Is your skin looking a little dull and tired? You might be wondering what is causing it. From lack of sleep to the build up of dead skin cells to environmental stressors, there are several factors that could be the culprit. Or maybe it could be a combination of a few.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what may be causing your dull skin and offer seven tips to bring back your healthy and glowing skin.

What Causes Dull Skin?

Skin is the largest organ in your body. So, it makes total sense that there will be a few times when your skin looks dull and tired. The trick is figuring out why and what you can do to change that.

Understanding why your skin has lost its radiance is the first step to getting back your glowing skin. Here are some common reasons why you might be dealing with dull skin.

1.    Dehydration

Just like your body, your skin needs water to stay healthy. If your skin is dehydrated, it is not getting enough moisture from your body. The result? Skin that looks dull and tired instead of healthy and bright. In fact, a study in 2015 showed a strong link between drinking plenty of water and having better skin.

Drinking a lot of water will help you boost hydration below the surface of your skin. What’s more, applying a serum on your face can help lock in moisture in your skin.

2.    Dead skin cells

Our skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells. This process can slow down as you age. Dead skin cells that remain on the surface of your skin can cause dry and dull skin.

Removing dead skin cells will help you reveal healthy and glowing skin underneath.

3.    Pollution

When you are up and about, you are exposed to skin-damaging pollution that can damage your skin’s moisture barrier. The pollution will lead to many skin concerns, including clogged pores and dehydration, which results in dull skin.

4.    Aging

Fact: aging skin is a natural part of life. Aging can lead to dead skin build up because your skin will have a harder time renewing your skin.

And while you cannot control the aging process, you can always incorporate a skincare routine that will help nourish and hydrate your skin. This will help your skin stay healthy and radiant.

How to Brighten Dull Skin

The good news is that getting rid of tired and dull skin is not hard. All you have to do is make a few changes in your lifestyle choices and skincare routine to help you get the glowing skin of your dreams.

Let’s dive right in and look at how you can rejuvenate your dull skin.

1.    Cleanse your skin

First off, a squeaky clean face is the first step towards glowing skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Cleansing will help your skin ward off makeup residue, dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells. In addition to that, it prepares your skin for other steps in your skincare routine.

Include cleansing your skin as part of your morning and night routine. Limit cleansing to twice daily because over-cleansing can strip your skin of essential oils.

2.    Exfoliate Regularly

According to Healthline, regular exfoliating is essential for glowing skin. Your skin makes dead skin cells in your dermal layer. When these dead skin cells build up in your skin’s outer layer, it can cause dry and dull skin.

When you exfoliate once or twice per week, you can prevent these from happening. Exfoliation can also help to smoothen your skin, which decreases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Moreover, exfoliating on a regular basis can increase cell turnover and boost collagen production.

Exfoliation can either be physical or chemical. Physical includes scrubs, gloves, or sponges. Chemical includes beta hydroxy, like salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy, like lactic, glycolic, and citric acids.

3.    Get Plenty of Sleep

Lack of sleep lowers your blood oxygen levels, which contributes to dull skin. This makes your skin appear less vibrant.

When you get enough beauty sleep, you allow your body to rest as well as produce collagen that will help restore and heal your dull skin.

4.    Rejuvenate Your Skin with a Face Mask

Treat your skin to a face mask to get your skin glowing. Look for face masks that contain hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or other brightening ingredients. Such face masks will help get rid of dead skin cells and improve the texture of your skin

In general, ensure you use a face mask at least two times a week. Ensure you read the directions before you use the mask.

5.    Stay Hydrated

You’ve heard it a thousand times. But I will still repeat how important it is to drink water. Water helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier. When there is water loss in your skin barrier, your skin is more prone to damage.

Drink plenty of water every day, 2-3 liters, and see the wonder it can do for your skin. Your skin will not start glowing but will also remain soft and supple.

6.    Moisturize Twice Per Day

Does moisturizing your skin every day feel like a chore? Think again! A 2017 review found that moisturizing twice daily with the right skin product can help you maintain health and glow.

The benefits of moisturizing are endless. First, moisturizer can help protect and repair your skin barrier. Next, it will help prevent moisture loss. And lastly, a moisturizer can draw water from the epidermis to help plump up your skin.

7.    Protect Your Skin from The Sun

Last but certainly not least, ensure you wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen will help protect your skin from UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can damage your skin, including dark spots, dull skin texture, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Uv rays will damage your skin’s smooth tone and texture and suck the glow right out of your skin.

It is recommended you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 every day and seek shade to protect you from sun damage

The Bottom Line

Now you know that getting dull skin from time to time is entirely normal.

Lifestyle choices, dehydration, or lack of a skincare routine can cause dull skin. But the good news is there are steps you can follow to boost your skin’s natural glow.

From moisturizing daily to exfoliating your skin, using a face mask, getting enough sleep, and wearing sunscreen. All this can help you get rid of dull skin and achieve healthy, glowing skin.

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