Not All Skin Texture Is the Same! These Are the 7 Different Types of Skin Texture

About the Experts: 

Annie Bruno, RN, is a board-certified aesthetics nurse injector and owner of Skin Charm in Scottsdale, AZ.

Gabreilla Vasile, MD, is a double-board certified dermatologist and founder of Réforme Dermatology and Aesthetics in South Carolina.

What Is Skin Texture?

Before we break down the different skin textures, let’s get into the formal definition. Unlike skin type (oily, dry, combination), skin texture is more about how the skin feels to the touch. “Skin texture refers to surface quality and overall appearance of the skin,” says board-certified aesthetics nurse injector Annie Bruno, RN. “Texture is addressing how smooth, rough, or uneven the skin feels and looks. Ideally, healthy skin has a smooth and even texture, which reflects light uniformly, giving it a glowing or luminous appearance. However, various factors can affect skin texture, causing it to become porous, lined, rough, bumpy, and in some cases, uneven.”

Some contributing factors to changes in skin texture? Dermatologist Gabreilla Vasile, MD, cites genetics, environmental factors, sun damage, and skin conditions as common causes.

Every Type of Skin Texture Explained

1. Acne-Prone Skin Texture

Key characteristics of inflamed, acne-prone skin are blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cystic acne. Dr. Vasile says this skin texture calls for soothing products that will bring the inflammation down. If you’re looking for an over-the-counter fix, she says an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial serum with niacinamide will help. It will also help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are the permanent marks acne can leave on the skin once it dissipates. Bruno adds that home treatments also include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.

Typically caused by excess oil production, clogged pores, dehydrated or overly striped skin, bacteria build up, and hormone imbalance, Bruno says acne treatments can also include a number of professional treatments in addition to over the counter. She recommends chemical peels, BBL Laser, red light therapy, or extractions by a professional. In extreme cases medication is sometimes appropriate, including antibiotics, birth control pills, or isotretinoin (aka Accutane). 

If you’re looking for a cult favorite spot treatment, we recommend the KATE SOMERVILLE EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment. Made with the highest level of sulfur, plus salicylic acid and zinc oxide, this formula helps clear out your existing pimples, reduce redness, and prevent future breakouts.

2. Large, Visible Pores Skin Texture

“Although the size of your pores is genetic, those with oily skin tend to have more visible pores,” explains Dr. Vasile. “Add in a glycolic acid serum or wash to help reduce pore size appearance. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently exfoliate to improve appearance. Retinoids are also great for this, and microneedling is one of my favorite in office procedures for this.”

If pores are your problem, look no further than the BENEFIT COSMETICS The POREfessional Tight ’n Toned Pore-Refining AHA+PHA Toner. As its name suggests, this refines and reduces the appearance of pores thanks to an oxygenating foam.

3. Dry, Flaky Skin Texture

Many of us experience dry skin. It can be genetic, a reaction to the weather, a result of over-exfoliating, or applying acids or retinoids too frequently. Simply put, Dr. Vasile says, “Daily moisturizer is key here. Apply to damp skin to lock in any moisture. Look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid to boost hydration.” Added bonus? We love a good face oil to really seal in that hydration.

For a rich, decadent slather of silky moisture, we turn to the KOPARI BEAUTY Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream. Vegan ceramides and hyaluronic acid helps hydrate, protect, and soothe the skin’s natural moisture barrier for up to 72 hours.

On the other end of the dry-skin spectrum is extreme, chronic dryness, in the form of eczema or other sensitive skin conditions. This requires a doctor’s guidance, whereas regular dry skin can be treated with easy, everyday products.

4. Rough or Uneven Skin Texture

Coarse, bumpy skin that isn’t a result of acne can often be traced back to by skin buildup, dehydration, excess skin exposure and hormonal changes or aging. Bruno says you may see visible tightness, dryness and flakiness.

Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to target this issue. Bruno suggests physical and chemical exfoliation, including glycolic acid or lactic acid to remove dead skin cells. She also advises applying moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramides, to keep the skin hydrated and protected. She’s also a fan of retinoids to promote cell turnover and improve skin texture. And if all else fails, she recommends turning to professional treatments including microneedling, chemical peels, hydradermabrasion (ie. DiamondGlow) or laser therapy.

We’re big on the classic MURAD Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, which uses glycolic acid to exfoliate dull skin and let the vitamin C seep in and brighten. Radiant skin is around the corner! 

5. Scarred Skin Texture

Scarred skin texture results in “visible marks from active or previous history of acne or facial injuries/surgeries, which may appear as indentations, raised areas, or discolored spots,” Bruno explains.

Bruno says there are three types of scars: atrophic (depressed), hypertrophic (raised), and keloid. Topical treatments include silicone gels, retinoids, or lightening agents, like hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation. There’s also laser therapy in the form of microneedling, Fractional CO2 laser or broad band light (BBL) to improve scar texture and redness. 

Bruno is a fan of microneedling because it stimulates collagen production to smooth out scars. She’s also in favor of Skinvive, an injectable moisturizer that creates hydration in the skin and a blurring effect while stimulating new collagen. 

Before getting into the professional (and pricey!) treatments, we suggest opting for the powerful KATE SOMERVILLE D-Scar Scar Diminishing Serum. Made with a proprietary DS-7 peptide, the product is easy to use and effective. Depending on your scarring, it may do the trick. 

6. Sun-Damaged Skin Texture

Don’t know about you, but we know sun-damaged skin when we see it. In case you’re unsure, Bruno says to look out for uneven texture, dark spots, wrinkles, and a leathery appearance. If this is something you’re personally dealing with, Bruno says you can turn to topical antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E serums to protect against free radicals. There are also retinoids to improve cell turnover and reduce fine lines. And there’s hydroquinone or other brightening agents to improve unwanted pigment. 

Our IPSY community loves the SHANI DARDEN SKINCARE Retinol Reform Anti-Aging Serum, and understandably so. The nighttime treatment combines retinol and lactic acid to achieve brightness, fade dark spots, and target wrinkles. 

If all else fails, Bruno suggests chemical peels for removing damaged outer layers of skin, laser therapy to target pigmentation and improve texture, and microneedling to stimulate collagen and improve tone and texture along with excess pigment. Bruno says microneedling can be a great alternative to lasers. And of course, don’t forget sun protection. “Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF is crucial to prevent further damage,” she says. 

Our SPF pick? INNISFREE Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36. The water-based facial sunscreen is so lightweight and undetectable on your skin, you won’t believe the high level of protection and skincare benefits it helps deliver. 

7. Mature Skin Texture

With age comes maturity, and that also refers to our skin. As we get older, we’re more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and a loss of elasticity and firmness. Bruno says this can be a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, or environmental stressors. Retinoids can encourage collagen production and cell turnover, while peptides and growth factors can stimulate collagen. We’re big on the GOLDFADEN MD Needle-Less Line Smoothing Concentrate, which targets issues that needles address—without the needles!

Speaking of needles, both Bruno and Dr. Vasile also suggest in-office procedures, including lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels for mature skin that still calls for treatment post-skincare. Dr. Vasile says in some cases, fillers and toxins (ie. Botox) may also be right for you.

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