7 Tips For Brightening Dull Skin, According To Dermatologists

Everyone's skin goes through different phases, and if you've ever gone through a period of time when you felt like your complexion was lacking that glowing-skin vibe, you're not alone. Dull skin is one of the most common complexion complaints, and it can be caused by many things, from dry patches to general aging. Sure, feeling like your outer layer doesn't have that extra oomph can affect your confidence, but the good news is that the majority of expert-backed approaches for achieving brightness are easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. But know this: There's no such thing as cutting corners when it comes to reaching your skincare goals, which is why staying consistent with a well-rounded routine makes all the difference.

What is dull skin?
There are a few characteristics that indicate when your skin has gone dull. This includes a lack of radiance and shine as well as appearing dry or matte. Board-certified dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, MD, notes that it can often appear patchy, ashy, or uneven in tone with dark spots.
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Some common causes of dull skin are:

• Dryness
• Aging
• Smoking
• Sun damage and pollution
• Severe health issues or illnesses

If you're on a mission to get your glow back, read on for seven dermatologist-approved tips for treating dull skin.

1. Exfoliate regularly
If you aren't already exfoliating, consider this your sign to start making it a regular part of your skincare routine. Sloughing away dead cells regularly reveals healthier, more radiant skin. It also removes unwanted pigmentation, aids in cell turnover, and stimulates collagen says Dr. Gmyrek.

You can use a physical exfoliator like cleansers with micro-beads, scrubs, or washcloths. But if your skin is easily irritated, you may want to opt for a chemical exfoliator, which may contain retinoic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids, or salicylic acid to "break down the bonds between surface skin cells and gently dissolve them," says Dr. Gmyrek. Still, it's important to not overdo it with any kind of exfoliator, as it can cause more irritation, inflammation, and sensitivities, adds Divya Sachdev, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist.

2. Look for the right moisturizer.
Word of advice: never skip your moisturizer. Another word? Make sure you're using a moisturizer with ingredients that cater to your needs and preferences.
"The purpose of a moisturizer is to improve skin hydration by keeping moisture in the skin and minimizing water loss into the environment, called transepidermal water loss (TEWL)," Dr. Gmyrek explains. Keeping your skin hydrated will keep it plump and more radiant. If you're unsure what to look for, try checking some labels for ultra-moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, glycerine, and dimethicone.

3. Use sunscreen.
While you may think a good tan is bound to leave you looking sun-kissed and glowy, the damage from harmful UV rays can result in dull, leathery, wrinkly skin. "UVA and UVB rays can cause hyperpigmentation and DNA damage, resulting in a saggy appearance, irregular texture, and solar elastosis—a yellow tone caused by as accumulation of damaged elastin from chronic sun exposure," says Dr. Gmyrek.

To prevent the side effects of sun damage, you should wear an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis, per The American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Sachdev suggests using a mineral sunscreen, which is less likely to cause negative reactions and is more effective at blocking UVA and UVB rays. You can also protect your skin using hats or sunglasses.

4. Stay consistent with retinol.
Consider retinol the MVP of your skincare regimen. Not only does it stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, it also promotes a faster cell turnover rate to reveal brighter skin. Through this process, retinol decreases the production of excess pigmentation (aka less discoloration).

If you have yet to try retinol, Dr. Gmyrek recommends starting slowly, using it two to three times a week for one to two weeks before increasing your usage. If your skin can't handle the higher frequency, just stick to what's comfortable. "Consistency is more important than being able to use the product every single night," says Dr. Gmyrek.
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5. Mask up.
Whether you want to give your skin a boost of hydration or exfoliate to eliminate dullness, masks are a great fix that can be implemented for long-term results. Dr. Sachdev notes that hydrating masks are especially gentle and can be used multiple times a week. On the flip side, exfoliating masks should be used more cautiously to prevent irritation. "If you want to use something [with] glycolic or salicylic acid, then stay off retinoid that day or a few days before," says Dr. Sachdev.
If you're up for a splurge, consider trying an LED red light mask. Dr. Gmyrek is a big fan of masks with blue, red, and infrared lights since they all serve slightly different purposes; blue light improves acne, red light stimulates collagen production to reduce conditions like inflammation, and infrared light boosts blood circulation by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

6. Add in vitamin C.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals, environmental damage, and sun damage. It also protects against hyperpigmentation. "When we have too much pigment, our skin looks, so [vitamin C] helps brighten the skin and promotes collagen," says Dr. Sachdev. You can use it in serum form since the molecules will be small enough to deeply penetrate the skin or you can take capsules. 

7. Make lifestyle changes.
It goes without saying that smoking is harmful to your lungs. That said, it's also one of the many culprits for dry skin because it creates "free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause damage to the cells in your skin, including collagen and elastic tissue," says Dr. Gmyrek. "They also stimulate pigment production, causing your complexion to look discolored and irregular."
Additionally, maintaining a nutritious and well-rounded diet can give you a glow from the inside out. "Skin is the largest organ of the body, and it's going to look dull no matter how many [products] or procedures you try," says Dr. Sachdev. "So you have to have the internal component as well."