The cool winds, hot showers, and warm indoor climates that winter bring dry out our skin leaving a dull and lackluster complexion. Our skin needs more care and attention in winter to rehydrate it and restore that radiant glow. We have put together a simple guide on dull skin, what causes it and how to brighten it to unveil your natural best skin.

What is Dull Skin? 

Dull skin is characterised by darkening the complexion, lacklustre, unhealthy appearance and sometimes a rough texture making your skin appear prematurely aged. Skin darkening occurs when dead cells accumulate on your skin, especially if it produces less oil. If your skin produces fewer oils, the dead cells will not shed off, resulting in hyperpigmentation, a rough skin texture, and breakouts. 

What Causes Dull Skin?

Seasonal change: The temperature and humidity levels are very low during the winter, producing dry air, which draws moisture from your skin. Additionally, when you heat your home, the warm air will pull away moisture from your skin, making it even drier.  

Free Radicals: Environmental pollution leads to the production of free radicals that can affect your skin. When these radicals come into contact with your skin, they break down your skin’s collagen, resulting in a dull complexion. 

Stress: Stress reduces blood circulation to your skin, resulting in lower oxygen levels. When your skin lacks enough oxygen supply, it appears dull. 

Dehydration: Dehydration usually occurs due to external factors such as seasonal changes. When you’re dehydrated, your skin’s water content reduces, resulting in a dull complexion. 

Bad habits: Bad habits such as sleeping with your makeup on or skipping exfoliation can also cause dull skin. Sleeping with your makeup interferes with your skin’s natural exfoliation process, leading to a dull complexion. On the other hand, if you don’t exfoliate your skin, dead cells will build up, making your skin look dull. 

Unhealthy lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as taking an unbalanced diet can dull your skin. Also, when you wash your face excessively using harsh soap, you may irritate your skin, resulting in a dull complexion. 

How to Brighten Dull Winter Skin

You can prevent skin dullness and achieve glowing skin during winter by implementing the tips discussed below. 

Ditch Your Soap 

Conventional soaps are drying and irritating for the skin. Soap disrupts your skins natural pH balance causing uneven, dull skin tone. The best solution is to opt for a soap-free cleansing bar. Our Neutriderm Brightening Bar is recommended to hydrate, cleanse and restore dull skin.  

The Neutriderm Brightening Bar is a cleansing bar solution that helps to promote brighter, clearer skin for aging skin types. The cleansing bar also helps individuals concerned about an uneven and dull skin tone, especially during winter. It contains retinol that helps suppress melanosome transfer and tyrosinase activity, lowering melanin synthesis and stimulates your cells to produce collagen, improving your skin complexion. This way, the areas susceptible to skin discoloration, such as the region surrounding your eyes, become brighter. 

No Hot Showers 

Although taking a hot shower during the cold season feels great, it is not good for your skin. Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, making it dry. To avoid this issue, ensure you take a shower with lukewarm water. After showering, ensure to moisturise to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. 

Use Overnight Treatment 

Overnight treatments are the best solution to rejuvenate or prevent dry skin. When it comes to your nighttime routine, consider emollients. Using an emollient on your skin overnight allows it to absorb the moisturizer slowly. It will also provide your skin with the oils and moisture it needs. Additionally, you can use retinol products, such as the Neutriderm Brightening Body Lotion, to help you exfoliate dead cells, giving you bright skin with smooth texture. 

Still Use SPF 

During winter, the sun doesn’t feel as harsh so you may be tempted to stop using your sunscreen. However, this can be damaging for your skin in the long term. Remember, harmful UV rays can cause cellular damage and affect your skin’s moisture barrier, making it dry even during the winter. 

Everyone deserves to experience their best skin. Don’t let winter steal your glow. Shop our brightening range here.