Why skin looks dull
Healthy-looking skin has a soft glow because its surface is smooth enough to reflect light. When old cells build up on the surface, that light scatters instead, and skin looks flat, grey or tired.
Other things add to it: dehydration, uneven tone, late nights, stress, cold weather, central heating and years of sun. Skin also renews itself more slowly as we get older, so the build-up happens more easily.
The good news is that dullness usually responds well to small, consistent changes.
What helps
Gentle exfoliation is where you'll notice a difference first. Lactic acid and fruit enzymes loosen dull surface cells so fresher-looking skin can show through. Once or twice a week is plenty for most people.
In the morning, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E help protect your skin from everyday stress like pollution and help it look brighter. Hydration matters too, because well-hydrated skin reflects light better. And daily SPF stops new sun damage from dulling things again.
Simple habits help as well. Always cleanse at night to take off SPF and make-up, and take a minute to massage your moisturiser in. It feels lovely, and it makes the routine something you look forward to.
Tanisha's tipExfoliate in the evening, then use a hydrating serum and moisturiser. Your skin often looks its best the next morning.
A simple glow routine
Morning: cleanse, then apply AlumierMD Vitamin Rich Smoother, a silky 15% vitamin C and E serum that gives a softer, more radiant look and a smooth base for make-up. Moisturise if you need to. ZO Illuminating AOX Serum is a lovely extra as your last step before sunscreen: its light-reflecting minerals give a soft-focus finish. Then Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF50+, which leaves a soft satin finish.
Evening: cleanse, then moisturise. Choose one way to exfoliate, not all of them. AlumierMD AHA Renewal Serum, with 8% lactic acid, is used at night, starting two or three times a week. AlumierMD Enzymatic Peel is a once-a-week mask with lactic acid and fruit enzymes. If acids don't suit your skin, AnteAGE GLOW Regenzyme is an acid-free enzyme mask.
ZO and AnteAGE are ordered after a free consultation, so one of my skin experts can check they suit you first.
What to be careful with, and how long to give it
It's tempting to scrub dull skin harder, but over-exfoliating leaves it tight, shiny and red, and that looks duller, not brighter. If your skin stings or feels tender, stop exfoliating until it settles. Patch-test acids first, don't use them on the same evening as retinol, and wear SPF every day.
Exfoliating can make skin feel smoother after the first use. A brighter, more even look builds over several weeks, so give your routine six to eight weeks before you judge it.
When to see a professional
If your skin still looks flat after a couple of months, a professional facial or peel in clinic can give it a deeper refresh.
