Uneven skin texture on your face: What helps?

What is uneven skin texture?

Uneven texture describes a surface that feels rough or has bumps, raised areas or dents. Acne bumps and old acne dents need different approaches, despite occupying the same address. Look at whether the unevenness is raised, sunken or simply a change in color before choosing a treatment.23

How do you treat uneven skin texture?

1. 1If the texture includes acne, wash with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Remove makeup at the end of the day.
2. 2Choose skincare and makeup labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.
3. 3Ask a pharmacist about an acne treatment such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Follow the directions for the product you choose.
4. 4Do not scrub, pick or squeeze acne. Scrubbing can worsen irritation, while picking increases the risk of scars.

How should you use salicylic acid for acne bumps?

Salicylic acid unplugs blocked pores and reduces swelling and redness. For first use, apply a small amount to one or two small affected areas for three days. If there is no reaction or discomfort, follow the label. Strength, preparation, application and frequency differ between products; there is no single schedule for every salicylic acid treatment. Start less often if needed while skin adjusts, and reduce frequency if dryness or irritation develops. Full benefit can take several weeks or longer.4

Apply salicylic acid only to affected areas, avoiding broken, red, swollen, irritated or infected skin and your eyes, nose and mouth. Unless your doctor directs otherwise, do not combine it on the same skin with abrasive cleansers, alcohol containing skincare, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin or other topical medicines. Tell your doctor about pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, breastfeeding and medicines before use, including aspirin. Also discuss diabetes or blood vessel, kidney or liver disease.4

What moisturizer can you use for uneven skin texture?

For keratosis pilaris, moisturizing creams containing urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can help by moisturizing or loosening scale trapped in follicles. These are options for that particular cause of roughness, not an instruction to collect every acid in the aisle. If you also have acne, choose a noncomedogenic formula.12

Keratosis pilaris can affect the face, although it is more common on the upper arms and thighs. The bumps can be skin colored, red or brown, with dryness and occasional itching. The condition is harmless and not infectious. It can become more noticeable in winter, when the air contains less moisture. There is no cure, but it often clears during adult life. A clinician can distinguish it from other conditions with similar bumps, including milia and folliculitis. Topical retinoids are another treatment option for diagnosed keratosis pilaris.2

What can you do about uneven skin texture on your forehead?

If your forehead texture is acne, consider the products you put on both your face and your hair. Products that make skin greasy can contribute to acne. Small skin colored bumps can be whiteheads, while raised inflamed bumps are another acne presentation. Location alone does not identify the cause. Use the acne routine above for acne bumps, rather than treating every forehead bump as something to scrub away.1

What if the texture is acne scars?

Acne scars can fade, but they rarely disappear completely on their own. Sunken scars leave depressions that make the surface look uneven; raised scars can also form. Color around a new scar usually fades over time, while the scar remains. A flat colored mark after acne usually is not a scar, so a color change and a dent should not share a treatment plan merely because both survived the same pimple.3

Treat ongoing acne early to reduce the chance of further scarring. Deep, painful acne and a close relative with acne scars increase your risk. Picking, scratching, squeezing and repeatedly touching breakouts can worsen inflammation or acne. A dermatologist can treat a deep, painful pimple and help diminish existing scars.3

Can microneedling improve uneven texture?

Microneedling uses tiny needles to puncture skin and stimulate collagen production. Dermatologists use it for uneven texture and acne scars, and it is suitable for all skin tones. Improvement appears gradually: some appears within weeks, while full results usually take several months. Acne scars can require three to five sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart. Results fade as collagen is lost; sun protection and, sometimes, maintenance sessions help preserve them.5

Choose a dermatologist rather than a home device. Home microneedling can cause infection, scarring, changes in skin color or texture, and spread viruses. Avoid microneedling if you heal poorly, have a history of keloids, have a weakened immune system, or are receiving radiation or treatment for skin cancer in the area. Treatment must wait for a tan, sunburn, infection or deep, painful or pus filled pimples to clear. After isotretinoin, at least one month must pass since the last pill.5

Follow the dermatologist's preparation and aftercare plan, including any pause in retinoids. Temporary redness or darker coloring, burning and swelling usually settle within a few days to a week. Wait 24 hours before applying makeup.5

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if acne is not improving with treatment, is deep, painful or causing scars, or is affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen skin with redness can indicate infection. For salicylic acid, seek advice about severe or persistent irritation or stinging. Stop using it and get immediate medical help for hives, throat tightness, breathing difficulty, faintness or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.14