Dull Skin? Discover the Causes and 9 Dermatologist-Recommended Ways to Get a Healthy Glow
Does your skin lack radiance or have a case of the blahs? If your skin is looking dull, you might be wondering what’s causing it and how you can create a healthy, vibrant glow. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what could be causing your dull-looking skin and offer nine dermatologist-recommended ways to say goodbye to lackluster skin for good.
What Causes Dull Skin?
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. So, it makes sense that there are going to be times when your skin seems a bit under the weather. The trick is to figure out why and what you can do to change that. Let’s look at some of the most common causes for dull-looking skin.
- Dehydration: If you aren’t drinking enough water, it’ll likely affect the appearance of your skin. In fact, one 2015 study found a strong link between drinking enough water and having healthy skin.
- Lack of Moisturizer: Skimping on moisturizer, especially if your skin tends to be dry, can affect the health and vitality of your skin. Using a moisturizer twice a day can help hydrate your skin and protect the delicate top layer.
- Buildup of Dead Skin Cells: Your skin naturally sheds dead cells on a regular basis to make way for new cells. But sometimes the dead cells don’t shed as they should. Instead, they build up on the surface of your skin. This can result in skin that’s dry, dull, flaky, and patchy.
- Dryness: Dry skin can quickly take on the appearance of being dull and lifeless. This is especially true during the winter months, when the air is cold and dry, or if you live in a climate that has very low humidity.
- Tobacco Use: According to a 2010 review, smoking is an important environmental factor in premature skin aging. The review found that smoking can impair the production of collagen and degrade the elastic fibers and connective tissue in your skin.
- Aging: Aging is an inevitable part of life. So is aging skin. And while you can’t control the aging process, you can adopt a skin care routine that helps provide your skin with the nourishment and hydration it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
How to Rejuvenate Dull Skin
We all deal with the occasional bout of dull skin. But if you’re regularly waking up to lackluster skin, you might be wondering what you can do to improve your complexion. The good news? You have plenty of options.
- Go Gentle on Your Skin: You want to make sure that you’ve completely removed your makeup and pore-clogging dirt from your day, but do it gently, says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD. Avoid harsh scrubs and drying soaps, which can cause skin irritation, tiny tears, redness, tightness, and flaky skin.
- Avoid Hot Water: Going gentle on your skin also means no hot water or harsh soaps. Hot water can strip natural oils, which can cause dryness and irritation, says Shainhouse.
- Make Exfoliation Part of Your Routine: Regular exfoliation is key to a glowing complexion, according to New York City-based dermatologist, Hadley King, MD. When dead skin cells build up on the outer layers of your skin, it can cause your skin to look dull, dry, and flaky, and can even clog your pores.
- Add a Serum to Your Lineup: Face serums contain a high concentration of ingredients that help to brighten your skin, boost hydration, and diminish the signs of aging. Because serums absorb quickly into your skin, you can apply them once or twice a day after cleansing.
- Make a Date with a Face Mask: Treating yourself to a weekly face mask is another excellent tool to get your skin glowing. Look for masks that contain antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and other hydrating and brightening ingredients.
- Maximize Your Moisturizer: According to a 2017 review, moisturizing twice a day with the right product can help maintain your skin health and treat various kinds of dermatitis.
- Stimulate Collagen Growth with a Retinoid: Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, have been scientifically shown to stimulate collagen growth and normalize skin cell turnover, says Shainhouse.
- Consider an In-Office Procedure: Your dermatologist is trained in some of the best procedures to improve the appearance of your skin. According to Shainhouse, procedures like an IPL photofacial session can help minimize the appearance of brown spots.
- Wear Sunscreen Daily: Last, but certainly not least, wear sunscreen daily. This will help prevent UV-induced damage, including skin dyspigmentation, aging brown spots, and rough, dulling texture, says Shainhouse.
Tips for Exfoliation
Exfoliation can be either mechanical or chemical. Mechanical exfoliation can include exfoliating brushes, sponges, gloves, or scrubs. Chemical exfoliation can include alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, or beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid. When adding exfoliation to your skin care routine, King generally recommends starting out by exfoliating twice a week and increasing the frequency as tolerated by your skin.
Key Ingredients to Look For
When choosing a serum or moisturizer, look for ingredients like:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
- Ferulic acid
- Resveratrol
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Glycerin
- Dimethicone
- Petrolatum
The Bottom Line
Dull skin can be caused by dehydration, lifestyle choices, or cutting corners with your skin care routine. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to boost your skin’s natural radiance. Exfoliating your skin, moisturizing twice a day, using a hydrating serum and face mask, and applying a retinoid product may all help replace dull-looking skin with a healthier, more vibrant glow. If you have questions about your skin or which product to use, be sure to talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of dull skin?
Dehydration, lack of moisturizer, buildup of dead skin cells, dryness, tobacco use, and aging are some of the common causes of dull skin.
How can I rejuvenate my dull skin?
You can rejuvenate your dull skin by going gentle on your skin, avoiding hot water, exfoliating regularly, using a serum, face mask, and moisturizer, and stimulating collagen growth with a retinoid.
How often should I exfoliate my skin?
Start by exfoliating twice a week and increase the frequency as tolerated by your skin.
What are the key ingredients to look for in a serum or moisturizer?
Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, ferulic acid, resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone, and petrolatum.
Can in-office procedures help improve dull skin?
Yes, procedures like IPL photofacial sessions can help minimize the appearance of brown spots and improve dull skin.
How can I prevent dull skin?
Wearing sunscreen daily and maintaining a consistent skin care routine can help prevent dull skin.
