How to Get Rid of Uneven Skin Texture, According to a Derm

Exfoliate to Smooth It Out

If skin-cell buildup is the issue, remedying the situation could be as simple as sloughing those dead cells away. Make sure you're exfoliating twice a week with a dedicated scrub, sonic cleaning brush, or chemical exfoliant, and target the areas that feel uneven.

All that being said, it's worth noting that physical exfoliation products that are too abrasive—or using them too often, for that matter—can cause oil overproduction and skin damage, which will only exacerbate your texture issues. Stick with formulas that use spherical particles (no jagged edges), and make sure you abide by that twice-a-week rule. The alternative is to ditch scrubs altogether in favor of chemical exfoliants, a gentler option that allows for more consistent results.

We're partial to this mask, which doubles as a gentle scrub and smells like the Pacific Northwest.

Try a Chemical Peel

As you get older, your body has a harder time than it once did shedding dead skin cells. When your skin hangs onto those dead skin cells, you're left with a dull, uneven tone and, yep, uneven texture, too. One easy and effective way to quickly shed the top layer of skin is with a chemical peel. There are many different types and strengths depending on the results you want and your skin type, so when it comes to a chemical peel, schedule an in-office treatment and leave it in the hands of a professional to prevent any mishaps or accidental chemical burns (ouch).

If you don't have the time (or the funds) to get a peel at your dermatologist's office, use an at-home mask to do the trick. Look for an option that is gentle and nonabrasive to prevent the chance of damaging your skin (we're personally big fans of Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial).

Stock Up on Vitamin C

One key ingredient for evening out skin tone also works to smooth out uneven texture. As skincare guru Chan explains, "Adding vitamin C to your skincare routine will help improve skin texture by providing a powerful antioxidant to repair and defend the skin from environmental damage and restore suppleness while reducing pigmentation, scar tissue, and age spots." That defense is key if you want to avoid more texture problems down the line.

We recommend SkinCeuticals's C E Ferulic, which uses a blend of L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C), alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and ferulic acid (an antioxidant) to improve the texture of fine lines and wrinkles.

Always Wear SPF

As Frank explained, sun exposure can cause uneven skin texture and pore size, so taking the proper precautions to protect your skin with a minimum of SPF 30 when you're outside can prevent further damage down the line. Add this to the endless laundry list of reasons that protecting your skin from the sun should always be your first priority.

We like Tatcha's Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen because it doubles as a primer and works for all different skin types.

Address Your Existing Scars

Part of tackling uneven skin texture is maintenance. Whether you have a new or existing scar, it's important to diminish its appearance—especially those pesky ones that have a raised, discolored texture. Patience is key here, and you have to be diligent to see results. Use a product that is geared toward scar treatment, follow the directions carefully, and you'll likely notice an improvement over the next few months.

With regular use, Derma E's refreshing, oil-free Scar Gel, which is filled with good-for-skin botanical extracts, actually helps soften, smooth, and diminish the appearance of scars.

Get a Microneedling Treatment

Microneedling is a favorite among beauty editors because of its quick and noticeable results for scarring and general uneven texture. Just like the name says, the process requires the use of small needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries cause your skin to go into repair mode, which increases its collagen production and reduces the appearance of pores, acne scars, and fine lines for a smoother texture overall.