How to Brighten Dull Skin
Do you want to know how to brighten dull skin? If your complexion is looking lifeless, dull or blotchy than its most likely you have a lot of dead skin cells attached to your skin both face and body. Before you decide to brighten dull skin with a brightening serum or cream it’s a good idea to first remove the dead skin cells otherwise your brightening serum or cream won’t work as it should. In this article, you will learn how to brighten your skin both face and body as well as how to make natural face scrub and homemade exfoliating body scrub. If you rather not make your own face scrub keep reading for the links to some great scrubs that can be purchased online. I have also added a hydrating skin care regimen which is advisable after exfoliating.
The best way to brighten up your dull skin is to exfoliate. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and at the same time it “sands down” your skin, making your skin softer and smoother. Exfoliating will also help with clogged pores which over time can turn into pimples or bumps on your skin. If you have never exfoliated before I recommend you start today. When you exfoliate for the first time you will immediately see how bright your skin looks and how soft it feels.
This is how to brighten dull skin
Exfoliating both your facial skin and body can be done once a week. More than that can irritate the skin. Always exfoliate facial skin before you go to bed that way your skin has time to rejuvenate.
If you have acne don’t exfoliate when you have a flare-up, only exfoliate when your acne is under control. Read here to find out how to get acne under control.
*Do not exfoliate if you shaved, waxed or used hair removal treatments the same day you plan to exfoliate. If you have a sunburn, acne or skin irritations wait for these things to heal before you exfoliate. If you use topical retinoid it is not advisable to exfoliate since retinoid is an exfoliant itself. Exfoliating during this time will cause severe irritation to your skin.
I understand if you are a busy person and just have enough time to quickly exfoliate. No worries I got you. Here is a link for natural facial scrubs that will help exfoliate just as well as a homemade face scrub. But you might want to keep on reading to find out which ingredients are suitable for your skin type. For those who would like to make their own face scrub here are the items, you will need.
Ingredients to make natural face scrub at home
First, you need the proper exfoliant for your skin type.
If you have
- Oily facial skin – sea salt or Himalayan pink salt
- Normal to dry skin – granulated sugar (cane sugar)
- Sensitive skin and or acne-prone skin – brown sugar
Why salt and why not table salt? Salt helps balance oil levels and opens pores to improve water absorption. This is why oily skin is oily due to the lack of hydration. Table salt is not a good idea to use since it only has sodium and chloride. Sea salt and Himalayan pink salt both have unique mineral compounds that benefit the skin. Epsom salt is also beneficial for the skin but it is too coarse and difficult to blend in a scrub; Epsom salt is best for soaking.
Why sugar? Sugar attracts moisture, therefore, pulling it into the skin hence soothing dry skin. Granulated sugar is beneficial for all skin types. Brown sugar is softer making it a better choice for sensitive skin.
Now you need to pick the right base
Sweet Almond Oil – Suitable for all skin types but especially for aging skin. This oil keeps your skin cells healthy it protects your skin from UV damage and helps skin look smooth, and feel soft. It is also packed with powerful antioxidants that keep your skin’s collagen healthy.
Jojoba Oil – Suitable for acne-prone skin, dry skin and sensitive skin – Light oil that absorbs into the skin quickly and deeply penetrates to soothe and soften while providing an excellent moisturizing effect and adds a healthy glow. Deep hydrating, long-lasting moisture and won’t clog pores.
To brighten your skin you want to add fresh lemon juice to the scrub.
Let’s make your own homemade facial exfoliating scrub
Oily facial skin mix together in a small glass or plastic bowl; 1 teaspoon sea salt or pink Himalayan salt, 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Jojoba oil or Sweet Almond oil.
Normal to dry facial skin mix together in a small glass or plastic bowl; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil or Sweet Almond oil.
Sensitive facial skin – mix together in a small glass or plastic bowl; 1 teaspoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil or Sweet Almond oil.
This is how to brighten dull skin using your face scrub
Before you exfoliate, your skin needs to be clean use a gentle facial cleanser that suits your skin type. After you rinse off the facial cleanser pat your face dry. Apply the scrub to your skin and lips in a circular motion for about a minute avoiding the eye area. Then rinse off with warm water and pat your facial skin dry. You will feel your skin soft and see it brighter right away.
