How to revive dull skin

Why does your skin look dull?

Dry skin often has a dull, rough or scaly surface. The outer skin layer lacks moisture, and its protective barrier does not hold water as well. Cold air, low humidity, air conditioning, hot bathing and harsh soaps can contribute. A dull surface can come from dryness, which makes 'glow' a less useful shopping category than it sounds. Tightness after washing, flakes and roughness are useful clues that moisture deserves attention before exfoliation.34

Dead skin cells can also dull the complexion and make it look uneven. Skin naturally sheds its outer cells, but that process slows with age. Exfoliation helps remove the outermost layer and renew the surface. It addresses that surface build up; dry skin still needs moisturizing.2

Build your morning and evening routine

Daily cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection are the foundation, even if none sounds like a dramatic plot twist. Wash when you wake up, before bed and after sweating. Evening cleansing removes makeup and the grime that settles on skin during the day.5

1. 1Wet your face with warm water. Apply a mild cleanser gently with your fingertips, using circular motions rather than scrubbing.
2. 2Rinse completely and pat dry with a clean towel, leaving skin slightly damp for moisturizer.
3. 3Apply moisturizer morning and evening. If your skin is dry, use it more often as needed.
4. 4Before going outdoors in the morning, apply a water resistant sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher. Broad spectrum protection covers UVA and UVB rays.

If your skin feels tight or flaky, focus on moisture

Moisturizers help lock in moisture and work best on damp skin. For dry skin, apply an ointment, cream or lotion two to three times a day, or as often as needed. Look for ceramides, and avoid fragranced products, dyes and alcohol in products intended for dry skin. Moisturizing is the main treatment for dryness, not merely something to do after a brightening product.34

For more severe dryness, choose a thicker moisturizer that you tolerate and can use regularly. Moisturizers help improve the skin barrier and reduce water loss. Replace standard soap with a gentle substitute and use lukewarm rather than hot water. For dry body skin, keep baths or showers to five to ten minutes and avoid bathing more than once a day. Avoid scrubbing dry areas.34

Match the routine to your skin

Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels after washing. Dry skin can feel tight or scaly; oily skin looks shiny or greasy. Combination skin has both oily and dry areas. A face can have oily areas and dry areas at the same time, despite the skincare aisle's preference for giving it one label. Treat those areas differently if needed rather than using the same strong product everywhere.1

Sensitivity can accompany dry, oily or combination skin. If products leave skin red, itchy, burning or dry, avoid fragrances, dyes and harsh ingredients. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can irritate sensitive skin. For dry skin, a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer containing humectants, ingredients that draw moisture to skin, are useful choices. Your skin type can change with seasons, age, hormonal changes and certain medicines, so adjust the routine to its current needs.1

Should you exfoliate dull skin?

Exfoliation is optional, not suitable for everyone, and can cause redness or breakouts when done badly. Choose the method around your skin type.6

1. 1Review your existing products. Prescription retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can increase sensitivity or peeling, and extra exfoliation can worsen dryness or breakouts.
2. 2For a rinse off scrub or exfoliator, apply gently in small circles for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Use short, light strokes with a brush or sponge.
3. 3Apply moisturizer immediately afterwards.
4. 4Choose frequency according to your skin and the method. More aggressive exfoliation needs to be done less often; daily exfoliation is not a universal requirement.

Never exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds. Avoid strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation if you have darker skin or develop dark marks after skin injuries, because aggressive exfoliation can increase pigmentation.6

Do you need a peel or professional treatment?

Professional exfoliation options include microdermabrasion and chemical peels using acids such as glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid. These treatments can improve surface texture and tone. A dermatologist or qualified skincare professional should choose a peel around your concerns and desired outcome. Too much exfoliation can cause sensitivity or irritation, so a stronger treatment is not automatically the better choice.2

What changes should you expect?

Moisturizing targets dryness and water loss; exfoliation targets dead cell build up and surface texture. Sunscreen helps slow skin aging rather than removing flakes. Dryness can improve when contributing factors are controlled, but a tendency toward dry skin can persist and require ongoing care. Judge progress by the problem you started with: roughness, scaling, tightness or uneven surface texture.35

When should you stop or see a doctor?

Stop exfoliating if your skin becomes red or irritated. Contact a healthcare professional if dryness and itching do not improve with home care, itching disrupts sleep, you itch without a visible rash, or scratching causes open sores. A dermatologist can also help if you cannot identify your skin type or choose a suitable exfoliation method.46