We’re all searching for ways to keep our complexion radiant and bright, especially as we age. Doing so involves combatting dullness, a broad skin-related term that may actually be the sum of other issues.
Shereene Idriss MD, a board certified dermatologist and founder of PillowTalkDrum, defines dullness as an uneven complexion with brown patches, discoloration, or pigmentation. According to Marisa Garshick MD, a board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, this condition occurs when cell turnover slows (this happens when we age!), resulting in a build up of skill cells on the surface of our faces and reduced radiance. Other causes, she says, include sun damage, environmental stressors and dehydration.
Conditions such as melasma, a hormonal form of pigmentation that worsens with stress, sun exposure, heat, and thyroid disorders, may also be to blame, adds Dr. Idriss.
What Are The Brightening Ingredients to Look For.
If you want to brighten your skin exfoliants are best.These actives eliminate dead skin cells and leave a brighter, more radiant complexion in their wake, Dr. Garshick explains. You can look to physical exfoliants to mechanically buff away these cells or to chemical iterations, such as glycolic and salicylic acid, to weaken the bonds between the dead skin cells and slough them away.
Exfoliants aren’t your only option: Both Dr. Idriss and Dr. Garshick say to scan products for the following brightening, pigmentation-combatting ingredients while you shop:
- Vitamin C
- Retinoids
- Kojic acid
- Alpha arbutin
- Tranexamic acid
- Lactic acid
- Licorice root extract
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- SPF
The Best Brightening Skin Care Products.
Luckily, it’s fairly easy to incorporate a brightening skin care product intoypur routine. Don’t know where to start? We asked dermatologists to share the dullness fighting formulas they personally recommend to their patients.
1. Aveeno Positively Radiant Facial Moisturizer.
Dr. Strachan recommends this aptly named hydrator. It contains a soy complex that not only improves the appearance of dull skin, but also events out tone and reduces the signs of aging, like fine lines.
2. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum.
Dr. Garshick likes this serum, which boasts encapsulated retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness. It is also packed with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to strengthen the barrier and hydrate.
3. Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster.
Bookmark Dr. Idriss’ pick from Paula’s Choice: The booster contains vitamin C for brightening, but also has ferulic acid to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Its hyaluronic acid content provides hydration and improves overall texture.
4. Drunk Elephant C Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum.
Dr. Garshick suggests scooping up this vitamin C serum for its maximum potency. It contains 15% vitamin C and is packed with antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin E and ferulic acid—so it brightens and protects. It comes with a liquid base, which you mix in upon application, to ensure freshness (vitamin C can destabilize over time).
5. Caire Beauty Beauty Triple Lift Molecule Mask.
Dr. Strachan recommends this mask, which contains hyaluronic acid, red algae, and fermented polysaccharides for hydration, improved texture, and tightening. It will leave skin looking firm and bright—and makes for an indulgent at-home facial experience.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial.
“This formula combines exfoliating acids, including glycolic, salicylic, and polyhydroxy acids, with hydrating poly glutamic acid to help brighten the skin without leading to irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also incorporates exfolactive, a natural extract from the prickly pear cactus. Together, these ingredients eliminate dead skin cells, so the skin appears less dull.”
