Dull Skin Causes Steps to Rejuvenate Your Skin
. Share On Pinterest. Does your skin need a boost? We asked dermatologists about the best ways to brighten your complexion. Here are their top picks.
What causes dull skin?
It may seem like your skin is always looking its best, but sometimes, it just needs a break. Your skin is your body‘s largest organ, and it’s constantly exposed to the elements. That means it gets dirty, dry, and even irritated. If you notice any changes in your skin, it could mean something is wrong. Here are some of the most common reasons for dull-looking skin:
Dehydration
If you’re not drinking enough water, it’ll likely affect the appearance of the skin under your eyes. A 2015 study found a strong correlation between drinking enough water and keeping healthy skin. If you drink plenty of water, it will help boost hydration deep beneath your skin, helping keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. You can also apply a hydrating face cream to bind moisture in the upper levels of your skin.
Lack of moisturizer
Using a moisturizer twice a week can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated. You should apply it before you go to bed at night and again when you wake up in the morning. If you’re using an oil-based product, apply it after washing your face. Don’t forget about your neck and chest!
Buildup of dead skin cells
You may not realize it, but you shed dead skin cells all the time. Your body produces them at a rate of about 100 million per hour. If you were to count every single cell that comes off your body, you could fill an Olympic sized swimming pool with dead skin cells! And if you think that’s bad, just imagine what happens when you get older. As we age, our bodies produce fewer new cells, and the old ones aren’t shed as fast. This results in thicker layers of dead skin cells, making us appear older than we really are.
Dryness
Dryness can cause your skin to appear dull and lifeless. During the summer months, when the air around us is warm and humid, our bodies produce oil to keep our skin hydrated. When we’re not sweating, this oil evaporates and dries out our skin. If you live in a climate with low humidity, your body produces less oil, making your skin feel even drier. Dry skin can also result from using harsh products or spending long periods of time outdoors.
Tobacco use
A 2010 review found that smoking can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging. Smoking causes the body to produce less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which help keep skin looking young. Smokers also experience increased levels of free radicals, which damage DNA and accelerate the aging process.
Aging
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner and drier. As a result, wrinkles form, pores become enlarged, and fine lines appear. These changes can cause the skin to lose its glow and vitality. To prevent these problems, you need to keep your skin well moisturized and protected from environmental damage. You also need to protect your skin from UV rays, which can lead to premature aging.
How to rejuvenate dull skin
If you wake up every morning feeling like your skin looks tired and worn out, it could be time to consider using a skincare routine that will help you get back to looking younger. While there may not be any magic potions that will instantly give you glowing skin, there are several steps you can take to improve your overall appearance.
Go gentle on your skin
“If you want to get rid of all traces of makeup and other impurities, start with an oil-based cleanser, like our Gentle Cleansing Oil,” says Dr. Shainhouse. “It will help soften the surface of your skin while removing any leftover eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick. Afterward, cleanse again with a gentle soap to remove the oil and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.”
Avoid hot water
Going gentle is about using products that won’t harm your skin. Hot water can strip natural oils from your skin, causing dryness and irritation. Use lukewarm water instead. And choose a moisturizer with ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter to keep your skin hydrated.
Make exfoliation part of your routine
Exfoliating regularly helps keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. Dead skin cells build up on your face, causing your skin to appear dull, dry, and scaly. Exfoliating removes those dead skin cells and keeps your pores clear. You can exfoliate using either an abrasive scrub or a chemical peel. A chemical peel will remove the top layer of your skin, revealing new skin underneath. An abrasive scrub works well when you just need to get rid of surface buildup.
According to Dr. King, exfoliation can help you get rid of dead skin cells, which can leave your face looking dull and lifeless. Exfoliating removes dry, flaky skin and allows your moisturizer to penetrate deeper into your pores. This can help to plump your skin, making it appear younger and smoother.
Exfoliation is an important step in maintaining healthy skin. It helps remove dead cells and debris, which allows your body to produce new ones. Exfoliation also stimulates collagen production, making your skin appear firmer and smoother. For best results, you should start out by exfoliating every other day and then gradually increase the frequency until you reach once per day. If your skin is very sensitive, you may need to start out by doing it less often.
Exfoliation can be done mechanically or chemically. It can also be done physically or chemically. Physical exfoliation includes using a brush, sponge, glove, or scrub. Chemical exfoliation includes alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or salicylic acid. These chemicals help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. Apply a moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
