Luminous, dewy skin never goes out of style, we know this. We also know that maintaining radiance isn’t always easy, and the reality is there are reasons your skin is missing that so-called glow. Our skin constantly sheds dead cells from the stratum corneum, but if the process isn’t working efficiently, your complexion can take on a dull, unhealthy appearance that emphasizes wrinkles.
The good news? There are almost-effortless ways to get back your healthy glow and overcome dry and dull skin (mengatasi kulit wajah kering & kusam). It’s the little things can make the biggest difference when it comes to your complexion. If you’re feeling like you’ve lost your glow thanks to dull skin, chances are, one of the mistakes below is responsible. So, break these habits and prepare for beaming, healthy-looking skin in no time (mengatasi kulit wajah kering & kusam).
You’re dehydrated — and so is your skin.
Dehydration may seem like a short-term problem solved by a glass of water, but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky encourages viewing skin dehydration as a long-term problem.
Consistently failing to give your skin the hydration it needs can cause lasting damage, like fine lines, sagging skin, and even scales and deep wrinkles from severe chronic dehydration.
If you don’t want wrinkles, drink up. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day.
You’re not exfoliating your skin.
If you wash your face twice a day, great! But there’s a very crucial step you need to add: exfoliation of skin cells. Dryness is the most common cause of dull skin, and exfoliating creates a fresh canvas that allows topical products to penetrate better through the layers of the stratum, says Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologist at SKINNEY Medspa. The process removes skin’s outer layer of dead keratinocytes so its surface is smoother and clearer.
Incorporate one type of exfoliator at a time into your routine to avoid skin irritation and damage, the GH Beauty Lab recommends. (For instance, if you’re trying a chemical peel, don’t also use a physical scrub or a cleansing brush at the same time). Try a single-use wipe like First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, which contain two kinds of alpha-hydroxy acids at levels that are safe for sensitive skin.
You’re forgetting to moisturize regularly.
A dull complexion is calling out for something moisture. Dr. Kenneth Howe, dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology, says daily life and environment stressors create cracks in our skin’s surface stratum, giving the appearance of dullness.
Moisturizer fills in those fissures with added lipids, the natural fats of the skin layer, presenting a smooth, reflective surface. Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of Art of Skin MD, suggests using moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, which help repair skin barrier function and improve water retention, and hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin cells by attracting water to surrounding tissue. (IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream is a great choice that contains both skin cells.)
You’re super stressed.
Stress plays a large role in the brilliance of your skin cells—or the lack thereof. “Stress causes an increase in cortisol, which can affect blood flow to the skin and [affect] skin repair,” says Dr. Luftman. Translation: whatever stratum, cells, or glands it is you’re holding onto could be what’s standing between you and lustrous skin.
Stress management is crucial. Take time to de-stress at home. Adopting a more positive attitude was a common, important factor in “super-agers” (women who look 10+ years younger than their actual age) according to an Olay study. Also, try learning strategies to calm your mind and manage stress, which will help improve your complexion now and in the future.