Skin texture: refine and smooth

What is skin texture?

Skin texture refers to the visible appearance and feel of the skin’s surface. Characteristics:

• Skin texture: evenness, softness, and smoothness that can be felt to the touch
• Apparent pore size: fine (fine texture) or enlarged (coarse texture)
• Surface uniformity: absence of excessive unevenness (fine lines, scars, blackheads)
• Luminosity: ability to reflect light evenly
• Reflection of the skin’s overall condition: hydration, cell turnover, sebum balance
• Overall indicator of the skin’s visible quality
• Changes with age and depending on environmental factors

A fine, even skin texture is often associated with supple, radiant skin. Forradiant skin and an even complexion, additional resources are available to help you.

What factors influence skin texture?

Several factors determine visible skin texture:

• Genetics: inherited skin structure, natural pore size, phototype
• Age: slowed cell turnover, gradual loss of suppleness and elasticity
• Cumulative sun exposure: the number one factor in skin texture deterioration (photoaging, dark spots, loss of firmness)
• Excessive sebum production: more prominent visible pores, tendency toward blackheads
• Active acne or residual scarring
• Hormonal fluctuations: puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, PCOS
• Unbalanced diet: fast-acting sugars, ultra-processed foods, antioxidant deficiencies
• Chronic internal and externaldehydration
• Smoking (Tobacco Info Service: 3989) and excessive alcohol consumption
• Air pollution and oxidative stress
• Chronic stress and insufficient sleep
• Inappropriate skincare: harsh cleansers, aggressive exfoliants, accumulation of irritants
• Skin conditions: rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis
• Photosensitizingmedications or those that induce seborrhea

Identifying modifiable factors guides the strategy for improvement.

How can it be improved long-term?

Improvement relies on a comprehensive approach:

• Gentle cleansing morning and night, tailored to skin type
• Regular exfoliation 1 to 2 times a week (gentle chemical exfoliation is preferred over harsh mechanical scrubs)
• Daily moisturizing tailored to your skin type
• Targeted active ingredients in serums: salicylic acid, AHAs, niacinamide, cosmetic retinol
• Strict dailysun protection with SPF 30 to 50+ (the #1 preventive measure)
• Systematic makeup removal every evening
• Targeted treatments based on specific concerns (dark spots, fine lines, pores)
• A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and protein
• Oral hydration: 1.5 to 2 L of water per day
• Regular sleep: 7 to 9 hours per night
• Regular moderatephysical activity: 150 minutes per week (WHO recommendations)
• Chronicstress management
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
• Targeted medical procedures as needed (chemical peels, microneedling, lasers)
• Consistency over several months for visible and lasting results

Our anti-aging section at the pharmacy offers products tailored to different skin types.

Which active ingredients are effective?

Several well-documented ingredients visibly refine skin texture:

• Salicylic acid (BHA): keratolytic exfoliant, unclogs pores, lipophilic
• AHAs (glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids): surface chemical exfoliants that smooth skin texture (photosensitizing)
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): improves visible skin quality, soothes redness, regulates sebum production
• Cosmetic retinol: promotes cell turnover, smooths fine lines (for evening use only; photosensitizing; contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding)
• Vitamin C: antioxidant, contributes to a radiant and even complexion
• Peptides: support firmness and suppleness
• Hyaluronic acid: a key moisturizer, provides immediate plumping and smoothing effects
• Azelaic acid: anti-inflammatory, considered one of the safest options—even during pregnancy—according to medical advice
• Bakuchiol: plant-based alternative to retinol
• Ceramides and squalane: restore the skin barrier
• Coenzyme Q10: targeted antioxidant
• PHA (polyhydroxy acids, gluconolactone): ultra-gentle exfoliants for sensitive skin
• Zinc: helps maintain healthy skin
• White willow extracts: a natural source of salicylic acid

Combining complementary active ingredients in a balanced formula often yields the best results.

What daily routine should you follow?

A consistent routine helps achieve results:

In the morning:

1. Gentle cleansing suited to your skin type
2. Optionalalcohol-free toner
3. Antioxidant serum (vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols)
4. Moisturizer suited to your skin type
5. Specificeye contour treatment
6. SPF 30 to 50+ sunscreen is essential as the final step

In the evening:

1. Thorough makeup removal
2. Follow up with agentle cleanse
3. Targeted serum (cosmetic retinol, niacinamide, peptides, or hyaluronic acid, depending on the night)
4. Nourishing night cream without SPF
5. Specificeye contour treatment
6. Finishingplant-based oil for dry skin

Weekly:

• Gentle chemical exfoliation 1 to 2 times a week
• Appropriate mask 1–2 times a week (hydrating, purifying, or nourishing, as needed)
• Gentle facial massage for 5 to 10 minutes to stimulate microcirculation

Consistency is more important than complexity. Avoid using multiple irritating active ingredients at the same time.

What beauty treatments are available?

Several procedures can complement a tailored routine:

• Superficial to mediumchemical peels at a medical clinic (glycolic, mandelic, salicylic acids, mild TCA)
• Microdermabrasion: gentle mechanical exfoliation performed in a medical office
• Hydrabrasion (hydrodermabrasion): combines exfoliation with the infusion of active ingredients
• Microneedling with or without associated radiofrequency
• Fractional lasers (ablative or non-ablative)
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) for dark spots and redness
• Skin boosters: hyaluronic acid in microboluses to improve skin quality
• Mesotherapy: revitalizing cocktails (vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid)
• LED therapy as a complementary treatment
• Radiofrequency: gradual skin-tightening effect
• Targeted cryotherapy for certain lesions

These procedures should be performed by a dermatologist or trained aesthetic physician. A preliminary consultation is essential to assess the indication, skin type (darker skin tones are at higher risk of paradoxical hyperpigmentation), contraindications, and expected outcomes.

