Let’s Talk Skin Texture: Types, Causes, & Natural Solutions
Let’s Talk Skin Texture: Types, Causes, & Natural Solutions

If you have skin texture issues such as bumps, dryness, or uneven tone, you know how frustrating—or even embarrassing—it can be.

The good news is, you are not alone by a long shot.

Variations in skin texture are widespread (spoiler alert: no one has textureless, flawless skin!) and typically easy to fix.

Whether you’re dealing with enlarged pores, rough skin, or creping skin, this article will empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to improve skin texture naturally.

What is Skin Texture/Textured Skin?

Sometimes called skin texture or textured skin, this refers to the feel of your skin on the face of your body.

Issues with skin texture typically result from common skin conditions such as acne, dryness, crepey skin, bumps, wrinkles, inflammatory skin conditions, or uneven skin tone.

Regardless, everyone has a unique texture to their skin, and it’s usually not perfectly soft and smooth from head to toe! 

However, you can take steps to even out and improve your skin texture using natural products and lifestyle changes.

How Skin Types Affect Skin Texture

Skin type often plays a primary role in skin texture, so understanding both is essential to addressing skin issues.

Let’s break this down by skin type and how they can lead to textured skin:

  • Normal Skin: Tends to not create issues with texture, but may become dry or rough
  • Dry Skin: Tends to cause rough, patchy, or inflamed skin, but can also cause acne or bumpiness if the skin is overly dry
  • Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Is associated with bumpy skin or skin with enlarged pores
  • Combination Skin: Can cause the same texture issues as oily or dry skin
  • Mature Skin: Lends itself to creping, wrinkles, or uneven skin tone
  • Sensitive Skin: May result in uneven skin tone, bumpiness, dryness, or roughness

It’s important to understand there is no one-size-fits-all, and someone with mature skin, for example, may also have issues with rough or bumpy skin on their legs or arms.

However, understanding your skin type can provide clues for skin texture issues.

How to Get Rid of Skin Texture

Although you don’t want to eliminate your skin’s natural texture, you can improve it using targeted skin care products, techniques, and lifestyle changes.

If this isn’t enough, a skin care expert, such as a dermatologist or esthetician, can recommend and perform specific procedures to help accelerate results.

Here, we discuss the different types of skin texture, including what they feel like, their causes, and natural solutions

1: Bumpy Skin

What is it/What Does It Feel Like? 

Bumpy skin typically results from clogged pores, ingrown hairs, milia, and acne on the face or body.

A condition called Keratosis Pilaris or KP (sometimes referred to as “chicken skin”), can also create hard white bumps of excess keratin. These typically show up on the arms, thighs, or cheeks.

Bumps may also be an indication of sensitivity, either in general or to a specific product or ingredient. 

What Causes It?

Acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne have many causes, including:

  • Hormonal shifts, such as puberty, menstruation, or menopause
  • Dietary sensitivities like dairy, cocoa, or gluten
  • Nutrient deficiencies or imbalances
  • Bacterial infection or imbalance
  • Excess sebum production
  • Microbiome disruption
  • Skin allergies
  • Using comedogenic products (those that clog pores)
  • Over-cleansing, which can dry skin, leading to excess oil production

Keratosis pilaris is caused by excess keratin, which clogs up the hair follicles, leading to hard bumps.

Milia are small white or skin-colored bumps made up of dead skin cells that become trapped under new skin, forming a tiny bump. They usually show up on the face or under the eyes.

A person can have KP, milia, and/or acne.

Regardless, any clogged pore can lead to a bumpy skin texture during breakouts and after due to scarring and enlarged pores.

Sensitivities are different. A person can have sensitive skin which may lead to bumpiness or it may be a sensitivity or reaction to a particular skin care product or ingredient.

Natural Solutions For Bumpy Skin

Acne and clogged pores can be frustrating, but there are ways to control them naturally, including:

Exfoliate regularly, but not daily. 

Exfoliation is excellent for helping remove pore-clogging culprits, like dead skin and oil. It also has an immediate skin-smoothing effect. 

However, you don’t want to over-exfoliate, which can damage your skin and even lead to more acne.

In general, exfoliating two to three times per week using a gentle scrub, face mask, or manual exfoliation will give you all the benefits minus the risks.

