First, what causes dull skin in the first place?
What could be causing this dullness? As it turns out, a combination of several factors. “Dull skin can be caused by dehydration, a buildup of dead skin cells, lack of sleep, or environmental stressors like pollution,” says celebrity facialist Sarah Akram. Lifestyle majorly affects your skin: Even things like a poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, sun exposure, and smoking can dull your radiance and cause premature aging, says Rachel Wilson, product development manager and aesthetician at Burke Williams Spa. Of course, your actual age factors in as well. “As we age, the cell turnover rate slows down,” Wilson says.
But that doesn’t mean you are doomed to dullness: There are plenty of ways to get back that lit-from-within look. “When it comes to brightening the skin, I look for ingredients that help even out tone, fade discoloration, and support healthy cell turnover,” says Akram. Read on for everything you need to know about how to brighten skin.