Glowing skin is always in but if your skin has been lacking radiance or has taken on a grey-ish, fatigued tinge, it might be time to investigate the root cause. Our skin constantly sheds dead cells, but if this function isn’t carried out right, it can lead to the build-up of these cells that cause it to look dull in appearance.The good news is that a few corrective measures can restore your skin’s glow—Dr Jaishree Sharad, medical director of Skinfinitii Aesthetic & Laser Clinic in Mumbai, shows you how.
What are the primary causes of dull skin?
If your skin feels like it is dehydrated and lacking lustre, you might be dealing with dull skin. “The accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface can make your skin look dull. Likewise, inadequate hydration can lead to dry and flaky skin, which appears dull. Moreover, as we age, the skin’s natural cell turnover process slows down, causing a buildup of dead cells and a decrease in collagen and elastin, which can contribute to dullness,” she explains.
Other causes of dullness include overexposure to UV radiation which damages the skin, leading to uneven pigmentation, fine lines and a dull complexion. The Mumbai-based dermatologist adds, “Inadequate sleep can impact skin regeneration and collagen production, resulting in fatigued skin. Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol intake can constrict blood vessels, reduce oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin and make it appear dull.”
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Follow this AM and PM skincare routine for dull skin
While Dr Sharad believes that it is advisable to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to tailor a personalised skin care regimen according to your skin type, here is a quick guide for layering skincare products for restoring radiance.
Daytime skincare routine for dull skin
- Start your day with a cleanser to dislodge the build-up of dead skin cells. Use a mild, hydrating cleanser and avoid harsh, abrasive scrubs as over-cleansing can strip your skin’s natural oils and worsen dullness.
- Next, reach for a niacinamide serum. Vitamin C serums are a great candidate for brightening as well but it helps to bear in mind that certain formulas can easily oxidise when exposed to sunlight.
- After this, seal in hydration with a moisturiser by applying it liberally to the face, neck and décolletage. In addition to this, drink plenty of water to maintain the skin’s moisture from within.
- As the last step of your morning routine, layer on sunscreen, preferably one containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides and vitamin E—ingredients that help keep the skin well-hydrated and moisturised. Sunscreens containing photosensitising agents, such as fragrances, bergamot oil, lemon oil and musk, should be avoided.
Nighttime skincare routine for dull skin
- Start your unwinding routine by removing makeup—micellar water serves as a handy option for dislodging stubborn pigments.
- Next, wash away any remnants of makeup with a gentle cleanser. You can even opt for double-cleansing to exfoliate and brighten the skin.
- It also helps to maintain a weekly exfoliation routine with a chemical exfoliant such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
- You can then incorporate specific serums for targeted concerns, such as an under-eye serum and a de-pigmentation formula for the face and neck. Follow this up with a moisturiser for fortifying the skin’s natural reserves of moisture.
- It helps to round out your nighttime routine with an overnight mask containing hyaluronic acid, collagen or niacinamide to nourish and brighten the skin as you sleep.
