Rough and Bumpy Look: What Causes Textured Skin on the Face?

Even, smooth texture is what gives the skin a young and healthy-looking appearance. It reflects light well, which is why the skin looks radiant with a natural healthy glow. We all want to have even, smooth skin, but the sad part is a number of factors can take a toll on the skin and make it rough, bumpy, or textured.

Skin conditions, environmental stressors, and bad skincare habits can cause the skin to scatter light (rather than reflect it). This then gives the skin a dull and tired-looking appearance. There is also the drawback of looking sad even when you’re not or looking older than you really are.

So, what causes textured skin on the face?

A number of things can cause the texture on your face to look rough and feel bumpy. Knowing what might be causing it can be helpful in preventing it. Below are the most common causes of textured skin on the face.

Accumulation of dead skin cells – While the skin naturally sheds dead skin cells and replaces them with new and younger ones, they can get stuck on the skin’s surface. A buildup of dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores, rough skin texture, and a dull complexion.

Sun damage – Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can cause or exacerbate skin dryness, giving it a flaky and wrinkled appearance. Ultraviolet or UV exposure also speeds up the aging process, which can then lead to lines, creases, pigmentation, and textured skin. Learn more about the pros and cons of sunlight. 

Pollution – Tiny airborne pollutants can enter the skin and linger on your pores. They can hurt the skin’s barrier function and make it more vulnerable to skin damage, resulting in breakouts, enlarged pores, or rough skin texture. Pollution also generates free radicals that can cause damage and speed up skin aging. 

Aging process – Cell turnover or the process of shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with younger ones slows down with age. The same is also true for the production of collagen, which is the protein responsible for giving the skin strength, support, and elasticity. Both can make the skin look dull, tired, and older.

Acne and acne scarring – Acne skin conditions can cause bumps on the face that vary in size and color. And after the acne blemishes have healed, dark marks and scars (indented or raised) may be left behind. These can then make your skin look rough or visibly textured. Check out and read our previous post to find out if acne scars can go away completely and what you can do to improve their appearance.

Smoking – This habit harms your overall health, including the appearance of your skin. It speeds up the aging process and makes you more likely to develop lines and wrinkles. You should also know that cigarettes contain chemicals that impair blood flow and damage both collagen and elastin. It can make your skin sag and look textured, as well as give it a sallow complexion. 

What can help improve or get rid of rough skin texture?

Here are a few things that can help you improve or manage a rough, bumpy skin texture.

1. Consider adding antioxidants to your skincare – An antioxidant serum like Vitamin C can help fight oxidative stress or damage caused by free radicals. It can also hydrate and moisturize the skin, as well as provide brightening benefits, which can reduce pigmentation and age spots. 
2. Exfoliate your skin (but don’t overdo it) – If the reason for textured skin is a buildup of dead cells, sloughing them away can remedy the situation. Consider exfoliating twice a week using a chemical exfoliant or a dedicated cleaning brush. Make sure not to overdo it or use abrasive exfoliants, which may cause damage or skin tears. 
3. Always wear sun protection – As sun exposure can damage the skin and cause uneven skin texture, make sure you take proper precautions daily. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of the weather. Don’t forget to practice other protective measures such as seeking shade, limiting sun exposure, and wearing sunglasses or protective clothing. 
4. Target breakouts, scars, and other blemishes – If clogged pores, comedones, and acne give your skin a bumpy appearance, addressing them only makes sense. Using skincare products geared toward your blemishes can help improve their appearance over time. It is, however, advisable to see a skin or aesthetic doctor for moderate to severe cases of acne and scarring. 
5. Keep your skin moisturized – Make sure to apply a moisturizer after cleansing or applying toner on your skin. This product hydrates the skin, as well as seals everything in to lock in moisture and nutrients. Look for humectant formulas and avoid products with synthetic dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals.
6. Use oil-absorbing products – Blotting papers help soak up excess grease instantly, reducing the appearance of shine on the face. They can also mattify the face and make it look even and fresh. There are also volcanic face rollers, made from volcanic stone, which instantly absorb excess sebum as you roll it across your face. They are also reusable and washable. 
7. Try a chemical peel – This sheds the top layer of the skin to revive your complexion. Do take note that there are several types and strengths of chemical peels depending on the concerns you wish to treat and the results you want. It is best to book an in-office procedure and let a professional carry out the treatment to avoid damage or chemical burns. 
8. Consider a laser skin treatment – Skin rejuvenation uses micro-pulses of laser energy that gently heat the upper dermis well below the skin surface. This helps stimulate collagen regrowth, as well as generate additional heat in dilated capillaries to address skin redness. 

The procedure can help smooth out uneven skin texture caused by scarring, sun damage, and other common skin concerns. And as it helps with the production of new collagen, it can restore the health, clarity, and youthfulness of your skin, giving it a glowing appearance. 

Laser skin rejuvenation can help improve:

• Sun damage
• Acne and acne scarring 
• Skin redness or rosacea
• Tiny facial veins (telangiectasia)
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Age spots, freckles, pigmentation
• Uneven skin tone and texture

It can be used on the face, neck, upper chest, shoulders, and hands. You may need about four to six treatments to see significant improvements, and do take note that full results can take about three months to develop. This is because collagen growth doesn’t happen immediately. Results can last six to 12 months or longer with maintenance treatments.

Book a consultation today

If you want to learn more about our treatments or how we can help you tackle uneven skin texture and other skin concerns you have, reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.