Over time, the texture of our skin naturally changes. Hydration, collagen and elastin are all important factors for smooth, soft, young-looking skin. When hormones, pollution and lifestyle come into play, they can diminish these key factors, causing dramatic changes in how your skin feels. We’ve listened to some of your most common complaints about your skin’s texture and consulted the experts to bring you the answers on how to treat it.
Does your skin feel thin and look translucent? Collagen loss tends to cause the skin to become thin. And it’s especially prevalent in fairer skin tones. How do you treat it? “A combination of fillers and collagen-stimulating lasers, like erbium or fractionated CO2 lasers, is best for plumping up thin skin. The skin needs to be built up from underneath, as well as stimulated on the surface,” says Northbrook, IL, Plastic Surgeon Iliana Sweis, MD.
Does your skin feel dry and dehydrated? Dry, dehydrated skin is a common change that comes along with aging, since moisture levels drop and water is lost. Diminished blood circulation, harsh ingredients, moisture stripping products, and less-active oil and sweat glands can all lead to dryness. Try treating it by restoring moisture with deep hydrating creams and masks. Also, hyaluronic acid fillers (which bind moisture to the skin) may minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles and reintroduce moisture to the skin.
Does your skin feel rough and weathered? Rough, weathered, leathery-looking skin is the price we pay for spending years in the sun. It damages the skin by causing inflammation, in turn making it look and feel thick. Weathered skin is usually laden with deep wrinkles, too. Protect your skin from the sun with an SPF every day. Prevent further damage to weathered skin with antioxidative and reparative topical products, and fractional resurfacing or pulsed light treatments (to stimulate collagen production).
Does your skin feel like sandpaper? Skin that feels like sandpaper often has a dull and muddy complexion. Dull skin is caused by a buildup of dead skin that stays on the surface for long periods of time. It’s important to rev up the skin’s natural shedding process to remove dead skin and expose fresh skin. A prescription topical retinoid, glycolic peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion can increase cell turnover.
