Recently more people have been experiencing skin problems and asking "what will brighten my dull looking skin". In fact, since 2020, a survey has shown that one-third of global respondents have complained of skincare issues because of increased stress, changes in lifestyle, and the use of face masks.
But if you’re one of these people, don’t worry. There are many easy ways that you can address your concerns and encourage a more youthful and healthy complexion.
Here are some of our favorite tips that you can do at home:
1. Make sure to cleanse thoroughly
Cleansing your face is not only refreshing but also revitalizing for the skin. Every day, our faces are exposed to makeup, oil, pollution, and grime. This can be very irritating on the skin and cause it to break out and look haggard. To prevent this, it’s important to gently yet thoroughly cleanse your skin at the end of the day. To do so, try the double cleanse method. This involves first removing any product and dirt with an oil-based cleanser, before washing all that off with a gel-based cleanser. This two-step process is preferable to just makeup wipes or single cleansing because it breaks down anything sitting on your skin. This means that afterward, your skin can breathe and be free of anything that may cause it to prematurely age.
2. Exfoliate your skin properly
Another reason why skin can look lackluster is because of dead skin cells sitting on the surface. Usually, your face will naturally shed dead skin cells to make way for healthier new skin. However, either because of age or personal lifestyle, dead skin cells may accumulate faster than you can shed them. This causes the skin to look excessively textured. If this is you, try exfoliating your skin. There are many ways to do this, but one of the safest and easiest is chemical exfoliants. Contrary to what their name suggests, chemicals exfoliators are more gentle than physical exfoliators which may cause microtears. To practice a texture-correcting regimen, try looking for products with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), or polyhydroxy acid (PHA). These will effectively dissolve dead skin cells to reveal smoother and more even skin.
3. Incorporate brightening serums daily
Serums are more concentrated skincare products that can target specific issues. For dull and uneven complexions, you’ll want to start a brightening routine with serums like niacinamide. A topical variant of Vitamin B, niacinamide relieves inflammation, improves skin barrier function, and reduces discoloration. Another reason why niacinamide is better than other discoloration-focused serum ingredients is because it’s more gentle on the skin. This prevents adverse reactions and won’t counteract with other ingredients like retinol or acids. For the best results, use a niacinamide serum with not more than 5% twice a day. This will help strengthen your skin and brighten your complexion.
4. Use a rich reparative night cream
Evenings are when your body takes time to heal, and the same goes for your skin. To help skin repair itself from the day’s stress, pamper yourself with a rich night cream. Rather than just a light gel or watery-type moisturizer, rich night creams seal in more hydration. This keeps your skin more supple and soft as you sleep. What’s more, because this type of product is a thick occlusive, it helps lock in other skincare products, too. To really elevate your beauty sleep, look for an overnight cream with ingredients that support anti-aging skincare. Some ingredients you should look for are retinoids and peptides since these are proven to repair the skin barrier. Over time, you’ll begin to see that you’re waking up to softer, firmer, and healthier skin.
5. Try using moisturizing masks weekly
If you want to keep your skin looking younger for longer, treat it to a weekly mask that offers anti-aging and revitalizing properties that complement your other skincare efforts. You could use a pre-made mask for this or you could make your own. An easy-to-make but highly effective DIY moisturizing mask is a natural peach and honey rejuvenating mask. Using fresh peaches, organic honey, and yogurt, you can easily whip up a mixture that targets dryness, fine lines, and irritations. The peaches help new wrinkles from forming, the honey provides moisture, and the yogurt is soothing. Using this mask 10 minutes once a week will be a great place to start if you’re looking for a mid-week skin boost.
Having dull and lifeless skin can feel frustrating, but thankfully you can remedy this. By consistently using targeted skincare steps and products, you can unveil the best skin you’ve ever had.
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Sylvia Silverstone is a passionate writer who loves to share her knowledge and expertise on a wide range of topics, including beauty, life hacks, entertainment, health, news, and money. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Sylvia's engaging writing style keeps readers coming back for more.
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