Desert Essence Exfoliating Italian Lemon Soap Bar is an excellent, gentle exfoliator for body care (facial cleansing recommendations to follow).

Resist the urge to pop and squeeze. 

It may be tempting, but popping and squeezing pimples or KP bumps will only cause more skin texture issues and can even lead to inflammation and scarring.

Instead, treat the affected area with a natural spot treatment, like Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil or Blemish Touch Stick.

KP can benefit from cleansers or moisturizers with glycolic, alpha hydroxy, or lactic acid. Just be sure to buy clean brands.

Don’t skip moisturizing

It may seem counterintuitive, but oily, blemish-prone skin is often crying out for moisture, which is why it over-produces sebum.

Be sure to moisturize your skin at least once daily using a non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Desert Essence Organic 100% Jojoba Oil or Restorative Face Oil.

Jojoba oil is very similar to the skin’s natural sebum, making it ideal for balancing oily or combination skin.

Avoid harsh and drying acne treatments. 

Again, bumpy skin is often dry skin. So, while drying treatments may work in the short term, they can make things worse over time.

Instead, focus on gentle cleansers and spot treatments that target blemishes, such as: 

Try red and/or blue light therapy. 

Studies have shown red and or red with blue light therapy can be an effective alternative to traditional acne treatments. There are several at-home light therapy devices available, including masks, full-body lights, and spot-treaters. 

Check with your dermatologist about the right combination of light therapy for your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, keep your routine simple. 

Since sensitive skin tends to react quickly to the wrong ingredient, the less you use, the better.

Products like gentle plant oils (jojoba, hemp seed, coconut) for face or body, fragrance-free body wash, and ceramide lotions or cleansers are ideal for sensitive skin types.

Avoid comedogenic ingredients. 

Comedogenic ingredients are more likely to clog pores and lead to bumps than non-comedogenic ingredients.

Examples of natural non-comedogenic ingredients include:

Examples of natural comedogenic ingredients include:

  • Cocoa butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Avocado oil

See: What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean in Skincare Products? for all the details on natural and synthetic comedogenic and non-comedogenic ingredients.

Milia are more difficult to remove and may require professional extraction by a dermatologist. Gentle exfoliation can help, but take care if using under the eyes.

Address the root cause. 

Work with a dermatologist, holistic esthetician, or integrative health practitioner to identify what’s causing the clogged pores, acne, and bumps.

It’s different for everyone, and some causes can’t be avoided (like puberty); however, sometimes a simple change in skincare routine and/or diet can make all the difference.

Suffering from bumps on your legs? It could be your hair removal process.

See: How To Get Rid Of Strawberry Legs Naturally for all the details.

2. Rough Dry Skin

Dry skin can creep up in the summer and winter months—or year-round, leading to rough, dry, or uneven skin texture.

The keys to managing it are finding your ideal cleansers and moisturizers, paying attention to hydration, possibly adjusting your diet, avoiding drying skin care products, and staying on top of things.

What Is It/What Does It Feel Like?

Dry skin can feel tight, dry, itchy, rough, or patchy.

What Causes It?

Dry skin can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Sun exposure
  • Lack of hydration
  • Not enough moisturizing or using the wrong moisturizer
  • Lack of exfoliation or over-exfoliation
  • Skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis
  • Excess exposure to hot water
  • Chlorine
  • Other environmental issues, such as wind, extreme cold, or indoor heating
  • Lack of essential fatty acids in the diet
  • Hormonal issues
  • Pre-existing conditions or seasons of life, such as having Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, dermatitis, eczema, and during pregnancy

Natural Solutions For Rough Dry Skin Texture

Up your moisturizer game. 

Not all moisturizers are created equal, and some can even make dry skin worse.

When selecting a moisturizer, be sure it contains a combination of:

You can also layer moisturizers for an even more dramatic hydrating boost. 

For example, after bathing, apply a natural body oil, like Desert Essence Jojoba Coconut And Chamomile Body Oil Spray, followed by a cream or body butter.

Always moisturize after bathing, shaving, hot tubs, swimming, or whenever your skin feels dry.

Drink more water. 

