The normal aging process combined with sun exposure may diminish the smoothness of your skin. Over time, skin may become rougher and may even appear blotchy and have an uneven tone. Wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin can also detract from your appearance and cause skin to look less smooth according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Certain products may help return smoothness to your skin.
Topical Antioxidants
Topical antioxidant creams may encourage smooth skin by guarding against sun damage and decreasing the risk of wrinkles according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Antioxidants work by hunting down and destroying cell-damaging free radicals.
Antioxidants available in topical form include coenzyme Q10, selenium and vitamin C. Vitamin C in particular may stimulate collagen production, decrease wrinkles and help tighten skin.
Retinoic Acid
Retinoic acid is available in prescription-only tretinoin cream, commonly known as Retin-A. This topical form of vitamin A may encourage collagen production, smooth the appearance of skin and help minimize wrinkles according to the UMMC.
Injectable Fillers
Injectable soft-tissue fillers may have a smoothing effect on the skin by softening common facial expressions caused by frowning, smiling and squinting according to the AAD. Fillers contain fat or collagen and are injected directly into wrinkles.
Botulinum or Botox is a naturally produced toxin that can also be injected into the skin to relax small muscles and smooth out frown lines.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, which typically involve the application of a solution such as gylcolic acid or lactic acid to the skin, remove surface layers of the skin and encourage the growth of new, smoother skin according to the AAD.
Superficial peels are mild and primarily improve skin texture and soften roughness. Medium strength peels go a little deeper into the skin and may soften fine lines and small wrinkles. Deep chemical peels can diminish more severe wrinkles and skin roughness.
Depending on the strength of the chemical peel, your skin may appear red for several days or weeks following the treatment.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion uses an abrasive instrument to sand away dead skin and reveal smoother, healthier looking skin. This technique can be especially beneficial for sun-damaged skin and scarring according to the AAD. Dermabrasion generally has impressive and long-lasting results.
Microdermabrasion typically involves the use of a diamond-tipped wand to remove some of the outermost layer of the skin and promote new skin growth. Unlike dermabrasion, several treatments may be necessary to obtain the desired effects.
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