What is Dull Skin and How to manage it?

Dull skin tone is a result of excess dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin. Your skin can lose its natural luminosity because of dryness, damaged cells or slow cell turnover, all of which can happen at any age and in any season.

What Causes Dull Skin?

Dull skin tone is typically a result of poor circulation. Common factors that cause dull skin include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, dehydration, and poor diet. Basically, any triggers that deprive your skin of much-needed oxygen and nutrients will result in dull skin tone. Lack of exfoliation — the sloughing off of dead skin cells — can also cause dull skin. Dull skin is also often one of the first signs of aging, as skin renewal decreases about 7% every 10 years.

Cause of skin dullness:  

• Pigmentation
• Uneven skin tone
• Wrong use of skin products
• Overexposure to the sun.

Tanning makes the skin look more dark and burnt due to sun exposure. It can be avoided by

• Regular use of sunscreen
• Use of hats and shades
• Avoiding the sun between 10 to 4pm
• Protective clothing
• Tanning can be removed by
• Hydration with hydra facial
• Lighteners like kojic acid, arbutin, glycolic and lactic acid
• Retinoid peels
• Q switched laser
• Skin polishing

Pigmentation is the formation of melasma or chloasma due to hormonal factors during pregnancy, medicines, and inheritance in the family. melasma can be controlled by

• Medicines
• Chemical peeling
• Avoidance of sun
• Diligent use of sunscreen
• Photo facials

How to Prevent Dull Skin: The best way to prevent dull skin is to avoid triggers like smoking, and by eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and drinking plenty of water. Also consulting with skin specialists will help you to know your skin better says by Dr. Manju Keshri, senior dermatologist at KEMPS SKIN Clinic. Starting a smart anti-aging skin regimen of exfoliation and antioxidant-rich products in one’s 30s can also be an effective way to prevent dull skin. So keep smiling and glowing.