Although more research is needed, scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests increasing water intake can help prevent dry skin.

Exfoliate two to three times per week. 

It can be tempting to exfoliate every day, but this can worsen dry skin by compromising skin barrier function and increasing sensitivity.

Instead, aim for two to three gentle exfoliations per week, and always follow with a moisturizer.

Also, don’t forget to moisturize after shaving! Which counts as an exfoliating treatment.

Increase essential fatty acids (EFAs) in your diet. 

Essential fatty acids are healthy fats that help reduce inflammation and may improve skin hydration levels.

Sources of EFAs include fatty fish, walnuts, hemp seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed meats, algal oils, fish oil supplements, and chia seeds.

Try red light therapy. 

New research suggests this trendy skin care solution may help reduce skin roughness and improve texture and tone.

Turn down the heat in your shower or bath. 

Unfortunately, very hot water can cause or exacerbate dry skin. Try turning the temperature down a few notches, especially if skin is very dry.

Avoid skincare products with drying ingredients 

Common drying ingredients include alcohols and benzoyl peroxide.

Run a humidifier. 

Low humidity is a leading cause of dry skin. Although more common in the winter, it can happen year-round in certain climates.

Running a humidifier at night and/or during the day can do wonders for dry skin, and helps prevent dry lips and mouth.

Hydrate as you cleanse. 

Pure soap, even natural varieties, can be too drying for very dry or rough skin types. 

Instead, consider a soap-free cleanser or a combination of gentle surfactants with added ingredients for hydration, such as Desert Essence Moisturizing Ceramide Cleanser or Sweet Almond Body Wash with hydrating aloe, almond, and comfrey.

Get more moisturizing tips for dry skin in: 9 Soothing Winter Skin Tips to Help Avoid Dry Skin & Get a Gorgeous Glow.

3: Mature, Wrinkled, Or Crepey Skin

As we age, our skin goes through many changes in type and texture. 

This is especially true during perimenopause and menopause, as shifting hormone levels wreak havoc on our skin texture, tone, and beauty routines!

Here’s what you can do about it.

What Is It? What Does It Feel Like?

Mature skin can take on various textures, such as a leathery feeling, wrinkles and divots, uneven texture, dryness, and even bumpiness.

What Causes It?

With aging comes changes in the skin, such as reduced collagen production, which reduces elasticity and tone, natural fine lines and wrinkles, bumpiness, dryness, compounded sun damage, and even acne during perimenopause.

All this can create various changes in skin texture, some of which are temporary and some of which can become more prominent.

Natural Solutions For Mature, Wrinkled, Or Crepey Skin

Create a skin care routine based on your needs and goals. 

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging, so whether you want to address them is up to you.

Although dermatological procedures such as injections and fillers are considered the gold standard for wrinkle reduction, taking care of your skin can help promote a more youthful glow and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Some helpful products and methods include:

  • Moisturizing twice daily can help plump and firm the skin, creating a healthy glow and preventing dryness or dullness.
  • Moisturizing your body after showering and before bed may help reduce the appearance of creping and fine lines, especially if they’re related to dry skin.
  • Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing with antioxidant-rich natural products, such as those with vitamin A, C, E, or essential oils may help reduce free radical damage.
  • Try ceramides. These ultra-hydrating natural plant lipids are ideal for all skin types, including mature skin. Ceramides like hyaluronic acid help plump the skin, increase hydration, protect skin barrier function, and promote smooth texture.
  • Consider including a night cream or lotion for added moisture and anti-aging benefits.
  • Try rosehip oil. This is a rich source of natural vitamin C, which is a precursor to skin-firming collagen.
  • Try carrot seed oil, as a natural source of Vitamin A and a mild retinol alternative.

Get plenty of vitamin C. 

Vitamin C is one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, which naturally fights free radicals (unstable molecules) that promote inflammation and can accelerate signs of aging. 

It’s also one of the primary building blocks of skin-firming and texturizing collagen, which reduces as we age.

Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus, strawberries, broccoli, leafy greens, pomegranates, and kiwis. You can also talk to your healthcare practitioner about a high-quality vitamin C supplement.

Wear sunscreen religiously. 

