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Is your skin suffering from dullness? Is it missing that hard-to-define glow? There are numerous contributing factors that can cause a lackluster complexion. Continue reading to get tips on how to restore radiance back to your skin.
Reasons behind dull skin
If you or someone you know is missing that glow, the reason could be a lack of sleep, poor blood circulation, and bad habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and improper skin care.
Sleep
A lack of sleep is conducive to tired, dull-looking skin. Likewise, getting an adequate amount of sleep each night is a big part of looking good—that’s why they call it beauty sleep! Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
Diet
Beautiful skin is highly contingent on a proper diet. For radiant skin, consume a diet rich in antioxidants, foods that contain good fats (i.e., avocados, salmon, walnuts), vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Moreover, avoid sweets (including sugary drinks) and highly salty foods as much as possible since they can contribute to a lackluster visage.
When I lived in Australia (I’m American), I particularly enjoyed the abundance of fruits the land down under had to offer: lychee, mango and passion fruit, to name a few. I noticed that the more fruit (and vegetables) I ate, the better my skin looked. Before you start a new diet, always check with your physician first to see if you have any allergies to certain foods or have any medical conditions that may prohibit a dietary change.
Drink Up
Not alcoholic beverages, that is. Swap your coffee and booze for a nice tall glass of water. Moreover, aim to drink at least seven to eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated because a hydrated body will reflect on the face. Likewise, a dehydrated body reflects a dull complexion. It doesn’t end there. Did you know that peppermint tea helps boost blood circulation, thereby helping the skin to glow? Also, green tea and white tea contain a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that helps fight free radicals that cause cancer, which ultimately promotes a radiant complexion.
Exercise
Breaking a sweat will release toxins and stimulate blood circulation, thereby promoting a glow to the skin. Get movin’!
Skin Care
A proper skin care regimen is another important component in achieving radiant skin. A proper skin care routine entails:
- Cleansing;
- Toning;
- Exfoliating (two to three times a week);
- Using a face serum;
- Moisturizing;
- Using a sunscreen with at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15; and
- Using an eye cream.
Moreover, it is crucial to know what your skin type is so you can choose the right skin care products. Unsure of your skin type? Certain ingredients found in skin care products help improve the texture of the skin such as alpha hydroxy acids (i.e., glycolic acid, lactic acid), seaweed, chamomile and hyaluronic acid.
Lastly, smile! Nothing is more beautiful than your inner beauty shining through.
About the Author
Lee Ann Buttery is a licensed Esthetician and professional makeup artist that works for Mario Badescu. She is passionate about all things beauty-related and has a particular obsession with anti-aging.