What Causes Orange Peel Skin?

Navigating uneven tone and achieving an ideal skin texture can be difficult. From rough skin to flakiness to sunburn, it’s no secret that there are numerous skin concerns that can occur and various different methods that are supposed to help promote an even, smooth skin texture. 

One concern that may be affecting your complexion is orange peel skin. If you’ve heard of the term (and if you haven’t) and want to learn more about what it really means — or how to address it — you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re sharing what orange peel skin is, what causes it and how to switch up your skin care routine to help improve its appearance.

What Is Orange Peel Skin?

Orange peel skin is just what you’re likely thinking it is — skin that has a similar texture to that of an orange peel. Orange peels aren’t totally smooth, they have small dots that are indented all over them. While orange peel skin isn’t actually orange in color — it does have dots that resemble those on an orange. It involves thicker, dimpled skin that has enlarged pores and a rough texture.

What Causes Orange Peel Skin?

Orange peel skin doesn’t have one root cause. There are various reasons someone might be dealing with this skin care concern, one of the most common being sun damage. The Skin Cancer Foundation states sun exposure can cause textural changes that result in a leather-looking appearance, like orange peel skin. If you have orange peel skin on your face, this is likely to be the source.

However, this skin concern on your body may be something else. The Mayo Clinic explains that cellulite causes a dimpled or bumpy skin texture, and is often described as having an orange peel texture. This is most common on the thighs and buttocks.

How to Improve and Prevent Orange Peel Skin 

Now that you know what orange peel skin is and its causes, you’re probably curious — is orange peel skin permanent? You’ll be happy to hear there are ways to improve and prevent orange peel skin, which we’re diving into below.

1. Wear Sunscreen

It should come as no surprise that our top tip for preventing orange peel skin is to wear sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing a physical sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin. To knock out two steps in one, use a moisturizer with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, to moisturize and protect your face. 

2. Exfoliate

If you have a rough skin texture, exfoliating can help buff away dead skin cells and minimize the appearance of large pores. Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner. We love it because it’s a gentle peeling toner that utilizes the power of glycolic acid to resurface the skin and help reduce the appearance of dark spots over time. 

3. Use a Vitamin C Serum 

If you’re dealing with orange peel skin, try incorporating a vitamin C serum, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, into your skin care routine. This type of serum can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, boost your skin’s radiance, even skin tone, and combat dullness — it’s a true multitasker. 

4. Visit a Dermatologist

While you can try to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin on your own, it’s always a good idea to visit a dermatologist. They can help you get a better understanding of what is causing this skin concern specifically for you in the first place and help you determine the best way to address it for your unique skin.

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Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: iStock