Sometimes, I feel like my face needs a shot of espresso. Even when I get that coveted eight hours of deep sleep, my skin doesn’t get the memo. (I wake up fearing a few unsolicited “you look tired” comments.) But unlike dry skin or oily skin, dull skin isn’t a permanent skin type. It’s something you can change with the right skincare routine and lifestyle shifts. In pursuit of the lit-from-within glow, I spoke to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Laura Scott about how to ditch dull skin for good.
Dr. Laura Scott
Dr. Laura Scott is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in adult and pediatric dermatology. She served as the Associate Director of the Skin of Color Division at the University of Miami and now treats both medical dermatologic and cosmetic skin concerns at Scott & Co. Skin in San Diego. She graduated from Harvard Medical School, where she not only discovered her passion for dermatology, but also entrepreneurship.
What Causes Dull Skin
“Dull skin most often refers to skin that just doesn’t glow and looks flat, sometimes even dry,” says Dr. Scott. “At the skin level, this is often due to a build-up of dead skin cells, decreased water content in the skin, or reduced circulation in the face (and often a combo of these)!”
External factors cause dull skin. It’s your body telling you something needs to shift. If your skin is dull, try auditing your lifestyle and your skincare routine to see what’s missing.
According to Dr. Scott, common causes of dull skin include:
- Aging. As cell turnover slows down, elastin and collagen production decreases—and so does your natural glow. Try taking a collagen supplement and implementing skincare products that increase cell turnover.
- Nutrition. You really are what you eat. Excess sugar and caffeine are common culprits that cause dull skin. (Guilty!) Glowy skin starts in the gut. By prioritizing gut health and even taking gut health supplements, you can promote overall vitality.
- Lifestyle habits. Factors like smoking, tanning, or overindulging in alcohol might be sabotaging your skin. External factors like pollution and sun exposure can also dull your complexion. Protect yourself from the environment with antioxidants and, of course, sunscreen!
- Your skincare routine. Doing too much or too little can cause dry skin. Over-exfoliating or using the wrong products for your skin can strip it of its natural glow. But an inconsistent skincare routine or one that doesn’t address your skin concerns can also lead to dull skin. A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be right for you.
Lifestyle Factors That Can Help Treat Dull Skin
“Lifestyle can often be the hardest thing to change,” says Dr. Scott. But it often makes the biggest difference. “Vacation skin is a real thing!” That’s why, when we are relaxed and living slower, your skin glows. Think of how you can bring that vacation mindset to your daily routine—not just for brighter skin but for a more enjoyable life!
For healthy, glowy skin, Dr. Scott recommends “incorporating regular exercise, getting enough good sleep, reducing stress, and, of course, eating healthy.”
The Best Skincare Routine for Dull Skin
Dull skin probably won’t go away with just one product. Dr. Scott recommends a holistic approach that targets all the causes of dull skin. By adopting a skincare routine and lifestyle habits that promote skin health, you’ll definitely see a difference.
Dull skin skincare routine
- Gentle chemical exfoliation. From scrubs to serums and cleansers, this step is essential to “reduce the build-up of dead skin cells,” says Dr. Scott. “A gentle chemical exfoliant can be used a few times a week. Lactic acid is a great option, or if using a stronger acid like glycolic, you can incorporate it into a cleanser. Mandelic acid is another personal favorite.”
- A good moisturizer. Look for one that provides hydration to help plump the skin.
Habits for glowy skin
- Diet. Focus on supporting your gut health to promote glowy skin.
- Regular exercise. Consistent movement can help promote better circulation.
- Supplement. For hydration and glowy skin, consider wellness supplements that can support skin in holding and retaining moisture.
The Best Products for Glowy Skin
Ready for year-round vacation skin? Taking a health-first approach to your skincare routine will support a glowy complexion. But don’t be too eager—overdoing it can cause as much harm as not doing enough. Balance is key, and so is choosing a routine you can stick to. Here are the best dermatologist-recommended picks and beauty editor-approved treatments for dull skin.