7 Reason Your Skin Looks Old, Tired, or Dull

August 08, 2023

Happy August… and happy complexion check-in! By this point of the summer, you may have hoped to achieve a (safe and healthy!) glow, but what if your skin is looking tired and dull instead? Has your skincare routine—or lack thereof—left your complexion looking older than it needs to? 

A Checklist for a Lackluster Complexion ✅

There are several reasons why your skin can look old, tired, or dull, from a lack of hydration to simply overworking your skin with unnecessary products. Fortunately, I’ve whipped up a convenient checklist for you to fix that lackluster complexion once and for all!

Even at the height of summer, when your skin should be bronzed, healthy, and glowing, you might notice that your skin looks a little dull. There are several causes for tired and dull skin, from environmental factors to lifestyle choices. We'll discuss a few of the most common reasons why your skin looks older and more tired—as well as some tips for getting your vibrant skin back. 

1. You're Dehydrated

Healthy skin starts with hydration. If you're not drinking enough water, especially in dry weather, your skin could start looking dull or pale. And if you're chronically dehydrated, you could be causing long-term skin damage (like deep wrinkles). So, go fill up your water bottle and try to drink at least eight cups of water per day. Experiment with fruit-infused waters and all-natural juices to make daily hydration a little more interesting—and delicious!

2. You're Forgetting to Exfoliate 

Dead skin cells accumulate in a layer on the top of your skin, giving your face an ashen look. The best way to eliminate these dead skin cells is to exfoliate. If you've been skipping this step in your skincare routine or aren't exfoliating often enough, it could be causing your skin to look dull and tired. And in addition to removing dead skin cells from the surface, exfoliating your skin helps other products work more effectively. Instead of serums and creams simply sitting on top of your skin, they actually penetrate deeper and fully absorb.

3. You're Not Moisturizing Enough

Dryness causes dull skin; an easy fix is adding a moisturizing regimen to your skincare routine. Look for moisturizers that target dryness and dullness, like our Dr. Esthe Dual Barrier Cream or Promoter Cell Repair Moisturizer. You can also reach for hydrating face masks and facial treatments to give your skin an extra dose of moisture. 

4. You're Feeling Stressed

When you're stressed, it causes your body's levels of the hormone cortisol to increase. This then affects the blood flow to your skin and can result in dullness. While you can't wave your stress away with a magic wand, taking time to relax with a yoga class, mindfulness session, or even a bubble bath can help you de-stress—and result in brighter, more radiant skin.

5. You're Not Getting Enough Shut-Eye

Whether you're having trouble sleeping because you're stressed or can't resist an after-dinner latte, your lack of sleep could show up in your skin. Your skin—and body!—need sleep for renewal and cell regeneration. And if you're not sleeping, you're missing out on that. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, and add in a collagen-boosting retinol treatment or face mask to get the most out of your time asleep. The CBE Botanicals Sleep On It Retinol Serum is perfect for nighttime routines. 

6. You're Not Protecting Your Skin From a Harmful Environment

Air pollution and UV exposure can also cause unprotected skin to look dull. Make sure that you're applying sunscreen every day, or at least a moisturizer with SPF, to prevent dullness, fine lines, and dark spots. Antioxidants like Vitamin C can add another layer of daytime protection, too. And at night, make sure you thoroughly wash your face to prevent clogged pores from any pollution in the air. 

7. Your Skin Texture Is Uneven

If you're moisturizing and exfoliating but feel like your skin still looks dull, you might be dealing with uneven skin texture. Smooth, even-toned skin better reflects light, giving it a bright, hydrated appearance. Sadly, the same isn't true for textured skin. Consider using a toner, brightening serum, or even experimenting with a microdermabrasion device. 

Combat Dull Skin And Get Glowing!

Now that you know what's causing your skin to look tired and dull, you can make a few changes and get the radiant skin you want. With a few adjustments and the right skincare products, you'll be well on your way to glowing, youthful skin!

Do you want to get more support with your skincare journey? Whatever stage of the journey you're in, join me in the Christine Byer Beauty Club. I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club. Get personalized support for all of your questions, and get exclusive access to savings and the opportunity to win a FREE consultation. If you don't find value in your membership, you can cancel within 14 days at no charge. What are you waiting for?

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