How does stress affect skin texture?

Chronic stress has a direct impact on skin texture:

• Prolonged elevation of cortisol: stimulates sebum production
• Persistent low-gradechronic inflammation
• Deterioration of the skin barrier: increased sensitivity, water loss
• Slowed cell turnover
• Increased vulnerability to external aggressors
• Slower recovery from inflammation or injury
• Compensatory behaviors: unbalanced diet, lack of sleep, neglect of personal care
• Compulsive picking in certain situations
• Worsening of skinconditions (acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema)
• Dull complexion and impaired microcirculation

Recommended approaches:

• Cardiac coherence: 3 times a day, 5 minutes, 6 breaths per minute
• Meditation, yoga, sophrology, tai chi
• Regular physical activity
• Meaningfulsocial connections and emotional expression
• Walks in nature
• Creative hobbies and enjoyable activities
• Adaptogenic herbs as recommended by a pharmacist (rhodiola, ashwagandha)
• Psychological support if needed
• Asoothing eveningroutine

Stress management remains one of the most accessible ways to maintain the skin’s visible quality over the long term.

What natural approaches are helpful?

Certain complementary approaches can support a tailored routine:

Beneficial approaches:

• Purealoe vera gel: soothing, moisturizing (48-hour test)
• Jojoba oil: balancing, with a structure similar to skin sebum
• Plant-based squalane oil: lightweight, non-comedogenic
• Argan oil: antioxidant, rich in vitamin E
• Rosehip oil: antioxidant, for evening use only
• Green tea as an infusion or topical compress: antioxidant polyphenols
• Green or white clay as an occasional mask
• Thermal water spray during the day
• Floral waters (rose, cornflower, witch hazel): toning
• Regulargentle facial massage to stimulate microcirculation
• Cold roller or gua sha made of ceramic or jade
• Nourishing masks with avocado, pure honey, or oatmeal (test first)

Avoid:

• Lemon juice on the skin: phytophototoxic
• Undiluted vinegar: irritating
• Baking soda: alkaline, disrupts the skin barrier
• Harsh mechanical scrubs with coarse grains
• Untestedhomemade recipes with high irritation potential
• Excessive exfoliation (more than 2 to 3 times a week)

Cosmetically formulated skincare products available at pharmacies offer predictable results.

What role does diet play?

Diet directly influences visible skin quality:

• Colorful fruits and vegetables: 5 servings per day for a variety of vitamins and antioxidants
• Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pomegranates): powerful polyphenols
• Green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, kale, lamb’s lettuce): folate, vitamin K
• Carotenoids (carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, apricots, mangoes): antioxidant protection
• Fatty fish twice a week (salmon, sardines, mackerel): omega-3 EPA and DHA
• Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds): vitamin E, essential fatty acids
• Avocado, olive oil, and canola oil: high-quality fats
• High-quality protein (eggs, fish, lean meats, legumes)
• Green tea: specific antioxidants (catechins)
• Zinc-rich foods (oysters, meats, legumes)
• Hydration: 1.5 to 2 L of water per day
• Dietary probiotics (plain yogurt, kefir, lacto-fermented vegetables)
• Limit intake of fast-acting sugars (cellular glycation)
• Limit ultra-processed foods, salt, and alcohol

Our natural antioxidants section offers supplements to help make up for any deficiencies.

Why is hydration essential?

Hydration is a cornerstone of visible skin health:

Internal hydration:

• 1.5 to 2 L of water per day, adjusted according to activity level and temperature
• Spread out evenly throughout the day
• Water-rich foods: cucumber, watermelon, zucchini, tomato, soup
• Herbal teas and infusions without contraindicated plants
• Limit sugary drinks and alcohol
• Limit salt intake (paradoxical water retention)

Topical hydration:

• Appropriate moisturizer morning and night
• Moisturizing serums with hyaluronic acid and glycerin
• Ceramides and squalane: restore the skin barrier
• Thermal water mist throughout the day
• Avoid using water that’s too hot when washing
• Moisturizing masks 1 to 2 times a week
• Finish withplant-based oils for dry skin

Well-hydrated skin has a finer texture, is more supple, and has a more radiant glow. This is one of the most accessible long-term solutions.

What about hormonal changes?

Hormonal fluctuations significantly alter skin texture:

• Puberty: excessive sebum production, enlarged pores, acne, thickened skin texture
• Menstrual cycle: visible variations in skin quality depending on the phase (frequent premenstrual breakouts)
• Pregnancy: variable effects (pregnancy acne, melasma, but often good visible skin quality due to high estrogen levels)
• Breastfeeding: possible dehydration, skin fatigue
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): hyperandrogenism, acne, excessive sebum production, hirsutism (consult a gynecologist and endocrinologist)
• Contraception: effects vary depending on the formulation
• Premenopause and menopause: drop in estrogen levels, dry skin, loss of firmness, more pronounced skin texture
• Andropause: progressive skin changes in men
• Thyroid disorders: dry skin (hypothyroidism) or oily skin (hyperthyroidism)

If you experience hormonal changes affecting your skin, it is recommended that you consult your primary care physician or gynecologist. Adapting your skincare routine to your hormonal phases optimizes results. Targeted skincare products are available for menopause and mature skin. Your pharmacist remains a valuable resource for guiding your skincare routine in line with how your skin changes over the years, in addition to medical care.