Who doesn’t love summer? The sun shines brightly upon us, the days are longer, and hopefully, you get a lovely, relaxing vacation in. We all love that summer glow, but not the dullness and skin damage that comes with it.
Summer in the UK can be unpredictable, indecisive, and often moody. When we do experience warmer days, we’re likely to spend more time enjoying the open air and feeling the sun on our skin. As much as we need to soak in the rays for that much needed Vitamin D, we must also be mindful of skin dullness and dehydration that is associated with prolonged skin exposure.
If you feel that you’ve lost your glow because of dull skin, chances are that one of the causes below is responsible.
1. Your skin is dehydrated
The answer to most of our skin problems, including dullness, is hydration. Wet skin, like a fresh coat of paint, has a glossy appearance, after which the paint becomes matte as it dries. Similarly, when we are dehydrated, our skin becomes lacklustre and loses its gloss. Keeping our skin well-hydrated requires following healthy skin habits (such as drinking plenty of water) and sticking to a proper skincare routine. Moisturising is especially important because it helps to lock in hydration and promotes smooth, supple-looking skin.
2. You’re not exfoliating enough
Exfoliating is a crucial skincare routine step that most of us miss. The process removes dry, dead skin cells and is the best way to smooth the skin’s surface. Use a face scrub at least twice a week to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin. Don’t forget to exfoliate the lips and the neck, too.
3. You’re overdoing it with matte makeup
Using matte cosmetics like heavy or chalky powders absorbs the skin’s natural oils (and glow). Opt for base creams that are made with moisturisers to enhance the skin’s dewiness. Steer clear of makeup removers containing alcohol, as they can sap skin-plumping moisture.
4. The environment is affecting your skin
At first, you may think that the sun makes your skin look healthy and bright. However, too much sun exposure can have the opposite effect, drying out the skin and causing it to peel. Our environment plays a major role in the health of our skin, from the amount of sun exposure we get to how polluted our city is. Both UV rays and pollution release free radicals that not only cause premature ageing (like fine lines, age spots, and loss of firmness) but also dull our complexion. It’s therefore essential to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare routine to help neutralise the damaging free radicals that result from these external factors.
5. Your lifestyle habits are contributing to dull skin
Lack of sleep, excessive alcohol, and too much work can deeply affect your skin’s radiance. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, while smoking can cause oxidative stress. Since our body goes into repair mode overnight, losing sleep inhibits the skin’s ability to replenish fresh skin cells while shedding off dull ones. Besides getting enough sleep, using skincare products that help restore your skin overnight can help diminish dullness and enhance your skin’s overall appearance.
On the ‘bright’ side, a dull skin tone isn’t too difficult to treat once you understand its root cause. And the good news is that we’re here to help! Inherited Skincare’s Deep Nourishing Cream made with pomegranate-infused washed ghee, penetrates the skin’s deeper layers for complete hydration, giving your face an all-around and well-deserved glow. The magic of washed ghee, packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids, deeply nourishes and renews your body.
Here’s to a glowing (and beautifully hydrated) summer!