Of all the skin concerns you may have, from spots and blemishes to wrinkles and fine lines, perhaps the most common everyday problem is rough, dry skin. The Holy Grail of a healthy complexion, no matter your skin type, is skin that’s smooth, hydrated and texture-free.
Achieving smooth skin means regular cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising. It also means considering your skin's health, nourishing it with the right nutrients and plenty of hydration. Lifestyle factors also play a role, with UV protection and restorative sleep being equally important.
Smooth skin also depends on the skin barrier. When this barrier is healthy, it helps hold moisture in, keeps irritants out and leaves the skin looking calmer, softer and more even.
Rough, textured skin can be caused by a multitude of factors, ranging from hormonal influences to the external impact of the climate you live in and even how well you moisturise each day.
Going through the perimenopause and the menopause causes a drop in the natural level of the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen helps to stimulate the production of collagen, the protein that keeps your skin youthful and smooth. Less collagen as a result of a decline in oestrogen can lead to dry, rough skin that begins to droop and show signs of ageing.
The climate can also cause your skin to become dehydrated and lose its smoothness. UV light, cold temperatures, changes in humidity and wet, icy winds can all leave you feeling dry and rough. Pollution and environmental toxins can build up and have the same stripping effect by causing inflammation.
Roughness can also be a sign that the skin barrier is under strain. When that barrier is weakened, the skin loses water more easily, becomes more reactive and often feels less smooth. This is why harsh products, stress, over-exfoliating and dehydration can all show up in the skin quite quickly.
Your skin has its own system of keeping itself moisturised, in the form of sebum, a natural oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. But it does need a helping hand. Neglecting cleansing, allowing dirt to build up, and not replacing lost moisture will lead to an uneven, textured complexion.
There is also the skin biome to consider: the community of helpful microbes living on the skin’s surface. When it is balanced, it helps support the skin barrier. When it is disrupted by harsh cleansing, poor sleep, stress or irritation, the skin can look duller, drier and less settled.
Achieving smooth skin isn’t impossible, but it does need a certain level of commitment to the cause. There are five main aspects to consider that will keep your face looking smooth and plump:
In practice, smoother skin usually comes from doing a few simple things well and doing them consistently: protecting the skin barrier, keeping hydration up, eating properly, sleeping well and not overdoing products.
Properly cleansing your face removes the dirt, cellular debris, excess sebum, bacteria, makeup, and environmental toxins and pollutants that build up on the skin each day. If left, these elements can become trapped in the pores, leading to spots and irritation.
Cleanse twice a day, in the morning and evening, to ensure you are clean and free from irritants. Use a gentle, organic cream cleanser to gently lift away dirt and remove makeup without stripping the natural oils.
It is also easy to do too much. Over-cleansing, over-scrubbing and using too many active products can leave skin rougher rather than smoother, especially if it already feels dry or reactive. Gentle, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic products are often the better choice for sensitive skin.
Exfoliating will also help to keep the pores clear and to remove dead skin cells. Choose a gentle physical exfoliant, such as a konjac sponge, to buff the skin. Or opt for a ‘chemical’ exfoliant that contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) such as glycolic acid or a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid.
AHAs work by gently peeling away the top outer layers to reveal more evenly pigmented, smoother skin. BHAs work by penetrating the pores, flushing them of dirt and oil.
Aim to exfoliate twice each week, once a week if your skin is particularly sensitive. If your skin feels tight, dry or easily irritated, once a week may be plenty until the barrier feels stronger again. Smooth skin should feel comfortable, not stripped.
After cleansing and exfoliating, choose skincare that supports the barrier rather than overwhelming it. A rich serum such as Shine Bright by BioBloom can be used before moisturiser, while a lighter cream such as Vitalize, also by BioBloom, may suit skin that feels dry, stressed or in need of extra comfort.
Water is essential for life, and that includes the vibrancy of your skin. When you drink water, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream, helping to deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to all the organs of the body, including the skin.
If you become dehydrated, your face and hands will appear dull and dry, which in turn will affect the skin's texture. Turning it from smooth and silky to rough and bumpy.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to ensure your skin doesn’t become dehydrated. You can then take care of the outside, keeping your skin plump and healthy by using moisturisers containing nourishing ingredients.
Hydration matters both inside and out. Water intake, water-rich foods and a simple moisturising routine all help support the skin barrier and keep the surface looking plumper and less crepey. A 2024 study also linked daily water intake and moisturiser use with better skin barrier function.
Hemp-based moisturisers such as the Organic CBD face cream Vitalize from BioBloom, are designed to calm red or irritated skin as well as nurture and protect it. Regenerating serums such as the Regenerating Concentrate from Alteya Organics are designed to support firmer, smoother skin.
For a simple daily routine, cleanse gently, apply a serum if using one, then seal in moisture with a cream. The aim is not to chase a complicated routine, but to keep the skin comfortable, hydrated and protected every day.
Be mindful of what other drinks you consume. Sugary drinks have an inflammatory effect which can lead to redness, bumps and irritation. Caffeine and alcohol both have a mild diuretic effect which can lead to dehydration and dryness, so it’s a good idea to drink both in moderation.
Very hot showers and baths can also leave the skin drier afterwards. Warm water is usually kinder, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin.
Aim to drink six to eight regular glasses of water a day (herbal teas/infusions also count) and have an extra glass of water for each caffeinated or alcoholic drink.
As much as you might love the warming sensation of sunlight, not to mention the enormous benefits of sunlight exposure – manufacturing vitamin D, which is needed for strong bones and teeth, a healthy immune system, and supporting mental health – long-term exposure isn’t ideal for healthy skin.
