Struggling with a dull complexion? Prepare to wave your dull-skin days goodbye and say hello to skin luminosity! 

What causes dull skin?

Some of the most common causes of dull skin include:

Ageing - As we age, our skin's ability to regenerate and maintain its natural moisture levels decreases, leading to a duller appearance.

Dehydration - Skin lacking moisture can appear dull, flaky and less elastic..

Pollution and Sun Exposure - Pollution and UV rays can cause damage to the skin, leading to dullness, pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Lack of Sleep - Sleep is important for the skin's repair and rejuvenation process, lack of sleep can cause the skin to appear dull, tired and less radiant. 

What are the best ingredients to treat dull skin?

Let's look at some of the most effective ingredients to help revive tired-looking skin.

Quandong extract

Brightens skin by inhibiting the production of melanin and promoting cell turnover, leading to a more even skin tone and a brighter complexion.

Raspberry extract

Brimming with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E, Raspberry extract protect against UV damage (reducing pigmentation) and promotes collagen production, resulting in a brighter, more youthful looking skin

Turmeric extract

Turmeric has been used for centuries as a traditional go-to skin brightener. Specifically its active ingredient curcumin, has been shown to have tyrosinase inhibitory activity which helps to reduce melanin production and pigmentation resulting in a more radiant skin tone.

Papaya fruit extract

Papaya fruit extract contains enzymes such as papain and chymopapain, which have exfoliating properties that help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover to fade the appearance of discolouration. The extract also contains Vitamin C and E, which protect the skin from environmental damage and studies show it offers anti-inflammatory benefits too. 

Kakadu Plum

This Australian native fruit that is known for its high levels of skin brightening Vitamin C. It’s actually the highest natural known source of Vitamin C in the world! This superfruit also contains valuable phyto-chemicals which offer antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

Desert Lime

Desert lime, also known as the finger lime, is a small citrus fruit native to Australia. Its sky high content of antioxidants and vitamins (specifically Vitamin C,flavonoids and phenolic compounds) lightning skin by improving the appearance of discoloration while also supporting healthy collagen production to boost the skin’s elasticity and firmness. 

Apple AHA extract

Apple AHA extract contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as malic acid, which act as exfoliants, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which can lead to a brighter and more even skin tone.

Additionally, AHA's can also help to improve the skin's texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve skin hydration.

Get brighter, more even skin in four key steps: 

Step 1: Exfoliate regularly  

Gentle exfoliation helps to dissolve and remove discoloured, pigmented cells to reveal a brighter, softer and smoother complexion. This will help to dissolve and remove discoloured cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin. 

We’re big believers in exfoliation, but don’t go overboard. Stick to a few times each week - not daily! -  to avoid damage to your skin barrier. 

Always select an exfoliator (physical or chemical)  well-suited to your skin type and follow application instructions.

We suggest: 

Hero BHA Dream Face Powder Exfoliator

Step 2: Use a brightening serum

Applying a brightening serum containing glow boosting ingredients such as Vitamin C, Kakadu Plum and Desert Lime on a daily basis can help to fade discoloration. 

These ingredients work to lighten and suppress melanin (dark pigment) production. With sustained use, skin becomes more luminous as uneven dark patches fade away.

We suggest: 

Radiance Booster Serum – Coast Sydney Botanicals

Step 3: Boost hydration

Dull skin can be a sign your skin is crying out for hydration. Dehydrated skin struggles to retain moisture and natural oils. This can lead to a dull, flaky, and less-than-bouncy complexion. 

The skin's ability to shed dead skin cells also slows down with the build up of cells further contributing to dullness. 

We suggest: 

Organic Rose Toner Mist 

Step 4: Wear SPF every day

Applying sunscreen Every.Single.Day is the most effective way to prevent dullness and discolouration caused by UV light. Teaming a great sunscreen habit with consistent use of a brightening serum will not only help correct existing damage but it also prevents future pigmentation.