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How To Get Rid Of Textured Skin

By Franchesca Villar -
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Textured skin can be endlessly frustrating. One minute, you think your skincare routine is on point, and the next, your face feels rough, bumpy, or just… not as smooth as you’d like. The truth is, skin texture can be caused by many different things, from dryness and clogged pores to a lack of exfoliation. Luckily, with the right skincare routine, you can bring back that silky-smooth glow.

Identify the Type of Textured Skin You Have

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the issue. Different types of skin texture need different approaches, so knowing what you’re dealing with makes all the difference.

  • Bumpy Textured Skin – Often caused by clogged pores, breakouts, or even keratosis pilaris (those tiny bumps that sometimes show up on the cheeks or arms).
  • Dry Textured Skin – When your skin feels rough or flaky, it’s usually down to dehydration, a lack of exfoliation, or a compromised skin barrier.

Once you know what’s behind your skin texture, it’s much easier to treat it properly.

How to Get Rid of Bumpy Textured Skin

If your skin often feels congested, uneven, or rough to the touch, the key to achieving a smoother complexion is focusing on a combination of exfoliation, deep hydration, and strengthening your skin barrier. Textured skin is often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, clogged pores, or underlying inflammation, so using the right ingredients can make a noticeable difference over time.

Exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to tackle bumpy skin, and chemical exfoliants are your best friend here. Rather than opting for harsh scrubs, AHAs like glycolic acid help to dissolve dead skin cells on the surface, while BHAs like salicylic acid dive deep into pores to clear out any gunk. A strong skin barrier is essential for keeping texture at bay. Look for niacinamide to calm irritation and ceramides to help lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft.

If bumpy skin is something you regularly struggle with, introducing a retinoid into your routine can be a real saviour. Retinoids work by speeding up cell turnover, meaning they help shed old, rough skin cells more efficiently while encouraging the growth of fresh, healthy ones. This active can be powerful, so start slow and use it alongside hydrating ingredients to keep your skin balanced.

Top picks to get rid of bumpy textured skin

Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner

£8.50

A gentle way to exfoliate daily without irritation.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturiser With Niacinamide

£33.29 £39.00 (15% off)

Fades dark spots and strengthens the skin barrier.

REN Bio Retinoid Youth Serum

£35.81 £65.44 (46% off)

A plant-based retinoid alternative that smooths texture without being too harsh.

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

£11.63 £16.50 (30% off)

Contains salicylic acid to unclog pores while keeping the skin hydrated.

Bioderma Cicabio SPF 50+ Soothing Repairing Care

£9.60 £12.00 (20% off)

Protects sensitive skin while helping to repair any irritation.

How to Get Rid of Dry Textured Skin

With skin that feels rough, tight, or flaky, focusing on hydration is the best way to bring back a smoother, healthier complexion. The key is to replenish lost moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells without causing further irritation. When your skin is lacking hydration, it can become more prone to rough patches, flakiness, and an overall dull appearance, so giving it the nourishment it needs should be the main priority.

One of the first changes to make is switching up your cleanser. Harsh, foaming cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it even drier and more irritated. Instead, opt for a gentle cream cleanser or oil-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance.

Following up with the right hydrating ingredients is just as important. Using a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives can make a huge difference in how soft and smooth your skin feels. Exfoliation is still important, but go for gentler options like lactic acid or fruit enzymes, which help remove dead skin cells without irritating already-dry skin.

Top picks to get rid of dry textured skin

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

£7.96 £11.87 (33% off)

Soothes and repairs dry, irritated skin.

Murad Hydrating AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

£14.50 £18.00 (20% off)

A gentle exfoliating cleanser that won’t strip the skin.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

£8.80

A budget-friendly hydration boost.

AMELIORATE Restorative Facial Mask

£8.05 £22.00 (64% off)

A deeply nourishing mask that softens and smooths dry skin.

Additional Tips to Improve Skin Texture

  • Over-exfoliating can make things worse, so stick to a balanced routine.
  • Eating skin-loving foods like omega-3s and antioxidants helps from the inside out.
  • Be patient! Smoother skin doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right routine, you’ll start seeing results.

Textured skin might be stubborn, but it’s totally fixable. With a little skincare routine revamp and the right ingredients, you’ll be on your way to a softer, glowier complexion in no time. For more on smooth, glowy skin, have a look at our guide on How To Get Glass Skin: Tips, Tricks & The Ultimate Routine.

Franchesca Villar

Written by Franchesca Villar

With a love for all things beauty, Franchesca is a skilled beauty content and copywriter with expert knowledge of all of the latest beauty trends. She loves perfecting her bouncy blow-out routine (no matter how time-consuming), is on the eternal hunt for the best glow-boosting product, and is a lip-gloss addict. 

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