Dull Skin

Healthy skin is often described as “glowing” or “radiant”. In contrast, dull skin looks tired, flat and ashy — it might even make you appear unwell or older than your actual years. At Northside Dermatology, patients often ask how they can revive a lifeless complexion at home and how professional treatments can enhance their results. The cosmetic dermatologists and team offer a number of solutions to address the root causes of dull skin and restore a beautiful, healthy glow. Schedule a consultation to determine which treatment, or combination of treatments, is right for you.

What Causes Dull Skin?

How well light bounces off the surface of your skin determines how radiant your skin appears. Creating and maintaining a luminous look is all about removing obstacles — like pigmentation, acne and dead skin cells — that absorb light or otherwise get in the way of light reflecting optimally off your skin. Many factors can contribute to the development of dullness:

Dermatological causes, including eczema, acne, post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma, lentigines and even skin cancers
Medical causes, including jaundice, haemochromatosis and Addison’s Disease
Hormonal effects brought on by pregnancy, menopause or medication
Aging, which slows down collagen production and surface cell renewal
Sun damage
Excessive cleansing
Inappropriate use of anti-aging products
Lack of moisturiser use

B and A photo following treatment with Q switched laser for dull skin

B and A photo following treatment with 1927nm thulium laser resurfacing for dull skin

B and A photo following treatment with a custom peel for pigmentation

What Skincare Products and Ingredients Can Help Me Brighten Dull Skin?

The skincare regimen you practice at home plays an important role in maintaining radiance. If you notice that you have lost your glow, you may be using the wrong products for your skin. Or you may be using the right products, but using them incorrectly. Your first step is to consult with the cosmetic dermatologist who can advise you on how to treat any specific conditions, like those above, that are causing your skin to appear dull. After an evaluation, your dermatologist can recommend a personalised skincare routine that may include the following:

Retinoids: Introduce this ingredient slowly, starting with the lowest strength and gradually working your way up to a more potent product or more frequent use.
Exfoliation: Dullness is often caused by dead skin cell buildup. Exfoliation can brighten the skin by removing these cells, but be careful not to overdo it.
Hydration: Contrary to popular belief, drinking a lot of water is not enough to give your skin the hydration it needs. You must consistently use a moisturiser.
Antioxidants: Regular application of vitamin C, vitamin B3 and other antioxidants helps illuminate the skin by brightening up dark spots and pigmentation issues.
Sunscreen: Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is critical for preventing sun damage and keeping your skin cells healthy.

What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make to Help Give My Skin a Luminous Glow?

Along with optimising your skincare routine, your dermatologist may recommend making lifestyle changes that promote skin health and beauty:

Always protect yourself from the sun; do not tan
Avoid smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke
Wear sunglasses to minimise the development of wrinkles and pigmentation around your eyes
Avoid sleeping on your side as the pressure can create creases in your skin
Get a good night’s sleep
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet

What Clinic-Based Treatments Can Help Make My Skin More Radiant?

The cosmetic dermatologists who consult at Northside Dermatology recommended cosmetic treatments for dull skin include:

Pigment lasers including Picosure Pro (755nm wavelength) and Q-switched laser (532nm and 1064nm wavelength)
1927nm Thulium Laser
HydraFacial
Radiofrequency
Vascular laser
Laser Genesis
Injectables (dermal fillers, wrinkle relaxants)
Chemical peels
LED light therapy

Skin with a beautiful, healthy glow is always in style — but for some, it’s easier dreamed about than achieved. To reclaim your vibrance, inside and out, call Northside Dermatology on 03 8582 8688 to schedule a consultation. The cosmetic dermatologists who cosmetic at Northside dermatology or dermal clinician will thoroughly assess your complexion, your skincare routine and your lifestyle to discover the causes of your dullness and recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. A combination of treatment modalities always works best. Your specialist clinicians look forward to showing you how to achieve luminous skin you’ll love.