1. Cleanse Morning and Night

Consider it skincare 101. Skipping out on a good cleansing routine can lead to build up of dirt makeup, and sunscreen, clogged pores, breakouts, and bumpy skin (especially if you have acne-prone skin). To help tackle all of the above, incorporate a cleanser that hydrates skin (dry skin can create rough texture) and that’s also made with alpha hydroxy acids and/or beta hydroxy acids. AHAs and BHAs help remove dead skin cells to clear out pores and smooth texture. We’ve been using ITEM BEAUTY Fast Past Gel Cleanser three times a week and we’re hooked.

2. Use a Chemical Exfoliant

There’s something so satisfying about a good exfoliation sesh. That feeling of baby soft skin and a brighter complexion for days. When it comes to improving everything from uneven skin texture, to hyperpigmentation, to dryness, bumpy skin, and more a good chemical exfoliant is key. “Exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid work similar to chemical peels, but they are used at much lower concentrations. They enhance exfoliation and shedding of dead cells from the surface of the skin, while stimulating collagen and elastic fibers,” says Zeichner.

3. Add in a Retinol

When it comes to addressing just about every skincare concern under the sun (from fine lines and wrinkles to pimples, age spots, dark spots, uneven skin tone, acne scars, enlarged pores and more), retinol is your BFF. Seriously, it’s the one skincare ingredient we don’t know how we ever lived without! “Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that enhances cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. With continued use it improves the texture of the skin and can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Zeichner. Apply a retinol serum (we’ve been hooked on MURAD Retinol Youth Serum since day one), at night since it can be photosensitizing and follow up with a hydrating moisturizer. If you’ve got sensitive skin or if you’re a retinol newbie, start out once or twice a week to give your skin time to adjust.

4. Buddy up to Bakuchiol

Speaking of sensitive skin, if you’re prone to dryness and redness or conditions like eczema and rosacea, adjusting to a retinol could be tricky. A gentler, but effective alternative? Bakuchiol.“ The downside to retinol is that it can be irritating to some individuals, so alternatives like bakuchiol can be used as well. While it works through a different mechanism, it provides similar collagen, stimulating effects,” Zeichner tells us. In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology actually found bakuchiol to be comparably effective to retinol at addressing signs of aging and sun damage while being less irritating to skin. Sounds like a win-win. Add NEOGEN DERMATOLOGY Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum to your nighttime skincare routine to soften and smooth your skin’s surface (and wake up suuuper glowy).

5. Pick Peptides

“Peptides tell your skin cells to perform specific activities. They have the advantage of being effective without causing irritation and they can be used across all skin types,” says Zeichner. They’re focus? Collagen and elastin. Basically, peptides are little messengers that tell your cells to start producing collagen and elastin, which in turn strengthens your skin barrier and helps make your skin look firmer, tighter, and more plump. Add a peptide-based face serum to your am and pm skincare routine (we love DERMA E Advanced Peptides & Collagen Serum because it’s packed with both peptides and antioxidants too).

6. Incorporate Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of those holy grail ingredients that’s withstood the test of time for a good reason. The benefits of using a topical vitamin C serum are plenty. From antioxidant protection, to being able to brighten uneven skin tone and uneven texture, to gentle exfoliating benefits and more, vitamin C is a mainstay in our skincare routine. If you’re looking for one that plays nice with the rest of your skincare products, CLEAN SKIN CLUB Vitamin C Brightening Booster does every time.

7. Try Laser Therapy

When it comes to in-office treatments for skin texture, laser resurfacing treatments have become pretty big in popularity because they typically don’t require much downtime, depending on the type. So how do they work? “Lasers emit a beam of light that is absorbed by water in the skin. It creates a thermal injury that induces a wound healing response to stimulate collagen. In more severe cases, ablative lasers like CO2 lasers are ideal because they have an impact both on the outer skin layer and the deeper layers. In less severe cases, non-ablative lasers are the treatment of choice. They stimulate collagen in the deeper skin layers, but avoid the outer skin layer, which means less downtime and fewer potential side effects,” Zeichner tells us.

8. Opt for Microneedling

“Microneedling is a procedure where tiny, sterile needles puncture the skin, creating physical trauma that results in wound healing and collagen production. Microneedling can be performed on its own or with a device that delivers radio-frequency energy. Radio-frequency energy provides additional benefits in inducing production of collagen, and elastic fibers,” Zeichner advises. Curious about microneedling? Chat with your derm to find out if it can help you achieve your smooth skin goals.

9. Don’t Skip SPF

When it comes to improving skincare, sun exposure isn’t your friend. Wearing spf every single day will help your skin exponentially over the years when it comes to skin aging, texture, and preventing skin cancer. Looking for an spf that blends with ease? SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 smoothes on clear which had us melanin-blessed babes hooked at first swipe.

Want more tips on how to tackle all your skincare issues? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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