Sun damage is one of the primary causes of premature aging, wrinkles, and crepey skin. Be sure to apply at least an SPF 15-30 on your face, neck, décolletage, and any other exposed areas.

Hydrate often. 

As mentioned in the section on dry and rough skin, there is some evidence that drinking enough water can improve the tone and texture of skin.

Try red light therapy. 

A growing body of research suggests this trendy skin care solution may help reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, tighten loose skin, reduce blemishes, and improve skin texture.

Try licorice root for dark spots and even skin tone. 

Licorice root is an all-natural and ancient beauty secret for lightening dark spots, fighting the signs of aging, and creating an even skin tone.

It can be found in various natural skin products or purchased as a tincture or powder and applied to the affected areas. Learn all about it in: 7 Licorice Benefits for Skin: Uses & Side Effects.

Talk to your dermatologist about gentle procedures to help reduce creping and wrinkles. 

Many health-conscious people are leery of dermatological procedures for signs of aging.

However, seeing your dermatologist doesn’t have to mean resorting to injectables or harsh chemical peels.

Advances in laser treatments, plant-based peels, and techniques like microneedling are less invasive yet effective options for creping, sun damage, and other signs of aging.

Dead against medical procedures? Try an acupuncture facelift or facial yoga. 

Acupuncture facelifts, also known as an acu-face-lift or facial-acupuncture, is an up-and-coming anti-aging treatment.

During a procedure, a licensed acupuncturist will insert needles into specific acupuncture points throughout the face, which enhances the flow of chi (or energy), creating a more youthful appearance.

Although various studies and anecdotal evidence suggest a benefit for elasticity, skin tone, and wrinkle reduction, more research is needed.

However, the procedure is very safe, typically not painful, and relaxing, and people rave about the results. 

An acupuncturist may also prescribe specific herbal formulas to enhance the benefits of the treatment.

Facial yoga is another option for reducing signs of aging and improving skin texture.

Here, you spend 20-30 minutes holding and repeating certain facial expressions to tone the facial muscles and help reduce signs of aging, which may help with texture.

Preliminary studies suggest practicing facial yoga daily may reduce various signs of aging and help improve skin tone.

Although more research is needed, if you have the time and commitment, this could provide skin-smoothing benefits.

For rough, tight, dry, or bumpy mature skin, follow the tips in the previous sections.

When to See a Dermatologist

With a bit of time and consistency, the above recommendations are often enough to address most skin texture issues.

However, if things persist or you just aren’t getting the results you want, it may be time for some professional support.

Dermatologists can recommend various products and treatments to help address textured skin. 

They can also help diagnose any skin conditions that may be causing the textured skin issues, such as eczema, dermatitis, an infection, psoriasis, or a skin allergy.

If you suspect your skin issues may not be just skin-deep, consider enlisting the help of an integrative health doctor or practitioner to uncover and address the root cause.

Many hidden conditions, such as microbiome disruption, thyroid health issues, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies, or autoimmunity, can cause changes to skin texture.

It is also recommended to check in with a dermatologist or other skin care expert before trying other therapies, such as red or blue light.

Regardless, don’t give up! Our skin is subject to genetic and environmental influences and is also a reflection of our health.

If you suspect something is off, don’t hesitate to dig a little deeper to address the root cause.

Tips on Choosing the Best Products for Textured Skin

We’ve covered various recommendations for natural products to help smooth out and prevent textured skin.

Here’s a quick recap, plus a few more ideas.

For acne, clogged pores, and bumpy skin:

For dry or rough skin:

For mature, wrinkled, or crepey skin:

References Mentioned in This Article:

  • “Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics”. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
  • “Relationship between the dietary intake of water and skin hydration Relação entre a ingestão dietária de água e a hidratação cutânea.” (2012).
  • “Is Red Light Therapy Right For You?” American Academy of Dermatology Association.
  • “Clinical efficacy and tolerability of new low-level blue and red light therapy technology in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
  • “Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Health”. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University.
  • “Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review”. Nutrients.
  • “Free radicals and extrinsic skin aging”. Dermatol Res Pract.
  • “Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process”. Int J Mol Sci.
  • “Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity”. Antioxidants.
  • “Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study”. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM,
  • “Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation”. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
  • “Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging”. JAMA Dermatol.
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