Why Does My Skin Look So Dull?
Does your skin feel dull, lacklustre, and less-than-radiant lately? Various factors can affect our skin's appearance—from daily stress and lack of sleep to pollution and dry weather—and maintaining a healthy-looking glow isn't always easy.
The good news is, once you understand the cause of your dull skin, there are plenty of simple ways to manage it. Read on to discover six common causes of dull skin and how to regain your lit-from-within glow.
The cause: Dead skin cell buildup
We naturally shed millions of dead skin cells every day. These dead skin cells can build up on the surface layer of your skin, preventing skin from reflecting light and making it appear dull.
The solution: Exfoliate your skin one to three times a week to remove any buildup of dead skin and even out tone. Grainy exfoliators like our super-fine Buff Face and Body Scrub use clays, flowers, and shells to sweep away impurities and soften skin. Gentle exfoliators like our hypoallergenic Silk Sea Sponge are great for those with easily-irritated complexions.Â
The cause: Dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is more prone to fine lines, lack of elasticity, patchiness, and flakiness, and can cause your complexion to look uneven and lacklustre.
The solution: Well-hydrated skin is radiant skin. Drink plenty of water and, when it comes to skincare, reach for a lightweight moisturizer or serum in the morning and a heavier cream, like our Restore Cream, to lock in moisture at night. This best-selling formula is packed with skin-loving essential fatty acids and nourishing botanical extracts to provide skin with a delicious boost of hydration. Is face toner suitable for all skin types?
The cause: Lack of sleep
Our skin cells repair themselves while we sleep. If you're not catching enough ZZZs, something as simple as a good night's rest could be what's standing between you and glowing skin.
The solution: Follow healthy sleep habits (like getting a well-rested eight hours every night) and add products designed to give your skin an overnight boost to your nighttime routine. If your dull skin is also giving you puffy morning eyes or dark circles, try our Renew Eye Serum to help moisturize, soothe, and brighten your delicate under-eye area.
The cause: Pollution and free radicals
The air around us can be filled with tiny particles like dirt and sulfur dioxide, which can create free radicals that can damage our skin's collagen and cause new wrinkles. Over time, our skin can also become uneven in tone and texture, making it look dull.
The solution: Give your face a good cleanse every night to rid your pores of the day's dirt, makeup, and other pollutants. Double cleansing with an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser will ensure a more thorough cleanse and help revitalize dull skin—just remember to always follow with a nourishing moisturizer.
The cause: You're stressed
When you're stressed, your fight-or-flight response kicks in, diverting blood flow from your face to other more vital organs. So whether you're dealing with an argument, a big life change, or just day-to-day stress, anxiety can play a major role in how radiant your skin looks (or doesn't).
The solution: Dedicate a few minutes each day to focus on the things you love. Take a midday break to light your favourite candle and do some mindful breathing, unwind after work with an aromatherapy bath, or incorporate a daily facial massage into your skincare routine. The more you relax, the more radiant your skin will feel over time.