The UV rays from the sun cause skin damage. In the short-term, UV damage looks like sunburn (even a suntan is actually a form of sun damage). Long-term, it creates dull looking, uneven skin.
UV is still one of the main outside causes of prematurely aged skin, but it does not act alone. Pollution, stress and a lack of antioxidant-rich foods can add to oxidative stress, which is one reason skin may look dull, tired or uneven.
So, protecting yourself from UV rays is important for achieving smooth skin. A large-brimmed hat and CE certified sunglasses will help, but using sunscreen is also important.
Avoid products containing chemical SPFs such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are linked with hormone disruption. Currently, the evidence is inconclusive, but some studies suggest that it could lead to developmental problems in children and fertility problems in adults.
Instead, use a mineral-based sunscreen such as Rose Otto Sunscreen from Alteya Organics. This lightweight, non-chalky SPF 25 gives a sheer tint and is rich in skin loving antioxidants.
The best sunscreen is the one you are happy to use regularly. If your skin is sensitive, mineral formulas can be a gentler option, and a hat, shade and sensible timing all help too.
For skin that has already had a lot of sun exposure, it is sensible to keep an eye on any rough, changing or persistent patches and speak to a dermatologist or GP if unsure. For targeted cosmetic care of sun-damaged skin, some people also look at Curaderm BEC5 Cream, which contains solasodine glycosides from Devil’s apple and is designed for topical use on areas of sun damage.
Smoking is one of the most damaging habits for both your health and your skin. If you do smoke, give some serious consideration to quitting. (Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you would like support with this.)
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables means that you’re consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals, unstable molecules of oxygen that can cause damage to cells and DNA. The vitamins and minerals found in fresh produce also contribute to skin cell regeneration and repair.
Food plays a bigger role than many people realise. Healthy fats, enough protein and antioxidant-rich foods all support skin structure, while too much sugar and ultra-processed food can work in the opposite direction over time. The skin needs nourishment, not just products on the surface.
Adding a supplement to your diet that specifically supports the skin, such as hair, skin & nails from G&G Vitamins will help to support healthy skin from the inside. This supplement contains bamboo extract which is rich in silica and supports elasticity. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid, which helps cells to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated. It also contains vitamin C to stimulate collagen production and selenium to protect the membranes of the skin cells.
Collagen keeps the skin supple and smooth, but it’s lost as part of the normal ageing process. It can be helpful to take a collagen supplement to support your complexion and skin health. Organic collagen powder from Planet Paleo contains collagen peptides sourced from free-range, grass-fed cows and is easy to digest. Replacing this lost collagen can help to keep skin looking smooth.
More recent reviews suggest collagen can help support skin hydration and elasticity over time, though it is best seen as part of a wider routine rather than a quick fix on its own. Good protein, vitamin C, zinc and copper are also important because the body needs these nutrients to build and maintain collagen.
For a more skin-focused collagen option, Beauty Collagen by Planet Paleo combines marine collagen with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, zinc, sea buckthorn, gotu kola, bamboo extract, rutin and biotin. It is a useful example of a formula that looks beyond collagen alone and includes several nutrients commonly used to support skin structure, hydration and radiance.
MSM is another useful nutrient to consider when the goal is skin structure, comfort and elasticity. MSM & vitamin C are a practical option for those who want collagen-supportive nutrients in capsule form rather than a powder.
Gentle exercise such as yoga, walking, light jogging, swimming and cycling are great for physical and mental health, and they’re good for the skin, too. Exercise helps to improve blood flow, delivering oxygen and vital nutrients. Better circulation means better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which is one reason regular movement often shows up in the face as much as in the body.
Some people also like to add antioxidant and adaptogenic support, especially when skin looks dull from stress, poor sleep or a busy lifestyle. Reishi is often chosen as a gentle mushroom option for wider resilience and balance, which can sit well alongside the basics of good food, hydration and rest.
Sleep is crucial to health and wellbeing. As Matthew Walker says in his book, Why We Sleep, “Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day”.
A lack of sleep can cause chronic physical and mental health problems, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression and anxiety. Insufficient sleep can also negatively affect the skin.
When you sleep, your body enters repair mode, repairing at a cellular level to ensure you’re able to function the following day. A lack of quality sleep will mean that your cells won’t regenerate properly, leading to dull, lifeless skin.
Sleep and stress often show up quickly in the skin. When either is off for too long, the skin barrier tends to be weaker, the complexion less fresh and the face more prone to looking tired. Newer reviews also connect chronic stress with changes in barrier function, inflammation and pigmentation.
Eventually, you’ll experience dry, rough skin as a result of dead cells building up. Your under-eye area may appear dark, sunken, and puffy, giving your face a sallow appearance.
Therefore, getting deep, restorative sleep is crucial in your smooth skin quest. Our healthy living blog, Why sleep and recovery are so important, provides helpful tips for sleeping well, and we've also picked what we consider to be the best supplements for a good night's sleep.
A regular bedtime, less screen light in the evening, and not eating too close to bed can all help the skin look calmer and more restored by morning.
There’s no magic cure to eliminating rough skin. It’s a case of making mindful self-care choices and improving your lifestyle. It’s not always possible to do everything right, as life can have a habit of getting in the way.
It helps to think of skin as a reflection of the whole picture. Hydration, nutrition, the skin biome, collagen production, oxidative stress, sleep, stress and the products you use all influence how smooth or rough it feels. When a few of those are off at once, the skin often tells you.
But following these tips as much as you can will help to ensure your skin remains healthy, hydrated, supple and smooth.
Smooth skin rarely comes from one product alone. More often, it is the result of a calmer barrier, better hydration, gentler skincare, sensible sun protection, good food and enough rest. The more supportive your routine becomes, the more your skin tends to respond in kind.
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Hannah de Gruchy
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