Three Hacks for Dull Skin
It’s that time of year again when your skin starts drying out as the summer humidity wanes. You might be reaching for the moisturizer – which is a great, yet basic, option, But before you have to relegate your skincare to an easy but only partially effective fix like an over-the-counter moisturizer, consider these three hacks to get your glow on and keep it going.
VI Peel
Chemical peels are excellent for getting deep, glowing skin radiating from the deeper layers. This is because chemical peels can penetrate the deeper layers to rejuvenate and restore them by clearing out excess pigment. The VI peel is a unique formulation that does just that – improving texture and tone by removing the uppermost layers of skin while penetrating down to the dermal level. The VI peel is a medium-depth peel, which is gentle enough to be used on most skin types and even on eyelid skin but is also effective at brightening and improving fine lines and texture. The VI peel blends TCA, Vitamin C, and other acids to pack its punch. This type of peel can also be effective for treating acne.
How does it work? Pigment in the lower layers of the epidermis is visible as brown spots that might get darker with sun exposure and become more noticeable as we age. Chemical peels target this area, with acids penetrating and clearing the pigment deposits. On the other hand, the upper layers of skin become dull for several reasons – summertime sunshine being a usual suspect. As these skin layers pile up, moisturizer does little to turn them over. A chemical peel safely removes them, clearing out dead and dry cells and revealing fresher skin beneath.
Vitamin C
If the thought of a chemical peel is too much, or if you want to maintain your existing glow – consider some simple additions to your regular skin care products. Vitamin C is an excellent hack for your evening routine that can boost your complexion. Vitamin C comes in many formulations, from serums to creams and oils.
Many skincare companies make Vitamin C products specifically for clarifying skin. Dark spots and even melasma are targeted by combining hydroquinone with Vitamin C. With prescription-strength and non-prescription-strength formulations available, we encourage you to ask your dermatologist for the best option.
So, how does vitamin C give your skin that radiance and combat unwanted dark spots? The key is L-ascorbic acid to defend against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that build up from various sources and cause skin collagen to break down. By combating free radicals with Vitamin C, we can preserve and restore some of our skin’s hidden glow.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is our last hack for dull skin – and it is a MUST TRY if you want a fresh face for fall. If you haven’t had a treatment in a while, novel techniques and materials are now used for the best possible results. While microdermabrasion is not new, it remains a staple. Microdermabrasion removes the uppermost portions of the skin with abrasion, and we often use a serum in conjunction to rehydrate the skin.
Microdermabrasion is a great way to treat dull and dry skin but can also effectively reduce the appearance of age spots. It can even improve acne, especially when done regularly. Because it is relatively gentle, it can be combined with other approaches for tackling dull skin. It can be used alongside laser therapy and a topical regimen. Finally, it is an excellent option for minimal downtime without worrying about scabbing, swelling, or pain associated with more intensive treatment.
As with any cosmetic skin procedure, sun safety is important following the treatment. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen following treatment and avoid direct UV exposure.
We encourage you to visit one of our convenient Atlanta dermatology offices to learn more!
