WHAT MAKES YOUR SKIN DULL?
On average, our skin is completely renewed in every 28 days. “It is important to know, however, that the natural shedding of dead skin cells and the renewal of the skin is slowing down with age,” says Dora Bánszki, a cosmetology specialist. As a result, and due to environmental factors (sunlight, smog), our skin loses its natural radiance and may also have pigmentation, aging and liver spots. If you do not pay enough attention to your skin care, then after a while you are guaranteed to face the problem of gray, dull skin.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
- Use chemical exfoliants!
“The first and most important step is to clean the skin gently but thoroughly every morning and evening with a good cleanser” – advises Dora. “In addition, it is worth introducing regular use of enzymatic and / or chemical exfoliators, which help to remove dead skin cells so that healthy new cells can be replaced. As your skin gets more oxygen, becomes smoother, softer and fresh looking. The aging process slows down and the skin care products can be better absorbed into the skin. “
According to the beautician, they are recommended to be used once, up to twice a week, or as a cure, as excessive exfoliation may be harmful to the skin. “While AHA exfoliators (fruit acids) are ideal for dull, pigmented, aging skin, BHA exfoliators (salicylic acid) are better for more oily, acne-prone, and PHAs (polyhydroxy acid) for very sensitive, dehydrated skin with rosacea.”
Tip: Exfoliators are usually best to apply at the beginning of your routine (before or after tonics), and after a minute or two of absorption, you can go on with your serum, moisturizer, and finally face if you use one. The point is to always move from a light, water / gel textures to greasy, oily textures.
- Put Vitamin C into action!
“Over the age of 30 it is important to extend your daily hydration with an antioxidant serum or two. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which enhances skin firmness, lightens pigmentation spots, binds harmful free radicals and provides a fresh, glowy complexion. “The best choice is a vitamin C serum containing at least 5-15%, which should be stored in the refrigerator and used up shortly after opening, as it is rapidly oxidized by air, losing its effectiveness.
- Use a face oil!
“Facial oils, besides sealing water in the skin, are full of omega-3-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, polyphenols, carotenoids that enhance the healthy glow of the skin. “You can use them alone, after your moisturizing cream or by mixing a few drops into your moisturizer. “There are so-called. dry oils as well that can be suitable for combination, oily skin types.” Squalane oil is a great alternative too, which is not comedogenic and those not leave your skin greasy. I have already written a post about it, you can read it here.
- Give yourself a massage!
Over time, lymphatic and blood circulation also slow down, that inhibits the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin cells, which also leads to dullness. Therefore, during the evening and / or morning routine, it is important to massage your neck and face with your hands (or gua sha, roller ;)) to stimulate the flow. Go downwards on the neck on both sides, and upwards on other areas of your face. Make sure to never pull or drag your skin, be gentle!
- Go to a sauna or steam room!
Regular sauna and steam room can also help with the detoxification and skin renewal process. You can do a herbal facial steam once every two weeks at home as well: boil water in a pan, hang a chamomile or milfoil tea bag in it for example, then lean over it for a couple of minutes and cover your head with a towel. Do not use this method on damaged, hypersensitive or rosacea skin.
- Don’t forget about sun protection!
“UV radiation is responsible for 80 percent of skin aging, ” says the cosmetologist. But the spots left by hyperpigmentation are also due to the damaging sunlight. Use SPF 15 to 20 in winter and at least 30 in summer every single day. If your skin is sensitive, opt for physical (mineral) sunscreens instead of chemical ones as they are not absorbed into the skin, but reflect the sun’s rays as a shield. Click here to find my favorites.
LIFESTYLE ALSO MATTERS
If you want to get rid of dry, dehydrated, dull skin, it is important that you also pay attention to your lifestyle. Drink a lot (2.5-3 liters per day), sleep enough (min. 7 hours) and eat foods rich in beta-carotene and omega-3. The latter improve the elasticity of the cell membrane and make the skin more hydrated and vitalized from the inside.
KEEP MOVING!
Regular exercise, especially in the fresh air, stimulates blood circulation, which helps to expel toxins from your body and leaves your skin clear, fresh and radiant. Now it’s finally not so cold, so come on, go outside, take a walk, jog or ride the bike as much as you can! Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a huge difference to your skin. 😉
Have a nice skin & day everyone!
Peonilla
xx
An earlier version of this article was published in the 04/2017 issue of the Hungarian Women’s Health magazine.
Photo: Unsplash, Pinterest
