Spring Cleaning: How to Tackle Skin Texture with K-Beauty!

Spring is here! Finally, it feels like the new year has really started – and, in the spirit of the season, let’s talk about spring-cleaning. While the concept of spring cleaning as a literal practice is an old one – some historians have traced it back to traditions surrounding Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which falls on the first day of spring and involves giving one’s house and everything in it a thorough cleaning, while others find its origins in the Jewish religion, according to which the home is cleansed ahead of Passover – “spring-cleaning” as a phrase is now used pretty generally to mean tidying up and getting one’s affairs in order – and what better time to get your skin in order than before the summer, when you’ll be out and about and probably showing off more of it than usual? That said, this post is all about skin texture - what it is, what causes it, and how to address it with 6 of our favourite products. Let’s kick off by answering a few basic questions.

What is skin texture?

As you might expect, skin texture is how the surface of your skin both feels and looks, which might be rough, bumpy, uneven, or smooth (if you’re lucky). You won’t necessarily see obvious signs of texture on your skin - it might be pretty flawless to look at – but when you run your finger over it, especially during product application, you might find yourself encountering bumpiness that is otherwise hard to tell is there. 

How is skin texture related to skin type?

Skin type – oily, combination, normal, or dry - is largely decided by genetics, and while your skin type can change, especially (in women) as a result of hormonal changes, it mostly remains static. You can think of your skin type as basically a measure of how much oil your skin produces – dry skin does not produce enough, while oily skin produces too much.

Skin texture, however, is a condition that can be encountered by any skin type. Dry skin and oily skin can both be texture-free, while normal skin can be very textured. It all depends on the other factors affecting the condition of your skin beyond your skin type. Which brings us to –

What causes skin texture?

Skin texture can be the result of multiple skin conditions and external factors, such as:

• Enlarged pores. More visibly noticeable pores can make skin look rough and uneven.
• Acne and scarring. If you have acne, whether we’re talking cystic, fungal, or closed comedones, that will naturally result in bumpy skin. If you have pigmentation from previous breakouts, this can also contribute to skin texture in terms of both look and feel, as the surface of skin will be slightly raised around scarred areas.
• Fine lines and wrinkles. As skin thins out and collagen production decreases due to the ageing process, lines and wrinkles that interrupt the skin’s texture can form. 
• Dryness and dehydration. Dryness and dehydration refer to two different conditions – dryness is caused by a lack of oils in the skin, while dehydration is caused by a lack of water. Both can result in skin that looks dull and feels rough to the touch. 
• Damage as a result of sun exposure. Unless your skin is properly protected with SPF and appropriate clothing, UV rays can penetrate into skin and damage elastin- and collagen fibres, causing sagging and wrinkles. Sun exposure can also result in hyperpigmentation, as melanin, the means by which skin shields itself from UV damage, is overproduced.
• Dead skin cells. The accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin surface makes complexions look dull and feel coarse. 
• Eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, or other skin conditions. 

How can I improve my skin texture?

In terms of general practices, you can help improve your skin texture in various different ways. 

Regular exfoliation, whether chemical or physical, helps to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells to the skin surface, removing them and revealing the brighter skin below.

Applying moisturiser twice a day keeps skin hydration levels high, preventing dryness and dehydration which can cause skin to feel tight and rough. 

Ingredients that stimulate cell turnover, such as Retinol, can help to smooth out skin texture by encouraging the growth of new, healthy tissue. 

Using SPF every day, even when it’s cloudy out (UV rays can penetrate through clouds!) will help to prevent further hyperpigmentation and loss of skin elasticity, as well, of course, as much more serious health issues such as skin cancer. 

Microneedling and other professional treatments like chemical peels can help to improve particularly stubborn skin texture that won’t respond to less-invasive treatment. 

Now that you know what skin texture is, what causes it, and how to treat it in general, you’re probably wondering what the best products to help your specific texture concern are. Keep reading! Below, we’re highlighting our favourite skincare to address three of the main culprits behind skin texture - clogged or enlarged pores, acne, and wrinkles. 

