Dull skin occurs for a number of reasons. Aging, over-exposure to the sun and dry skin are all possible causes of dull skin. Treating dull skin at home involves exfoliating, moisturizing and toning. Exfoliating scrubs away dead skin; moisturizing adds a fresh, dewy glow; and toning tightens the pores on your face for a youthful, healthy appearance. Each step in this process can be completed at home with ingredients easily found in your fridge or local grocery store.
Exfoliate
For mild exfoliation, mix sugar and water together until the mixture reaches a paste-like consistency. Brown sugar is less harsh than white sugar, according to “Pure Skin.” A good ratio to start with is 2/3 sugar and 1/3 water. You may add more water until the consistency feels only mildly abrasive.
Apply the paste to your face and rub in small, circular motions. The sugar granules slough away dead skin. After scrubbing, rinse your face thoroughly with warm water. For areas that require more abrasive exfoliation, such as the legs or elbows, salt may be used instead of sugar.
Oatmeal may also be used as an exfoliating home remedy for dull skin. Mix up a packet of instant oatmeal with a little less water than recommended in the directions. Use in the same manner as the salt or sugar scrub and rinse when finished. Oatmeal is purported to have calming and soothing properties, making it a viable at-home exfoliation technique for those with sensitive skin, according to “The Beauty Brains.”
Moisturize
Warm water removes oils from the skin and also opens the pores. Moisturizing after exfoliating restores some of that lost moisture and conditions your skin. Honey is a natural moisturizer with antibacterial properties as stated in a 1999 study conducted by the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Wales Institute. This makes honey a viable moisturizing option for those prone to acne. Honey is hygroscopic, which means it draws moisture from the air to your skin.
Avocados also supply moisture to skin, as they contain oils that easily penetrate the skin, which is outlined in “Naturally Skinsational.” The fruit has plentiful potassium content, which is purported to reduce the signs of sun damage and aging, though this anecdotal evidence has not been proven.
Mash up some avocado and mix it with enough honey to make a goopy, creamy solution. Apply the mixture to the dull skin and let sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing the mixture off with cool water.
Tone
Toning involves temporarily firming the skin on your face and closing your pores. Mix up a peeled kiwi and papaya with the seeds removed. Mash them into a thick paste and apply to areas of dull skin. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
This remedy, suggested by “Ayurvedic Beauty Care,” alleviates problematic skin conditions and soothes red, irritated areas. Citric acid from the fruits firms the skin, giving it a more even appearance.
References
- "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics"; Barbara Close; 2005
- "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes"; Sue Dolan; 2009
- PubMed: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine: Antibacterial Activity of Honey Against Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus from Infected Wounds
- "Ayurvedic Beauty Care"; Melanie A. Sachs; 1994
- "The Beauty Brains: Real Scientists Answer Your Beauty Questions"; Sarah Bellum; 2008
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