Best ingredients for uneven skin texture: what each one does

Lactic acid: gentler alpha hydroxy acid

The usual job of lactic acid is to exfoliate while helping skin retain moisture. Typical strength is 5–10%, used evening; start one to two nights weekly.

Typical sensation: mild and hydrating. Timeline: three to four weeks. Be careful with retinol on the same night.

PHA: polyhydroxy acids

Use PHA to exfoliate very gently with humectant support. It sits best evening, around 5–15%, beginning two to three nights per week.

Typical sensation: barely any tingle. Timeline: four to eight weeks. Be careful with layering with strong AHAs.

Niacinamide: vitamin B3 derivative

The usual job of niacinamide is to support oil balance, soften the look of pores and help calm redness. Typical strength is 2–5% for most skin; 10% is rarely better, used morning or evening; start daily from day one if skin is calm.

Typical sensation: silky, almost invisible; sometimes a brief warm flush at high strengths. Timeline: four to eight weeks for oil balance and tone. Be careful with very acidic toners at the same time if you flush.

Putting them together without overdoing it

Do not start all of them in one week. Add the first, wait two to four weeks, then add the second. For uneven skin texture, lactic acid usually goes first, alongside this adjustment: swap a scrub for a lactic or PHA product used two nights a week.

Avoid physical scrubs on inflamed skin while you test.

A zone-by-zone check

Whole-face impressions hide progress. Check each of these zones on its own, in the same light, once a week.

If things do not go to plan

Most setbacks are predictable. Here is what to do about each.

Frequently asked questions