Reasons Your Skin Looks Dull
When great skin comes to mind, you probably do not imagine skin that looks dull, tired, or flat. That is the opposite of what anyone wants. Dull skin occurs when the skin lacks radiance or has a tired, uneven appearance in skin tone. Many things can cause it, and there are a few changes you can make to combat it. Once you figure out the cause of the dullness, you look for solutions, like lifestyle changes, to bring that healthy, vibrant complexion back. Here are a few common causes of dull skin.
Dead Skin Cells
Skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells. These cells collect on the skin’s top layer of the epidermis. Dead skin cells shed to bring healthy, new skin to the surface from the middle layer, or the dermis. If they accumulate on the skin, they can cause flakiness, dryness, and clogged pores.
Aging
As we age, our skin goes through many changes. Collagen production decreases, and skin elasticity, firmness, and moisture start to diminish. Natural cell turnover begins to slow down, leading to a dull skin tone. It can also cause dark spots, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles to become more visible.
Dehydration
Properly hydrating your body every day ensures that there is enough blood flow to your skin. Without moisture, your skin not only looks dull and but can also end up unwanted long-term effects like fine lines, sagging skin, and wrinkles.
Poor Diet
Remember, your skin is an organ, and what you eat is closely related to its health and appearance. If you are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables, your body will not get enough antioxidants to fight damage from environmental stressors. A high sugar intake can cause inflammation and worsen skin conditions. When you eat many refined and processed sugars and starches, it can increase collagen breakdown, resulting in dull skin and accelerated aging signs.
Environmental Factors
Dry weather, sun exposure, and other environmental factors can have adverse effects on the skin, especially if you do not protect it. These different environmental factors can strip the skin of its natural moisture, making it look dull, rough, and irritated. Another common factor to be cautious of is pollution, including dust, cigarette smoke, and more. Pollution may lead to skin damage since free radicals can cause the skin to age prematurely.
Sleep Deprivation
Your body is continually working to protect itself from various environmental stressors during the day. It switches to a recovery mode at night, which is when your body releases growth hormones that allow skin cells to repair themselves and regenerate. Lack of sleep hinders this process and can, unfortunately, negatively affect your skin’s moisture levels and decrease your face’s blood flow.
Stress
Stress can disturb your skin in many ways. When your body is experiencing stress, your cortisol levels surge. This surge causes inflammation and worsens any existing skin-related issues like eczema and psoriasis. Stress is also a contributing factor in acne, but it can cause the body to divert more circulation to the vital organs like the heart, lungs, and brain.
At Marin Medical Aesthetics, we offer various treatments that help improve the appearance of your skin. To say bye-bye to dull skin, give us a call today at (415) 785-4604.