Skin Texture Changes: Causes and Treatments

Skin texture changes are those changes in your skin that can leave you looking tired, worn, and older than you are or than you would like to look. They can happen because of your genetic predisposition, or because of your lifestyle. There are a variety of skin texture changes and each person will experience individual issues, but the most common are wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation like age spots, dry skin, and rough skin. We’ve covered the causes of wrinkles and pigmentation issues already this month, but what causes the other skin texture changes we can experience over time? Scarring has an obvious answer- scars come from injuries. But with your skin, these injuries can be blemishes, like acne. Acne can leave deep, pitted scars, as well as red spots or other pigmentation changes. Scars that are not pitted but are pigment-based can be treated with an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or laser treatment. Pitted scars can be filled with dermal filler injections, which will raise the surface of the scar until it is even with the rest of the skin surface.   Dry skin occurs naturally as we age. The skin becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture. Dry skin looks less plump, which is why it makes us look older. Dry skin caused by aging can be combated with proper diet and water intake, as well as with the use of proper skin care products. Your plastic surgeon or certified aesthetician can recommend the perfect product regime for you.   Another skin texture change we can experience is roughness. This can occur over our whole face, or just in particular areas. Roughness can have a number of causes, from excess dryness to lack of exfoliation. There are exfoliating products that can help treat rough skin texture, though a laser treatment or chemical peel might also be appropriate. Again, your surgeon or esthetician can make the best recommendation for treatment. Call us at (703) 215-9152 for more information or to schedule a consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are skin texture changes and how do they affect appearance?

Skin texture changes are any alterations to the look or feel of the skin unrelated to fat loss or drooping. Common examples include wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage, rough patches, and dull or uneven complexion. They collectively make the face look older and more tired over time.

What causes acne scars and why are they hard to treat?

Acne causes pitted scars from physical damage to the dermis and pigmentation changes from prolonged inflammation. Pitted scars represent structural damage that topical products cannot reach effectively, requiring professional-grade treatments that work at the depth where the actual damage occurred.

What treatments are available for pigmentation-based skin texture changes?

Pigment-based concerns including hyperpigmentation, age spots, and post-acne discoloration respond well to IPL and laser treatments that break down excess melanin in the skin. BBL therapy is a popular and effective option for these concerns at NOVA, delivering progressive improvement over a series of sessions.

How are pitted or depressed acne scars treated?

Pitted scars can be filled using dermal filler injections placed beneath the depressed area, or resurfaced using ProFractional laser or RF microneedling to stimulate collagen production that gradually fills and smooths the scar. The best approach depends on the depth and extent of the scarring.

What if my dry skin does not improve with over-the-counter moisturizers?

Persistent dry skin that does not respond to regular moisturizers may indicate a compromised skin barrier requiring professional evaluation. NOVA offers medical-grade skincare products and professional treatments that address barrier dysfunction more effectively than conventional consumer products.