How to deal with rough skin on the face

May 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 30-year-old female. Recently, I have noticed that my facial skin has become particularly rough, feels uneven to the touch, and makeup application tends to settle into fine lines, leaving my complexion looking unhealthy. What should I do about this?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Rough facial skin can be improved through targeted measures such as using exfoliating products, moisturizing, adjusting diet, and improving lifestyle habits. Skin roughness is usually associated with factors such as buildup of dead skin cells (keratin), moisture deficiency, and slowed skin metabolism. A thickened stratum corneum (outer layer of skin) can make the skin surface uneven, appearing rough and dull; insufficient moisture causes the skin to lose elasticity and become dry and coarse. Slowed metabolism prevents old, dead skin cells from shedding timely, also affecting skin smoothness. Therefore, to improve skin texture, it's essential to address these factors.

In daily routines, proper cleansing is crucial. Choose mild exfoliating products and perform exfoliation 1–2 times per week to help remove dead skin cells and restore skin smoothness. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as this can damage the skin barrier. When cleansing your face, use a suitable facial cleanser for your skin type, washing your face twice daily—morning and night—to keep your face clean and refreshed. Hydration is a key step in improving rough skin. Apply moisturizing toner, lotion, and cream morning and night, and regularly use hydrating face masks to replenish and lock in moisture, keeping the skin well-hydrated. Diet also significantly affects skin condition. Consume more foods rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, which provide essential nutrients and promote skin metabolism. Additionally, ensure adequate sleep, as staying up late disrupts normal skin repair and metabolism, leading to deteriorated skin condition. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep daily to allow sufficient nighttime rest for your skin.