Clogged/enlarged pores

VT COSMETICS Reedle Shot 50 (50ml)

Microneedling doesn’t have to take place in an aesthetician’s clinic! Viral in Korea, VT COSMETICS’ Reedle Shot 50 is powered by state-of-the-art Cica Reedle™ technology – 38,000ppm of tiny microsized needles, 14 times smaller than pores, that help to open up absorption pathways in your skin, maximising the ability of active ingredients to penetrate deep into skin, where they are most effective. These microneedles also work to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and remove impurities from pores, visibly improving texture and tone, and leaving your complexion luminous and healthy-looking. This version (50) is the mildest available, and especially ideal for sensitive skin – we recommend gradually increasing the strength you use as your skin adjusts to the product. 

MOLVANY Castanea Crenata Inner Shell Pore Tightening Serum (50ml)

We love MOLVANY’s unique ingredients and complexes for addressing common skin concerns, and this Castanea Crenata Inner Shell Pore Tightening Serum is no exception! Silky and lightweight, this product contains 81% Chestnut Inner Shell Extract; rich in astringent tannins, Chestnut Inner Shell Extract has long used as an ingredient in East Asian cosmetics, and helps to balance sebum levels, smooth out texture, and tighten the look of pores, as well as soothe inflammation and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by firming and hydrating the skin. The formula is also enriched with Anti Sebum P, a patented complex that blends Evening Primrose Extract, Kudzu Vine, Pine Needle, and Elm Root Bark to absorb excess sebum on the skin surface, minimising the appearance of pores and delivering an instant mattifying effect.

Acne

ZEROID Pimprove Foaming Cleanser (200ml)

Designed specifically to care for skin that is both sensitive and acne-prone, ZEROID’s Pimprove Foaming Cleanser supports the skin barrier with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps to boost, attract and retain moisture, and ZEROID’s revolutionary MLE technology, which works to restore the skin barrier to inhibit moisture and water loss, and keep skin resilient against external aggressors. Meanwhile, Zinc PCA mildly exfoliates the skin by limiting excessive sebum production, preventing acne-causing bacteria from accumulating on the skin surface. Combined, these three ingredients work to balance oil production and lock in moisture, ensuring that skin looks healthy and radiant, and minimising the chance of breakouts occurring. 

ONGREDIENTS Centella Asiatica Skin Barrier Calming Lotion (220ml)

This nutrient-rich, multi-award-winning moisturiser provides immediate soothing relief to irritable and acne-prone skin! Centella Asiatica calms irritation and inflammation while strengthening the damaged skin barrier – action which is supported by NB P-Complex, a blend of 4 natural ingredients (Mulkuhiyah, Yerba Mate, Borage, Purple Carrot) fermented for 7 days, and 9 types of Peptides, which work to inhibit moisture loss and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The ultra-hydrating, milky formula glides easily across skin to provide deep hydration and a pore-blurring, natural-looking glow, all without irritating blemish-prone complexions.

Wrinkles

EQQUALBERRY Bakuchiol Plumping Serum (30ml)

Nicknamed the “Galaxy Glow” serum for its glittering purple texture, EQQUALBERRY’s Bakuchiol Plumping Serum is more than just adorable to look at – it’s also packed with powerful ingredients to target 5 different types of wrinkles and other signs of ageing. 

The star of the show is 99% pure Bakuchiol, a vegan alternative to Retinol that stimulates skin collagen production to improve skin firmness and elasticity – ideal if you have sensitive skin that still requires anti-ageing care. This multifunctional serum also provides skin barrier care with 5-Ceramide Cream Capsules, delivers triple-layer hydration with 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol, and softens fine lines with 13 different Peptides, helping skin look younger and fresher. 

S.NATURE Aqua Squalane Moisturising Cream (60ml)

One of Korea’s hottest moisturisers right now, S.NATURE’s multi-award-winning Aqua Squalane Cream has beauty lovers hooked from the first try! Formulated with emollient and antioxidant-rich Squalane, known for its ability to minimise fine lines and soften the skin, this cream delivers essential nutrients to help maintain a youthful appearance.

This ingredient-focused anti-ageing formula is also enriched with Adenosine to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity, along with 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture for a plump, hydrated look. Together, they work harmoniously to target signs of ageing and promote firmer, bouncier skin.