Dull Skin

Dul_Skin_Treatment

Does your skin look lifeless or lack moisture and radiance? If so, you may have a dull skin tone. Dull skin is the opposite of glowing and youthful skin and can appear flat, lackluster, and unhealthy. It can also add years to your age and make you look sad or tired even when you’re not.

What causes dull skin?

Skin dullness can be caused by a number of factors. Certain skin conditions like acne, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and others could also be the reason why your skin lacks radiance. Here are the common causes of dull skin:

  • Dead skin cells – Accumulated dead skin cells can give the skin a grayish tone, with dry patches and clogged pores.
  • Aging – This can cause a build-up of dead skin cells. Cell turnover (constant shedding and replacement of dead skin cells) rate also slows down as we age.
  • Dry or dehydrated skin – Without enough moisture, the skin can look pale and lackluster. It also compromises the skin’s ability to reflect light, resulting in a dull appearance.
  • Too much stress – Cortisol (stress hormones) is known to cause inflammation in the body. It can cause excess sebum production, contribute to acne flare-ups, and break down collagen and elastin.
  • UV exposure/sun damage – UV rays damage skin cells and collagen, resulting in dull and slack skin. It can also cause hyperpigmentation and make existing dark spots darker.
  • Environmental stressors – Pollution, low humidity, and other environmental stressors can create free radicals on the skin and cause oxidative stress. This can break down collagen and accelerate skin aging.
  • Smoking – This habit reduces blood flow, as well as the oxygen and nutrients that reach the skin. It also speeds up premature aging and can leave the skin dry with an unhealthy or sallow complexion.
  • Unhealthy diet - Sugary, fatty, and processed foods can negatively affect your skin and contribute to a dull and blemished complexion. Poor diet can also lead to obesity and raise your risk of certain diseases.

Do you have blackheads and whiteheads?

Blackheads and whiteheads, which are also known as comedones, are mild forms of acne.  Both are non-inflammatory acne, but can sometimes turn into a pimple (papule or pustule) if not removed. They usually appear on the face (as well as shoulders and back) and can give the skin a dull and tired-looking appearance.

  • Blackheads – Also known as open comedones, blackheads are filled with plugs of sebum and sloughed-off cells. These bacteria have undergone a chemical reaction, called oxidation, which then darkens the material inside.
  • Whiteheads – Also known as closed comedones, whiteheads are filled with the same material with a small opening to the skin surface. Air cannot reach the follicle, so the material inside is not oxidized and remains white.

Treating blackheads and whiteheads can help you achieve clearer complexion with uneven skin tone and texture. It can also prevent these comedones from becoming inflamed and turning into pimples.

How can we help?

Here at Cutis Laser Clinics, we know how dull and tired-looking skin can sometimes prevent you from putting your best face forward. We offer a range of medical aesthetic treatments for achieving clearer and more vibrant skin. Whether your dull complexion is due to certain skin issues or too many busy nights, we can help.

Your individualized treatment plan, depending on various factors such as your acceptable social downtime, your expected time frame and budget, will be explained in detail during your consultation with our Harvard trained Medical Director, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez.