If you’ve got dull skin, what can you do?
You will find no shortage of skincare products that promise to restore radiance to dull skin. But if your skin hasn’t completely lost its brightness yet, there are steps you can take to ensure your complexion remains healthy-looking. Often, understanding what causes dull skin and embarking on a suitable skincare regime can help you maintain your glow and prevent dull skin from emerging.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating weekly is the most effective way to keep skin from looking dull, plus, it’s easy and inexpensive. You can use loofahs, exfoliating gloves, body brushes and pumice stones, but be careful to scrub gently so as to not irritate your skin. Exfoliating cleansers with alpha hydroxy acid are also effective, as they gently dissolve compounds that bind dead skin cells to pores without harshly ripping them away. If you’re concerned about having a tired complexion, remember to avoid products that can dry out the skin or make it hard for skin cells to get oxygen. Steer clear of products that contain isopropyl petroleum (rubbing alcohol), isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate and mineral oil.
Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
Yes, you will hear this a lot – but for good reason. In addition to the myriad of damaging effects on your health, smoking also strips your skin of its youthful, healthy vivacity. Repeated contact with firsthand and secondhand smoke will damage healthy skin, causing it to look prematurely old and sallow. So stay away from cigarette smoke – it’s much easier to prevent the negative side effects that smoking has on your appearance than try to reverse the damage after it occurs.
Exercise
A good exercise routine stimulates blood flow, which is vital to maintaining a glowing complexion. And by pumping up blood flow, you also help your body to function properly. Nutrients will be evenly distributed all over your system, which will help keep your body healthy and your skin bright.
Moisturize
Dry skin can appear dull, so make sure to moisturize regularly with a lotion suitable for your skin type . Using moisturizing creams, especially after taking a bath or a shower, can prevent parched skin and imparts a soft, dewy look. Water-based lotions are generally appropriate for mildly dry skin, but if your skin is quite dry, apply an oil-based moisturizing lotion twice every day. Avoid taking long, hot showers, as hot water draws moisture from the skin and removes the skin’s natural layer of protective oil, drying it out.
Eat Well, Stay Hydrated
To make sure your skin doesn’t lose its vibrancy, keep away from processed and fatty foods. Eat a balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the appearance and health of your skin, and will help protect it from free-radical damage. Foods rich in vitamins A, C and E in particular are particularly noted for improving the skin’s appearance. Furthermore, make sure to drink at least six glasses of water daily, as the body needs to receive adequate hydration to maintain healthy-looking skin. Avoid or limit caffeinated beverages since caffeine interferes with the body’s absorption of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and iron, both strongly linked to a hydrated complexion and rosy glow.
What if it’s Too Late?
Although maintaining a radiant glow and never getting dull skin in the first place is ideal, sometimes we don’t have the time or ability to do so. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do. There are various options for treating dull skin and regaining the radiant complexion you desire.
