Acne is gone, but tons of texture left—how do I fix it?

Hi y’all,

I’m looking for some advice on how to improve my skin texture after dealing with acne. My acne is completely under control now, thanks to medications and my hormones settling in my mid-20s. I currently use a gentle face wash, but my skin is still quite dehydrated from past acne treatments.

I’m left with a lot of texture—tiny flesh-colored bumps and an overall dull appearance with fine lines. I’m not sure if this is due to the dehydration or if it’s a different type of issue related to my acne history.

I’m hesitant to start using Differin or other treatments while my skin is already dry and flaky. Does anyone have suggestions for improving skin texture and dealing with these issues?

After my acne cleared, my skin was dry and bumpy too. What helped me was layering in a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid under a good moisturizer. It made a big difference without making my skin freak out. Also, gentle exfoliation once a week with something like a lactic acid toner smoothed things out over time. Keep it simple and don’t overdo it.

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Professional acne treatments include laser therapy, chemical peels, micro-needling, and microdermabrasion. If home remedies aren’t working, consult a dermatologist for expert advice.

It sounds like your face needs water. Lactic acid is a mild acid that can help you get rid of dead skin faster without hurting your skin. Don’t forget to drink water, and use a face cream for dry skin that has lipids, ceramides, and HA peptides in it. At night, I sometimes put a cream like Aquaphor on top of my lotion to really seal in the wetness. In general, use soft products and do as little as possible to take care of your face.