While dull skin is a common complaint from people who are concerned with the inevitability of aging, lack-luster skin becomes more of an issue during the colder winter months. With a few changes to one’s skin care regiment, a healthy glow can once again be achieved.
What is dull skin and what causes it?
When skin is described as being dull what we are actually seeing and talking about is a buildup of dead skin cells within the Stratum Corneum, or the out most layer of our skin, the Epidermis. The skin’s average natural turn over rate is about 28 days. This rate slows as we age and can be anywhere from 30 days to 3 months! The reason a small child’s skin is so soft and looks so healthy is due to an on average 14-day cellular turnover rate.
What many people do not know is that factors such as smoking, UV exposure, dehydration, and makeup can all negatively affect cellular turnover.
How to regain that glow:
Exfoliation- Remove excess dead skin and makeup residue by using a cleansing devise like the Clarisonic or FOREO Luna daily, a gentle scrub two or three times a week, or an at home chemical peel of glycolic or lactic acid weekly.
Moisturize- When the skin cells are hydrated and the lipid barrier of the skin is healthy, the entire process of cellular turnover occurs with more ease and happens with less irritation.
Vitamin C- topical Vitamin C delivered through a product like a serum is a great way to brighten a complexion. Vitamin C slows free radical damage that occurs from ultra violet radiation and may prevent DNA damage in the nucleus of the cell. This antioxidant is pivotal in the production of collagen and combating photodamage.
Essential Fatty Acids- Oils and foods high in Omegas such as fatty fish, nuts, flax and fish oil actually help the skin retain moisture. This can decrease the chances of skin sensitivity, inflammation and dermatitis.
These few tips should help you regain and maintain a healthy glow throughout the long winter months.
Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!
What is dull skin and what causes it?
When skin is described as being dull what we are actually seeing and talking about is a buildup of dead skin cells within the Stratum Corneum, or the out most layer of our skin, the Epidermis. The skin’s average natural turn over rate is about 28 days. This rate slows as we age and can be anywhere from 30 days to 3 months! The reason a small child’s skin is so soft and looks so healthy is due to an on average 14-day cellular turnover rate.
What many people do not know is that factors such as smoking, UV exposure, dehydration, and makeup can all negatively affect cellular turnover.
How to regain that glow:
Exfoliation- Remove excess dead skin and makeup residue by using a cleansing devise like the Clarisonic or FOREO Luna daily, a gentle scrub two or three times a week, or an at home chemical peel of glycolic or lactic acid weekly.
Moisturize- When the skin cells are hydrated and the lipid barrier of the skin is healthy, the entire process of cellular turnover occurs with more ease and happens with less irritation.
Vitamin C- topical Vitamin C delivered through a product like a serum is a great way to brighten a complexion. Vitamin C slows free radical damage that occurs from ultra violet radiation and may prevent DNA damage in the nucleus of the cell. This antioxidant is pivotal in the production of collagen and combating photodamage.
Essential Fatty Acids- Oils and foods high in Omegas such as fatty fish, nuts, flax and fish oil actually help the skin retain moisture. This can decrease the chances of skin sensitivity, inflammation and dermatitis.
These few tips should help you regain and maintain a healthy glow throughout the long winter months.
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!