What to do about skin dullness? Identify the causes of skin dullness and four skincare remedies:

What can be done about skin dullness? Despite diligent skincare efforts, achieving a Snow White-like flawless complexion remains elusive. Even with makeup, dull skin lacks radiance, making the complexion appear weary and lackluster. How can you improve this situation?

Ignoring skin dullness renders skincare products ineffective. To address skin dullness, it’s essential to target the root causes.

Causes for skin dullness

1. Accumulation of the stratum corneum and excessive oxidation:

Excess free radicals can lead to oxidation and aging of the stratum corneum. Slow metabolism can also prevent the surface layer of the stratum corneum from shedding properly, resulting in thickened keratin and making the skin appear dull and rough.

2. Excessive melanin production leading to melanin deposition:

Skin stimulated by UV radiation promotes melanin production. Normally, melanin is metabolized along with dead skin cells. However, prolonged sun exposure, especially to UVA rays, can cause melanin to accumulate in the dermis, resulting in skin dullness and darkening.

3. Poor blood circulation and insufficient oxygen supply to microvessels:

Poor blood circulation can deprive cells and tissues of nutrients. If the lymphatic system is affected, it can lead to facial puffiness. Insufficient oxygen in hemoglobin within microvessels can cause a loss of rosy complexion, contributing to skin dullness.

4. Dry and dehydrated skin:

Dry and dehydrated skin can lead to an uneven skin texture that doesn’t reflect light, resulting in a lack of radiance and translucency. Imagine shining a light on smooth, flat paper versus wrinkled paper – the smoother paper would appear brighter, highlighting the importance of moisturizing skin.

5. Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs):

AGEs are substances formed through glycation reactions and are one of the culprits of aging in the body. Those who enjoy sweets and fried foods should pay special attention to this.

6. Smoking and irregular lifestyle:

Nicotine and tar in cigarettes can deplete the body’s vitamin C, reducing antioxidant capacity and accelerating aging. Staying up late and having an irregular lifestyle can also decrease skin metabolism, leading to a dull and lackluster complexion.

Remedy for Skin Dullness

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), skin dullness is often attributed to weakened or disrupted Qi and blood circulation. In TCM, a person with dull skin may not exhibit a healthy complexion with a radiant, rosy glow. Therefore, addressing skin dullness in TCM involves nourishing Qi and blood to restore the body to a state of robust energy and smooth circulation. As a result, the skin is no longer dull, and the overall complexion returns to a bright and healthy state.

How to utilize Chinese medicine to replenish Qi and stimulate blood circulation to improve dull skin?

1. Ginseng + Nacre:

Benefits include enhancing qi, reducing body heat, strengthening immunity, moistening the lungs, reducing mucus occurrence, with anti-aging properties.

2. Bird’s Nest:

Benefits include moistening the lungs, nourishing the complexion, with anti-aging effects. The lungs dictate the health of the skin and hair.  Strong and healthy lungs make it difficult for external pathogens to invade, can boost qi, and rid of phlegm to stop coughing.

3. Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction):

Benefits include promoting blood circulation, dispeling stasis, and regulating the nourishing and protective aspects of the body. It can improve symptoms such as pale complexion, dizziness, and irregular menstruation.

4. Danggui (Chinese Angelica) + Huangqi (Astragalus):

Huangqi can boost qi, and Danggui nourishes blood. They are beneficial for those with a sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and blood deficiency-related conditions, as well as dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and inner body injuries. Using Danggui and Huangqi together enhances the blood-tonifying effect.”

How to improve uneven and dull skin tone?

1. Moderate exfoliation:

Both excessive and insufficient thickening of the stratum corneum can lead to dull and uneven skin tone. Maintaining an appropriate level of the stratum corneum is essential for protecting the skin and achieving an even and radiant complexion.

2. Effective sun protection:

Ensuring proper sun protection helps prevent UV damage to the skin and reduces melanin production and deposition.

3. Regular exercise and balanced nutrition:

Engaging in moderate physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet promote healthy microcirculation in the skin, resulting in a rosy and radiant complexion.

4. Maintaining a normal daily routine:

Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding sugary and fried foods are crucial for skin health. Especially during the golden beauty hours from 10 PM to 2 AM, the pituitary gland secretes the most melatonin, and the body’s repair and energy renewal processes are at their peak. Those who understand skincare know that this is the time to get a good sleep for skin maintenance and rejuvenation.

Recommended skin care products for dull skins

“Will just following the above steps be enough to improve skin dullness? Do I need to use skincare products?” Some people may worry that without using skincare products, they might feel like something is missing and not entirely confident. If you’ve already made adjustments to your daily life to address the causes of skin dullness, you can certainly use additional skincare products to enhance the effects! Even Empress Dowager Cixi used Yu Rong San for skincare – would you like to learn more about Empress Dowager Cixi’s skincare secrets? Check out the following links for more information….「​慈禧太后的美容秘方 | 看慈禧太后怎麼保養出凍齡美肌」！