The secret to that enviable glowing complexion might not be as elusive as you might think. Brightening dull-looking skin really only requires figuring out what is causing it and making a few tweaks in your skin routine (and maybe a visit to your favorite esthetician for a peel or laser, but more on that later).
Dull skin isn’t inherently bad or dangerous, but no one wants to look dry and tired. So whether you want ultimate shine with that glass skin look or just a natural-looking boost in radiance, consider this your ultimate guide to brightening dull skin.
What causes dull skin?
Many things can cause a dull complexion. Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, esthetician and founder of Raquel New York, lists buildup of dead skin cells on the surface, poor barrier function that leads to chronic dehydration, or even using the wrong products as common reasons for dull skin. Board-certified dermatologist and Skin of Color Society member Shauna Higgins, MD, agrees; she adds that dehydration, sun damage, impaired skin-cell turnover, uneven skin tone, and lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking and air pollution are other causes to consider.
How do you brighten dull skin?
Dull skin can happen to any skin tone and skin type. Dr. Higgins says that those with darker skin tones may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while those with underlying inflammatory conditions such as eczema may experience changes in skin texture, pigmentation, and disruption of the skin barrier, all of which can affect your natural radiance. “Ultimately, dullness is not exclusive to any one skin tone or skin type,” she says. “Identifying the underlying cause is key to addressing it.”
Exfoliate
Medina-Cleghorn says that if dullness is caused by buildup, the first thing to try is gentle exfoliation. “For some people, this could be chemical exfoliation; using alpha hydroxy acids like lactic, glycolic, or mandelic acid; or gentler options like polyhydroxy acids [such as] gluconolactone or enzymes. For a smaller subset of people, I’d recommend a physical exfoliant, like a polish or scrub,” she says. “Some skins do well with either, and less is always more here.”
She recommends products like the Neova 5-Second Daily Peel Pads or the Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum. For anyone looking for a little physical scrub, she likes the C27 Peel 27.
