Dry, rough, or bumpy facial skin is a common complaint, but the causes can vary. From a poor skincare routine, dry weather, and the natural process of aging to skin conditions like eczema, keratosis pilaris, or psoriasis, dry skin can greatly impact our confidence. It is important to consult a dermatologist if you are also experiencing sore, red, or itchy skin, but if you know the cause of your problem, there are steps you can take.
If you are struggling with rough facial skin, here are six steps to smoother skin to include in your regular routine.
1. Wear sunscreen every day
Protecting your skin from sun damage is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your skin healthy, even-toned, and smooth.
You should be wearing sunscreen, moisturizer, or make-up that has at least SPF 30 as well as broad-spectrum protection. If your skin is prone to acne or particularly oily, you should opt for a product that is non-comedogenic, which means it is less likely to clog pores.
2. Stick to a cleansing routine
Your everyday skincare routine does not need to be complex or expensive, but it is important to be consistent. It should include cleansing to remove dirt, sweat, makeup, and dead skin that has accumulated during the day.
The key is to find a cleanser that works for your skin type, i.e., if you have sensitive or dry skin, it should not be too harsh and might include a higher oil content than someone with oily skin would use. Cleaning dry skin is essential but a tricky step.
When you have cleansed the skin, it is wise to exfoliate to ensure all the dead skin, dirt, and oil has been removed. Physical exfoliants include brushes, beads, or scrubs to remove the impurities, whereas chemical exfoliants dissolve them, which can be gentler on sensitive skin.
3. Invest in a good moisturizer
A high-quality moisturizer is one of the best investments you can make when you have dry or rough skin. The best moisturizers are those that include hyaluronic acid or glycerin and occlusive ingredients that will seal the hydration into the skin.
For example, moisturizers with ceramides can help to seal the skin’s barrier, so it is harder for water to escape.
4. Use topical retinoids
Exfoliation is important because it removes the oldest skin cells from the surface of the skin to expose the new, younger, and brighter-looking skin.
Retinoids also expose the deeper skin cells, but they do this by speeding up the lifecycle of the cells, so it does not take as long for the skin to renew itself.
5. Consider cosmetic procedures
Of course, there are cosmetic procedures that can make a significant improvement to the appearance of your facial skin, but it is important to do your research on the many treatments available.
The most well-known are Botox injections and chemical peels, but Profhilo injection treatment, which involves injecting hyaluronic acid to smooth and tighten the skin, is growing in popularity.
6. Take care of your health
Finally, it is important to remember that you need to take care of all aspects of your health, from the food and drink you consume to your quality of sleep and your physical activity levels.
When we sleep, our skin has the chance to health the damage done during the day and make new cells, and it relies on adequate hydration and nutrients to do this healing.
