthesis, and boosting your natural radiance factor. As a result of all these perks, some more good news is that it’s great for texture!
Vitamin C can help the skin bounce back after a breakout, or sun damage, while also helping to prevent signs of aging that contribute to skin texture, such as loss of elasticity and lack of moisture.
Hyaluronic Acid
Although its name can be misleading, hyaluronic acid isn’t a resurfacing ingredient like other acids. Rather, hyaluronic is a powerful hydrator that replenishes the skin for a more plump and supple skin texture. A fun fact is that its molecules bind with 1000x their own weight in H2O.
Additionally, because it’s incredibly gentle and won’t clog pores, all skin types can enjoy the benefits of hyaluronic acid. It works best in serum form, layered with your favorite moisturizer to create a dewy, glowing finish.
Retinol
One of skincare’s most popular super ingredients, retinol, is a derivative of Vitamin A that supports the skin’s cellular turnover processes.
As we age, cellular regeneration slows down naturally, which is what can sometimes lead to more build up of dryness, dullness, and dead skin. However, retinol is able to remedy this and rejuvenate the skin by encouraging it to perform at a more youthful rate. It works well for addressing texture concerns ranging from acne scarring to fine lines and wrinkles.
Other Important Things to Know
When dealing with textured skin, it can be tempting to go all in with exfoliation and other active products. However, if you’re new to these types of ingredients, incorporating everything at once may be too much for your skin and end up causing more problems. Instead, your best bet is to introduce new ingredients and products one at a time, working your way up to a more aggressive approach over time.
Lastly, don’t forget to support the process by regularly moisturizing and applying SPF daily. Protecting your skin is critical to getting results and maintaining that healthy glow we all covet!
