Let’s have a look at the causes of dry and dull skin:
• Aging
Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it is made up of 3 layers, the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each of these layers play a role in ensuring that our skin appears plump and youthful. However, as we age, these layers start to reduce or lose their functions, resulting in our skin looking thin, dry, and less luminous. Our skin starts to lose its ability to maintain and retain hydration, the production of collagen reduces, and elastin starts to breakdown1.
• Dehydration
Water and hydration are essential in the maintenance of the normal functions of our skin2. The main component responsible for a skin’s ability to retain water is hyaluronic acid. And as we age, the production and size of hyaluronic acid is reduced which then results in a skin’s inability to retain water and eventually resulting in dehydration3.
• Excess dead skin
A build-up of dead skin can make our skin texture appear uneven and bumpy. Skin that is smooth reflects light more easily and readily thus giving off a luminous glow, but if your skin is textured and bumpy, chances are light is not being reflected properly and your skin appears dull and aged.
• Sun exposure and Pollution
The ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun contribute heavily to aging skin; one study showed that UV radiation was responsible for approximately 80% of skin aging4. They contribute directly to the loss of collagen and elastin and ultimately skin aging and dullness. Air pollution has also been shown to reduce skin moisture resulting in dry skin5.
• Smoking
Smoking is bad for all parts of our body, including the skin. It speeds-up the aging of skin and hence the symptoms of skin aging6.
• Dehydration
• Flaky, rough skin
• Cracking skin
• Itchy skin
• Painful, stinging, or burning sensation on skin
• Wrinkled skin with loose texture
Your dermatologist will conduct a visual examination to identify areas of dry and dull skin. He/she will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history to pinpoint any specific causes of your dull and dry skin. Next, a personalised treatment plan will be made to help treat your issues.
Dry and dull skin is a very common problem faced by many people, therefore, there are many treatment options available. Your dermatologist will help identify the best treatment for you to ensure it matches your lifestyle, health, and severity of your problem.
Treatment options available are:
• Moisturisers: these moisturisers should contain hyaluronic acid and must be used daily.
• Exfoliate: helps to remove excess dead skin, which can then give your skin a smooth and luminous appearance. There are different types of exfoliants such as a facial scrub or chemical peels.
• Face serums: particularly products with vitamin C and B3, ferulic acid, and resveratrol. These help to prevent collagen from getting destroyed.
• Face masks: weekly use of facemasks with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and other hydrating elements can help hydrate your skin and make it glow again.
• Laser Genesis: the top layer of skin is subjected to heat which helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
• Skin needling: top layer of skin is punctured with micro-needles which activates the skin’s healing process and stimulates the production of collagen and formation of elastin.
• HydraFacial: helps stimulate the production of collagen and formation of elastin by infusing your skin with hyaluronic acid
