What helps dull skin tone?

Is your skin rough, patchy or unusually pale?

• Roughness, flaking and tightness, especially after washing, point toward dryness. Dry skin has lost too much water and oil.
• A dull surface can come from a layer of dead skin cells. Removing some of that layer can improve skin's luster.
• Distinct darker or lighter patches are changes in skin color. Some involve melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, while others come from irritation, infection or another condition.
• New paleness or a grayish appearance compared with your usual tone can be pallor. Pallor involves reduced blood supply and oxygen in the skin rather than a change in pigment.

How to care for dry, dull looking skin

1. 1Wash gently. Choose a gentle cleanser or soap with added moisturizers, and avoid scrubbing dry skin.
2. 2Keep bathing short and warm. Limit baths or showers to 5 to 10 minutes rather than using hot water or taking long showers.
3. 3Pat your skin dry, then moisturize while it is still damp. Moisturizers help lock in moisture and work best on damp skin.
4. 4Apply an ointment, cream or lotion 2 to 3 times a day, or as needed. Look for ceramides, and avoid fragranced or dyed products when caring for dry skin.
5. 5Before going outdoors, apply sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Reapply every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.

Cold air, heating, air conditioning, frequent hot showers and some soaps can contribute to dryness. Certain medicines and skin conditions can also cause it. If dryness and itching do not improve with home care, interrupt sleep or leave open sores from scratching, contact a healthcare provider rather than adding more exfoliation.1

Does exfoliation help dull skin?

Exfoliation removes dead cells from skin's outer layer. Physical exfoliation uses a washcloth, brush or abrasive scrub; chemical exfoliation uses acids to dissolve excess surface cells. Chemical exfoliation can also reduce uneven pigmentation at the surface. Exfoliation is a cosmetic option, not a compulsory chore assigned by the bathroom shelf.2

If you want to try exfoliation, a mild washcloth can help you assess how your skin responds. For a chemical product, start with a lower concentration of hydroxy acids or salicylic acid rather than choosing the strongest option. Chemical exfoliants are generally preferable to harsh abrasive scrubs. Do not exfoliate daily; two or three times a week is the upper limit, not a target you must reach.2

Sensitive skin is more likely to become irritated by either method. Excessive rubbing or strong acids can cause irritant contact dermatitis, an irritated rash that looks red and chapped. Stop exfoliating if your skin becomes irritated or inflamed. Harsh physical exfoliation can worsen inflammatory acne, and exfoliation increases susceptibility to sunburn. Exfoliation can improve surface appearance, but it does not fix wrinkles.2

Would dermaplaning make skin look brighter?

Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz and some dead surface cells, leaving skin smoother and a little brighter. At home, dermaplaning is essentially shaving your face, despite having a name that sounds like it requires planning permission. Skin can feel smooth after the procedure, and makeup may go on more smoothly.6

Skip dermaplaning during an acne breakout, an eczema flare or another active skin problem. It can aggravate acne and expose vulnerable skin to bacteria. Cuts and nicks also create an infection risk. If you choose to try it, work slowly and carefully, and clean the razor before and after use. Reusable razors can be disinfected with plain rubbing alcohol and warm water.6

Do not dermaplane more than once a week. Dermaplaning slightly disrupts the skin barrier, the protective outer layer that helps retain moisture, and irritation can last a day or so. Moisturize well afterward and continue wearing sunscreen. Shaving does not make facial hair grow faster or thicker, although the blunt cut ends can initially feel coarser.6

What if dullness is actually uneven color?

Brown or gray facial patches can be melasma, a pigment change associated with hormonal changes, including pregnancy, or medications. Flat brown, tan or black marks can also develop after sun exposure. Treatment depends on the cause: some discoloration fades on its own, while other cases need topical medication or a procedure. A brightening product is not a diagnosis, however confidently the packaging volunteers for the job.3

Light patches can appear after a rash, bite or wound, when skin makes less pigment. They are often more noticeable on brown or black skin. If the original problem healed quickly, some color can return within a few weeks; a longstanding problem can take longer, and recovery can be incomplete. Light patches can also come from a skin condition, so do not try to treat them yourself without knowing the cause.57

Protect light patches with clothing, shade and sunscreen. Sunlight can cause recovering skin to produce too much pigment and turn a light spot dark. See a dermatologist if light areas spread, become lighter or show no change after a few weeks. Seek assessment for other new or changing discoloration, rashes or moles. Bring the names of medicines you take or apply, including acne treatments bought without a prescription.35

When does pale or gray looking skin need medical care?

Unusual paleness can be caused by emotional distress, medication or a health condition such as anemia. Do not delay medical care if paleness is worsening, follows an injury, affects only one body part or comes with pain, difficulty breathing or a rapid heart rate. Treatment addresses the cause rather than the skin's surface. Temporary pallor can resolve within minutes, hours or days; pallor associated with anemia can take several months to improve.4