7 causes for dull skin and the perfect solutions to get your glow back

Monsoon is in full swing, and you know what that means. No, we aren’t talking about the miniature swimming pools all around the city. This season also comes with a long list of beauty-related woes, one of them being dull skin. If you’ve found your skin lacking its original lustre, it’s all thanks to the increased humidity. While for some, this is a seasonal issue, for others, it’s something they have to deal with all year round. Whichever bracket you fall in, there’s no denying that your topical products, by themselves, are only temporary solutions. If you’re looking for long-term results, you need to tackle the problem from the inside out. We’ve put together the perfect guide to identifying the causes for dullness and tackling it in the best ways possible.

Reasons for dull skin

Ageing

Let’s start off with the inevitable A. As you get older, your body’s natural production of nutrients and vitamins decreases. This takes a toll on your skin and hair health. It is one of the reasons why your skin doesn’t look as supple and radiant as it did when you were in your teens. Our body naturally produces collagen but as we get older, collagen synthesis along with the cell turnover rate decreases. This leads to loss of skin elasticity, firmness, and even moisture levels, leading to concerns like dull skin, pigmentation and wrinkles.

Dehydration

Heard the saying “drink 8 glasses of water a day?” Well, this is more than just an old wives' tale. According to research, it is the main component that makes up the cells and tissues present in your body. It acts as a carrier and plays a vital role in cell homeostasis. The amount of water in your body is vital for various skin functions, such as providing hydration to the deeper layers of the skin. Lack of water or dehydration can lead to a lot of dermatological dysfunctions, one of them being dull skin. 

Buildup of dead skin cells

If you think exfoliation is a gimmick, think again. Your skin naturally renews itself and makes way for new cells every 30 days. When the dead cells don’t shed off completely, they get trapped on the skin’s surface. This results in flaky or dull skin. 

Dryness

Aside from dealing with irritation or flakiness, dryness can quickly make your skin look lifeless and dull. Lack of moisturise can lead to cracks on the skin. This then causes a buildup of dead skin cells which leads to dullness and an uneven skin tone. 

Sun Damage

Even in 2022, the importance of sunscreen is still underrated. When your bare skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, it depletes the proteins from the epidermis resulting in dry, dull, and damaged skin, eventually causing concerns like pigmentation.

Poor Diet

You are what you eat — this is true for all aspects of health and wellbeing. And when we talk about skin issues, we cannot leave out this defining factor. Just like it is important to watch what you put on your skin, it’s important to be mindful of what you consume as well. What you eat has a strong effect on your skin, so if you are dealing with dullness, it’s time to rethink your diet. 

Sleep Deprivation 

There’s a reason why sleep is also referred to as beauty sleep! Since your skin does most of its reparative work while you sleep, lack of it can reduce the ability of the skin barrier to replenish and hydrate itself. Collagen production is also reduced, affecting the skin barrier.

How to tackle dull skin on the inside out

Exfoliate 1-2 Times A Week

Your dull skin could be caused due to a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, pollutants and debris. Exfoliation sloughs off all the grime that’s too stubborn to move with just a face wash. This further enhances your skin’s radiance. 

Diet And Supplements Are Vital

Tackling your dull skin only on the surface won’t go a long way. If you want long term results you need to adopt a skin-friendly diet. Consume foods like leafy greens, proteins, good fats, and fibres that are rich in nutrients. Aside from a good diet, be sure to also invest in skin supplements to support your body. The Glow Inside Out Morning Skin Bioactive Powder is made with 11 bioactive compounds, some of which include sea buckthorn extract, sweet corn powder, and red beet powder. This concoction of nutrients works together to improve skin elasticity, increase skin moisture and add a radiant glow to your skin.

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Wear Sunscreen Daily 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, always wear sunscreen regardless of the weather. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s harmful rays can affect your skin. Slather at least two tablespoons of sunscreen before stepping out to prevent UV-induced damage like skin pigmentation, ageing brown spots, and dull skin.

Invest In A Proper Skincare Routine 

Along with exfoliation, ensure you have a daily skincare routine and products suited for your skin type *emphasis on skin type* This is because everyone’s skin is different and has different needs. So, products that may work for your BFF might not necessarily work for you. But the basics of skincare remain the same for everyone — cleanse, exfoliate 1-2 times a week, moisturise and use sunscreen. Make these words your daily mantra and put them into practice. 

Get Your Zzzz

Getting 8 hours of sleep not only has many physical and psychological benefits but also helps repair skin damage. You can take it up a notch and invest in topical night products which seep into the skin layers to enhance the healing process. 

Have any more questions? Reach out to us on Instagram at The Green Maven or TGM Beauty — our DMs are always open for you!