What Helps with Dull Skin?

12 Easy ways to brighten dull sagging skin

by: Linda Robison

Understanding what helps with dull skin is your first step to a brighter complexion.

A woman exfoliating her dull skin with a sugar scrub.

Glowing skin is something we all want, but it can be hard to get if we don't know the causes. Dull skin, which looks tired and unhealthy, can result from dead skin cells, environmental pollutants, dehydration, aging, and lifestyle choices.

In this easy, at-home guide, we'll explore 12 research-backed tips to help you revitalize your skin and achieve your most radiant complexion.

12 Quick tips for glowing skin

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your ultimate shield against dull skin. Without it, all other brightening practices listed below are virtually useless!

In addition to protecting against dark spots, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found UV damage reduces fat pads under your skin, leading to a dull, saggy appearance. This loss of fat causes your face to look less youthful and vibrant.

Other studies suggest that daily sunscreen use over the course of 52 weeks may actually reverse some signs of UV damage.  So, get into the habit and use it rain or shine!

While it's important to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30, look for ones with a high PA Rating too. PA rating indicates the level of protection against UVA rays, which significantly contribute to skin aging and pigmentation.

Also, make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when exposed to the sun.

2. Hydrate inside and out

Proper hydration is so important. A dehydrated face will look lined, saggy and dull. What can you do:

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Use a high-quality, antioxidant rich moisturizer suited to your skin type
  • Consider layering hyaluronic acid under your moisturizer
  • Pat a few drops of face oil over your moisturizer 
  • Use overnight intensive hydrating cream masks

3. exfoliate regularly

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and revealing a brighter complexion, especially as we age since our skin doesn’t shed dead cells as easily.

This one step can lead to a brighter, smoother, and glowier complexion after just one treatment. Here are some methods to try:

Gentle Scrubs: Baking soda, sugar, or Korean face scrubs

DIY Enzyme Masks: Easy homemade face masks

Chemical Peels: Lactic or glycolic acid peels

Manual Tools: Cleansing brushes, dermaplaning tools, or microdermabrasion devices

Aim to exfoliate 2-3 times a month, adjusting based on your skin's needs. Remember to follow product instructions carefully, as some exfoliants should be rinsed off while others are left on for best results. Mix and match these methods each month for the best results!

Note: Don't get hung up on which exfoliating process to use. Just switch it up and rotate using different methods and see how your face reacts. Also, pay attention to the directions. 

4. super charge with vitamin c

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten skin, reduce dark spots, and stimulate collagen production. Look for a stable, high-quality vitamin C serum and apply it daily for best results. 

BUT: make sure you use the right kind. Many over-the-counter vitamin C creams don't contain quality vitamin C. 

This high concentration (10%) pure ascorbic acid C booster serum stays fresh until you mix into your favorite cream. So, you always get a fresh dose everyday. And, there is No need to buy another cream.

You can see my before and after pictures here and how well it reduced the dark spots on my neck.

5. Face massage

face massage

A good relaxing face massage helps your complexion in so many ways!

First, it encourages circulation. A massage helps get oxygenated, nutrient rich blood flowing and feed the dermis. It helps distribute sebum (natural face oil) so the whole face is evenly hydrated. No more dull, dry and oily patches.

It encourages lymphatic draining, which helps reduce puffiness. So your face looks firmer and more sculpted.  A regular face massage helps improve the texture of papery, thin skin and reduce the appearance of large pores. Overall, this gives your complexion a firmer, creamy look. 

If done correctly, a facial massage can also firm underlying face muscles, which lift and plump up facial contours.

Learn more about the anti-aging effects of facial massage, try free sample massages and see my before and after pictures?

6. use brightening ingredients

Add skincare products with proven brightening ingredients like:

  • Niacinamide for overall skin tone improvement
  • Alpha-arbutin for hyperpigmentation
  • Licorice root extract for its natural brightening properties

7. good skincare habits

Enhance your skincare routine. Just do it! Wash your face before bed. 
Develop a consistent skincare regimen that adresses your specific needs:

  • Cleanse thoroughly morning and night
  • Use toners or essences to balance and prep the skin
  • Apply serums targeted to your skin concerns 
  • Don't forget to moisturize, even if you have oily skin

P.S. this would be a good time to apply your favorite skin brightening serums!

8. Pamper yourself with face masks

Treat your skin regularly to enhance its brightness. Opt for ingredients like turmeric, niacinamide, vitamin B3, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and enzyme masks.

I love at-home enzyme masks because they gently exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. At-home masks are inexpensive and natural too!

9. Skin foods

Nourish your skin from within. You'd be surprised at how important good food is for glowly, bright skin!

I'll show you some fun ways to eat for your skin here. Just simple swaps that make a big difference.

A balanced diet rich in skin-loving nutrients can work wonders for your complexion:

  • Consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed)
  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, dark leafy greens, dark chocolate)
  • Include probiotic-rich foods for gut health, which can reflect in your skin

10. sleep

They don't call it beauty sleep for nothing! 

Quality sleep is crucial for skin cell regeneration and overall skin health:

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night
  • Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
  • Consider using overnight treatments to maximize skin renewal while you sleep

Here is the silk face pillow I use. 

11. less alcohol

I LOVE my evening glass of wine. But unfortunately, we know too many too often will take its toll on your complexion. This gets even worse as you get older. 
So, try to reduce or eliminate habits that can dull your complexion:

  • Minimize alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate the skin
  • If you smoke, consider quitting to improve overall skin health and radiance

12. ask the pros

While I'm all for the DIY at-home healthy skin approach, sometimes we could use extra help. But, if you don't practice good habits (hello sunscreen and face massage) you'll be wasting your money.

Keep that in mind. 😘

For more intensive brightening, explore professional treatments:

  • Chemical peels for deeper exfoliation
  • Microdermabrasion for improved texture and tone
  • LED light therapy for collagen stimulation and overall radiance

Final thoughts for help with dull skin

Achieving glowing, bright skin is possible with a few simple tweaks to your daily habits.

By incorporating these 12 easy tips into your skincare routine and lifestyle, you'll see your skin's natural glow come back again. Remember, consistency is key, and it may take time to see significant results.

These skin brightening tips will help boost your skin's overall radiance and improve your skin's overall appearance, leading to a well-hydrated, brighter complexion.

Be patient with your skin, and don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice if needed.

Lifestyle changes for best results 

I'm sure you've heard this before, but it's important to repeat it because it does make a difference.

Make sure to drink enough water, reduce sugar and processed foods and eat healthy fats like flaxseeds and salmon, and/or take, essential fatty acids (or take fish oil).

Additional Reading:

Still need help with dull or dry complexion? Try this one fix!

Anti-aging foods for a healthy complexion.



Dull Skin Help: FAQ's

If you have any questions, please free to ask here. Or review the Q&A section below:

What Are The Signs You Need To Exfoliate Again?

After you exfoliate, the surface of your face will feel "slippery" because it's clean and free from dead cells and junk. But, after a while it won't feel so slippery and that's one sign it's time to scrub up.

Other signs to look for to for:

  • your face looks dull
  • your pores are clogged
  • creams aren't absorbing well
  • your face is lacking that healthy shine

Which Essential Oils Make Skin Glow?

The most popular oil used for a glowing complexion is lavender oil because it can have a calming effect if you have issues with inflammation or irritation.

However, when it comes to any essential oil, you have to be careful and mix it well with a neutral carrier oil, like jojoba, olive oil or coconut oil.



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