Recommended Facial Cleansers
All skin types – Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser or Anew Clean Illuminating Rich Cleansing Foam
Dry to sensitive skin – Anew Hydra Fusion Cleansing Micellar Water
Aging skin – Anew Platinum Cream Cleanser or Anew Ultimate Cream Cleanser
What to do after you exfoliate your facial skin
Start off by applying a toner with a cotton face pad followed by a brightening serum or cream. Once that is done you will want to hydrate your skin.
Brightening serum Avon Anew Vitamin C Brightening Serum is right for the job. Packed with as much vitamin C as 30 oranges, this serum will amp your skincare routine, it will make tired dull skin look bright and energized.
If you have discoloration and want to even out your skin tone Avon has Anew Clinical Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector. It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. It absorbs quickly and is non-greasy.
The next step is hydration which is essential after exfoliating your skin.
How to brighten dull skin – Hydrating your skin
Skin behaves differently and requires different skincare regimens during different times of the year. Summers require higher SPF and winters can be harsh on the skin and make skin feel dry and itchy. It is important that you protect and care for your skin daily and us proper moisturizers all year long. Also, drink at least four water bottles a day this keeps your skin hydrated and looking good throughout the day
After exfoliating, it is essential to put moisture back into your skin. Rehydrate your facial skin with a hydrating serum and moisturizer daily. Your lips need some love as well using a lip conditioner will keep your lips kissable.
The Anew Hydra Fusion Collection is hands down perfect for facial skin hydration. This line deeply hydrates your skin and keeps your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. I absolutely love it I use it day and night. It contains raspberry antioxidant which is a potent ingredient that helps defend your skin from environmental stressors which keeps skin looking healthy and glowing.
Hydrating your skin every day of the week will keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. I recommend the following regimen for dry facial skin and after exfoliating;
The Anew Hydra Fusion De-Puffing Eye Serum (use day and night) use all year long followed by;
Summer – Anew Hydra Fusion Nighttime Facial Treatment (for the night) and Anew Hydra Fusion Replenishing Serum with Anew Hydra Fusion Gel Cream for the day. Both used together will keep your skin deeply hydrated throughout the summer.
Winter – Anew Hydra Fusion Snow Cream (can also be used day and night). If your skin gets very dry and the Snow Cream is not enough. Use the Anew Hydra Fusion 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by the Snow Cream. Together they make a power couple that will keep your skin drenched with hydration.
For aging skin the Anew Hydra Fusion 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This serum plumps the look of expression and fine lines. It holds 1,000 times its weight in water for intense, lasting hydration.
Always finish off your daily skin care regimen with an SPF moisturizer. Before going to bed you can apply a skin care treatment that targets your skincare concerns. This is done after you have applied the hydration regimen.
How to Brighten Dull Skin – Body
For the body, you can exfoliate day or night and this is done in the shower. Wash your body as you normally do. The water temperature should be as warm as you can handle it but not too hot. After you’ve rinsed your body then you can start the exfoliation process.
*Do not exfoliate if you shaved, waxed or used hair removal treatments the same day you plan to exfoliate. If you have a sunburn, acne or skin irritations wait for these things to heal before you exfoliate. If you use topical retinoid it is not advisable to exfoliate since retinoid is an exfoliant itself. Exfoliating during this time will cause severe irritation to your skin.
Ingredients for a homemade exfoliating body scrub
If you rather not make your own body scrub not a problem click here for some great body scrubs.
For all skin types; ½ cup of sea salt or brown sugar, ¼ cup melted coconut oil, 5 to 10 fresh mint leaves with the zest of a lemon. Place the mint leaves and zest in a food processor.
If you don’t have a food processor you can use a mint essential oil and lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients in a glass or plastic bowl.
Steps for the body
- You can use your hands, washcloth or glove to exfoliate. Begin scrubbing in circular motions, starting at the neck, working your way to the arms, underarms, chest, belly and the belly button as well. Continue working your way down to your legs and feet. If you feel at some point your scrub is not scrubbing, just add more of the exfoliating scrub to your washcloth or glove and pick up where you left off.
- For your back, add the body scrub to a back scrubber and scrub as best as you can either circular motions or up and down, whichever works.
- Once done with the whole body, rinse.
- Dry your body with a towel and apply your choice of body oils or hydrating lotion and foot cream.
Tip: for everyday extra-soft and supple skin use Skin So Soft body lotion with a few splashes of Skin So Soft Supreme Nourishment Triple-Phase Body Oil after you have dried your body. Your skin will feel super soft look bright and healthy.
Once you have exfoliated you will feel the difference right away your skin will look brighter, healthier and feel smoother. This is how to brighten dull skin for the face and body.
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