Orange peel skin describes a change to skin’s texture. Pores become larger, more dimpled, even lax. Skin’s surface feels rough or dehydrated, makeup doesn’t look right. What’s going on? As it turns out, orange peel skin texture has a surprising cause--and there are things you can to do turn it around.
Orange peel skin on the face can affect all skin types, even dry skin. You might think oily skin would have a bigger issue with orange peel skin, but comparative research has shown sebum (oil) output doesn’t dramatically influence one’s normal pore size (8). However, excess oil can cause pores to become enlarged, further emphasising orange peel skin texture.
No matter your skin type, orange peel skin can cause pores to take on a more “pointed” look, even forming a teardrop shape, as if the bottom portion of each pore is drooping. Again, you can take action to solve this problem.
What causes orange peel skin?
Before we share how to get rid of visible changes due to orange peel skin, you may be wondering what causes the orange peel skin condition. The primary (and, to many, surprising) culprit is sun damage from years of unprotected exposure to UV light, even if you don’t get tan.
Years of unprotected UV light exposure cause skin’s supportive elements to progressively weaken and become less able to repair themselves. As this “scaffolding” begins to go down, it takes your pores with it, stretching their appearance. This is why the pinpoint look of orange peel skin is typically visible when we’re in our 40s and beyond: the cumulative damage takes time to show up.
Not surprisingly, daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is fundamental to protecting pores from further changes of this nature. Along with the other essential ingredients we describe below, UV-protected skin will be in an ideal position to visibly repair some of the past damage. As skin takes on a renewed, firm look, pores become tighter and the rough, orange peel texture goes away.
A New Level of Pore Minimising
A highly concentrated niacinamide (vitamin B3) serum that effectively tightens and minimises the look of sagging pores and rough bumps caused by age or sun damage.
How to get rid of orange peel skin
Depending on the extent of damage, you might not be able to completely get rid of all signs of pore damage that led to this skin texture change. So, what can you do to reduce orange peel skin? The top research-supported solution is to begin using a BHA (beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid) leave-on exfoliant once or twice daily (7). The oil-soluble nature of BHA allows it to penetrate pores, where it can improve oil flow, break up clogs, and coax pores back to their normal size.
Another heavy hitter is niacinamide (1). Also known as vitamin B3, used in concentrations of 5% or more, niacinamide seems to have an almost magical impact on pore size and skin texture. Niacinamide improves the way skin cells move through the pore lining, which researchers hypothesise keeps them from backing up and mixing with sebum (oil) to form clogs and bumps. If your orange peel skin is accompanied by oil-related bumps and clogs, higher concentrations (up to 20%) of niacinamide may be necessary.
A retinol product can also make a noticeable difference because of this vitamin A ingredient’s ability to connect with surface cells to improve skin’s appearance, especially in terms of firmness and a smooth texture.
You also want to make sure that you keep your skin hydrated, both via a healthy diet and topically via a facial moisturiser suitable for your skin type. Look for one with the ingredients listed above, plus proven hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, amino acids, omega fatty acids, and ceramides.
Is orange peel skin permanent?
Thankfully, orange peel skin usually isn’t permanent; however, reality check: it’s not possible to completely reverse signs of sun damage. That means you will most likely see some degree of lingering pore damage even with the best products and daily sun protection. You can also consult a dermatologist about in-office facial peel and light-emitting procedures to further improve skin texture and pores.
On the upside, now that you’re taking steps to prevent further damage and using ingredients proven to help restore a more normal look and feel to pores, your skin will look much closer to the way you want, and the bothersome texture issues of orange peel skin will be gone!
Learn more about clogged pores and find the best treatment for orange peel skin on face.
References for this information:
1. Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, Winter 2022, pages 759-761
2. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, December 2019, pages 1,968-1,974
3. Skin Research and Technology, September 2019, ePublication
4. Frontiers in Physiology, March 2019, ePublication
5. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2017, pages 56-65
6. Dermatologic Surgery, March 2016, pages 277-285
7. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455-461
8. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, February 2015, pages 85-93
9. Farris, K.,Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice, 1st Edition, 2014, pages 106-107