What exactly is dull skin?

Why does your skin look dull? 

• Dead skin cells – the buildup of dead skin cells can keep your skin from reflecting light, giving your face an ashy or grayish appearance. Aging can also increase this accumulation due to decreased cellular turnover or the process of shedding old skin cells and replacing them with new ones. 
• Skipping exfoliation – exfoliating can brighten the skin by helping remove dead skin cells. Skipping or avoiding this altogether in your skin care regimen can contribute to the appearance of dull and tired skin because of the buildup of dead skin cells. 
• Aging – the decline in the production of essential skin proteins (collagen and elastin) can cause the skin to look dry and less firm or plump. These, combined with the cumulative effects of sun exposure, pollution, and decreased cellular turnover can contribute to dullness. 
• Dry or dehydrated skin – lack of water or moisture in the skin can cause it to look grayish or lackluster. It can also compromise its ability to reflect light and reduce the skin’s thickness. Both can also make the skin more prone to sagging and wrinkling, which can exacerbate the appearance of dullness. 
• Lack of sleep – sleep allows your skin to renew and repair daytime damage. Not having enough rest robs your skin the time it needs to regenerate, with effects that can translate to your skin. Making this a habit can lead to fatigued skin with dullness and more prominent signs of aging.
• Environmental stressors – sun exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressor can sometimes cause skin damage that results in dull skin. These also create free radicals, which are known to damage collagen and cause oxidative stress.
• Stress – too much stress can show up on your skin, giving your face a tired and older appearance. Stress, furthermore, triggers the release of cortisol (stress hormone), which is known to cause inflammation in the body. 
• Unhealthy lifestyle – this includes poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and consuming too much alcohol. These habits can cause havoc on both your overall health and skin, affecting your skin’s radiance and overall quality. 

How to brighten dull skin 

1. Use a vitamin C serum – Add a vitamin C serum to your regimen and let this antioxidant-rich formula slowly transform your skin. Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore recommends Dr. Sylvia’s 20% Vitamin C with Ferulic Acid, which is a potent formula mixed with tocopherols (vitamin E) and ferulic acid. Benefits include: 

• Evens skin tone for a brighter complexion 
• Reduces the look of lines and wrinkles
• Protects the skin from environmental damage
• Suitable for all skin types

2. Shed some skin – Exfoliate your skin gently once or twice a week. This will prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells that are making your skin look dull. Doing this the right way enables new skin to emerge, unveiling a radiant glow. You can do this by using chemical exfoliants or skin care acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
3. Keep your skin hydrated – Moisturizing is important regardless of your skin type, as it locks in hydration and promotes supple-looking skin. In moisturizing your skin and reducing dullness, we recommend Dr. Sylvia’s HydraPro with Moisture Lock Complex. This lightweight, non-greasy formula provides intense hydration and soothes the skin, leaving it looking more radiant and youthful. 
4. Don’t neglect dull skin – Don’t let the dullness linger. Make sure to always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen regardless of the weather and practice other sun protection measures. Failure to do so will negate some of your skin brightening efforts and even make your existing dark spots or skin discoloration worse.
5. Tweak your habits – This means getting more sleep, loading up on whole foods and more fruits and vegetables, as well as getting regular physical activity most days of the week. It is also important to manage stress and take time to relax or unwind whenever needed. 

Make Cutis your beauty and skincare partner

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
• Uneven skin tone and texture
• Unwanted facial and body hair
• Skin laxity and folds