Why Is My Complexion So Dull?

Even with a beauty routine full of moisturizers, serums, and other products promising to nourish and hydrate your skin, your complexion can stubbornly stay dull. Even though it’s purely cosmetic, a dull complexion can be a source of insecurity and frustration. 

Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon John P. Freeman, MD, DDS, FACS, specializes in all things face, including several luxurious spa services to restore your skin’s luster. A dull and dry complexion is no match for tailored treatments like chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing, which are available at our office in Katy, Texas. 

In this blog, we’ll review the most common causes of dull skin and what you can do to avoid them. 

Hydration is key

Dull skin is dehydrated skin. While reaching for the nearest moisturizer might be your first instinct, drinking more water is the best way to counter dry skin. Your skin relies on water content for optimal elasticity, strength, and plumpness. 

Even if you drink water throughout the day, your skin can lose moisture and become less bright. Skin can lose hydration due to:

• Hot or cold temperatures
• Sun exposure
• Long showers, baths, or swimming sessions
• Harsh soaps and detergents
• Rough exfoliation

In these cases, a high-quality moisturizer can help. 

Tobacco use and your skin

Tobacco use isn’t good for your health. Smoking is a significant factor in premature aging, including a dull complexion. 

When you smoke, your skin loses its ability to build collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, your skin becomes dryer, duller, and wrinkled. 

Dead skin buildup

Your skin cells are in a constant cycle of death and renewal. The older cells near the surface shed as fresh cells from below emerge.

Sometimes, the dead cells build up on your skin’s surface, concealing the brighter and more youthful cells underneath. By exfoliating your skin, you can eliminate the dead cells to alleviate dryness, flaking, and a dull complexion. 

You can use exfoliating products or a washcloth to remove dead skin cells, but professional treatments go a step further. Chemical peels correct numerous irregularities by removing dead cells and stimulating cell renewal. 

Working toward brighter and healthier skin

Prioritizing your skin’s health can minimize dryness, dullness, laxity, and other common age-related concerns. Want to keep your skin as bright as possible? Adopt these habits:

• Limit your time in hot water
• Be gentle while scrubbing your skin
• Use serums and moisturizers
• Wear sunscreen every day
• Treat yourself to the occasional spa service

Want to make sure you’re meeting your skin’s needs? Find out how to make your skin glow by booking a consultation online or over the phone at the office of John P. Freeman, MD, DDS, FACS, today.