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WHAT IS DULL SKIN & HOW TO BRIGHTEN IT?

Article Overview

A symptom which isn’t specific to any one skin type, dull tired skin can be experienced throughout the year and is caused by a range of factors. To address the environmental and behavioral factors which can encourage dull skin to occur, certain efficacious ingredients can be integrated into your skincare routine.
Ingredients used in face creams, serums and cleansers encourage brightness through cell renewal and radiance-boosting. Ingredients are selected based on their ability to refine skin texture, smooth uneven skin tone and stimulate radiance.
Varied in their compound structure, products to brighten dull skin encompass either acidic, antioxidant or retinoic substances. To understand how best to implement these wide-ranging ingredients into a dull skin face routine, view the signs, causes and optimised skincare for dull skin ahead.

WHAT IS DULL SKIN?

As opposed to dry, oily, or sensitive skin types, the term dull skin can impact any one of these skin types. Signs of dull skin include:

Inability to reflect light (muted or ashy appearance)
Uneven skin texture
Rough skin, or patches of dryness skin across face
Uniform lack of brightness or radiance
Visibly tired and flat complexion

THE CAUSES OF DULL SKIN

A combination of behavioural, environmental and chronological factors like ageing all contribute to dull skin. Those wondering ‘why is my skin so dull and lifeless’ can look to the following causes of dull skin tone:

AGEING:

skin cell renewal slows significantly as we age – shifting from a cyclical period of 14 days in teenage life to 60 days from our 50s onwards. The result is older looking skin which is less able to reflect light.

UV RADIATION:

prolonged or even intermittent periods in the sun exposes us to UVA which prematurely ages skin, leading to wrinkles, dryness and loss of elasticity and radiance.

DEAD SKIN BUILD-UPS:

roughened textures and visible patches of dead skin are indicative of dead skin cell build-ups. While a natural component of cell cycles, dead cells cause the ashen and flaky appearance in dull skin. Unable to retain moisture, this layer requires exfoliation to make way for newer and fresher looking skin layers.

DEHYDRATED SKIN:

a lack of topical moisture application to skin heightens the likelihood of dull dry skin occurring. While often attributed to those with dry skin types, dehydrated skin is simply lacking moisture and this can lead to dull tired looking skin which can affect every skin type.

INGREDIENTS WHICH BENEFIT DULL SKIN

Exfoliating and regenerative skincare routines are integral steps to those wondering how to brighten dull skin. To return radiance to complexions, brightening skincare products contain ingredients which help to improve dull skin and will include at least one of the following supportive ingredients:

• VITAMIN C:

One of the most commonly implemented substances for dull tired skin, vitamin C (otherwise known as l-ascorbic acid) is effective because of its capacity as an antioxidant. Especially pertinent for environmental stress, vitamin C reduces free radicals and brings brightness back into skin.

• RETINOL:

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol stimulates new cells by encouraging cell turnover. Especially for ageing skin, hyperpigmentation and acne-prone concerns, retinol encourages the emergence of fresher, smoother and firmer skin.

• GLYCOLIC ACID:

To address causes of dull skin, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid work to exfoliate and minimize dead skin build-ups. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is particularly potent at stimulating the body’s natural skin exfoliation process.

EFFICACIOUS SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO BRIGHTEN DULL SKIN

Nutrient-rich formulas can make the biggest difference in improving the look and feel of dull complexions. To find out how to brighten dull skin and maintain long-term radiance, see optimal vitamin C serums skincare and other formulas for dull skin below.

GLYCOLIC RENEWAL FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER

A high concentration of 8% glycolic free acid value alongside 1% phytic acid in Glycolic Renewal Foaming Facial Cleanser motivates natural exfoliation, clearing dead skin, smoothing and targeting dullness.

PHLORETIN CF VITAMIN C SERUM

To reduce the signs of environmental damage, Phloretin CF Vitamin C Serum can be applied as your morning serum step. Included in the formulation is 10% pure vitamin C, and 2% phloretin to improve skin balance and radiance.

C E FERULIC VITAMIN C SERUM

To counter dull skin alongside other ageing symptoms, anti-ageing serum C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum can be applied in the morning to cleansed skin. A high potency concentration of 15% pure vitamin C and 1% vitamin E brightens complexion and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

A.G.E Interrupter Advanced

This next generation ant-ageing cream A.G.E Advanced is formulated to fight the visible signs of ageing including advanced glycation end products (A.G.E) combining Proxylane, Wild Fruit Flavinoids and glycerrhtinic acid to help counter dull skin tone.

RESVERATROL B E ANTIOXIDANT NIGHT SERUM

Applied as part of an evening skincare routine, Resveratrol B E Antioxidant Night Serum includes an antioxidant rich concentration to neutralise free radicals and visibly reduce signs of ageing. Formulated with 1% stable resveratrol.

RETINOL 0.5 ANTI-AGEING NIGHT CREAM

For experienced retinol users seeking to reduce dull skin, Retinol 0.5 Anti-Ageing Night Cream increases firmness and freshness in skin. This is best suited for skin that has been acclimatised through the use of Retinol 0.3 Anti-Ageing Night Cream.

Next: Anti-ageing skincare routine for mature skin