Cooler weather is often accompanied by bothersome skin issues. Dull skin, in particular, is one of the most common winter skin woes thanks to reduced humidity, drying indoor heating, and less time spent outdoors. Fortunately, there are several ways to combat dull skin and cultivate a lit-from-within radiance.
I’ve experienced the gamut of skin types (dry skin due to acne treatments, combination skin, oily skin due to hormonal imbalance largely fixed by veganism, and relatively nice, normal skin–a perk of pregnancy!). Along the way, I’ve learned to enhance my glow (during many of these phases!) with the following anti dull skin complexion tips.
Avoid too many mattifying products.
Unless you have very oily skin, layering mattifying lotion, foundation, and powder may be overkill as far as your everyday routine is concerned (save the super matte look for a serious photoshoot!). Not only do too many mattifying products dull the appearance of skin while you’re wearing them, they can also absorb too much beneficial oil and leave your skin feeling tight and looking crêpey. Plus, overuse of oil-absorbing products may backfire and disrupt skin’s natural moisture balance, prompting it to overproduce sebum (the oil naturally found in skin) in its attempt to fix the problem.
Instead, opt for a regular, non-comedogenic face cream (I love CV Skinlabs) and a demi-matte or satin finish for your foundation. If you’re prone to an oily sheen by midday, be sure to pack oil-absorbing paper or a bit of translucent setting powder.
Try an exfoliating, brightening treatment.
Nothing hampers radiant skin like an uneven complexion. While using manual exfoliation (like a scrub) may feel a bit rough on delicate winter skin, an exfoliating product may offer just the right amount of resurfacing with minimal irritation. Look for an exfoliating acid like one of these, being sure to pay attention to which exfoliant best suits your skin type in order to avoid using anything too harsh. I’ve experienced amazing results with Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (features AHAs) and Envy Medical Glycopeel 10 (features glycolic acid).
Flock to humectants like it’s your job.
Natural humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin help attract water to skin, which helps skin stay hydrated—a serious plus when humidity levels drop during cooler months. Humectants can be found in some serums, toners, lotions, and even natural makeup products. You can also include them in your DIY concoctions, like a simple aloe toner.
Eat a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Glowing skin may be greatly aided by the right topical products, but it really begins with what you eat. In particular, foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids nourish in from the inside out. One of the easiest ways to get your omega-3 fatty acid fix is through chia and flax seeds. Lucky for us, you can put them in just about everything!
Get them greens!
I don’t feel or look my best when my diet is low in greens. By greens, I mean dark, leafy green veggies–like kale, spinach, chard, arugula, and those complexion friends. Leafy greens are packed with cholorphyll–a superfood with serious antioxidant effects. Enjoy a large salad every day or create your own low-sugar green juice!
Don’t forget a good facial oil.
If you find that cold weather and indoor heating rob your skin of vital moisture leaving you with fatigued, dull skin, consider trying a high-quality face oil. (Investing in a fine facial oil may be one of the best beauty purchases you can make–no matter what the season!) Plus, there are so many on the market these days—it’s not hard to find one that suits your complexion. In other words, don’t be afraid to experiment (what you don’t end up liking for your face may make a nice foot massage oil or treatment for split ends).
Plain, organic argan oil seems to be a nice, no-fuss medium-weight oil that suits most complexions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a multi-ingredient oil like Plant Apothecary Superfacial Oil.
Another lovely choice for all skin-types is Le Prunier sustainably harvested plum oil.
Massage dull skin away!
Facial massage is an excellent way to stimulate circulation (essential for a natural glow!), encourage lymphatic drainage, improve product absorption, and tone facial muscles. While you can create a separate facial massage routine, it’s actually quite easy to fit into your morning and evening skin care routine. Spend five minutes massaging your face while cleansing or applying serum and moisturizer. You may find that it’s a great way to relax—or feel more awake!
Which dull skin treatments have you found effective?
Related: The Surprising Thing that Finally Cleared My Hormonal Acne
Celeb Esthetician Joanna Vargas Can’t Recommend This Clear Skin Diet Enough
Anti-Aging Skincare That Will Make You Look 5 Years Younger (Srsly)
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Photo: AO via Unsplash, Glow Recipe, Mary Hood Luttrell, Peaceful Dumpling
