How to bring that glow back to your skin in winter

Dryer, slightly more dull skin is pretty normal at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

With the right skincare products in your arsenal, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices, it’s possible to increase your skin’s luminosity and achieve that desirable glow – even in winter! Here’s what you need to know:

•  What is dull skin?

When skin is dull, it looks lacklustre or tired. It may have a grey hue and appear bumpy or have a rough texture. It may also be dry or patchy and uneven in tone. 

• Why does skin become dull?

Internal factors like a lack of sleep, diet, stress and unhealthy habits such as smoking can cause dull skin, but external factors like UV rays and pollution also play a role. One of the main causes of dull skin is a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.

Our skin cells are constantly renewing: Old, redundant skin cells are replaced by new skin cells as often as every 27 days (or more frequently in teenagers, children and babies). As we age, this process slows down. More often than not, these dead cells accumulate on the outermost layer of the skin (known as the epidermis). This may lead to clogged pores, an uneven texture and – you guessed it – dullness. Most of the time our skin needs a little help to remove these cells from the epidermis, which is where skincare products come in.

• How can I brighten dull skin?

Regular exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells from the epidermis. When gently removing these cells, the skin appears brighter, smoother and more even. Plus, exfoliation also helps prevent the formation of breakouts and blackheads (when cells accumulate on the epidermis they can clog pores, leading to the formation of blackheads and pimples).

But there’s more: When we don’t have a build-up of dead cells on the surface of our skin, our skincare products penetrate the skin better, meaning we can reap the full benefits of active and moisturising ingredients.

It’s also important to include some glow-enhancing products in your daily skincare routine. One of the most important ingredients to help combat dullness is vitamin C. Known for its brightening benefits, vitamin C helps to boost the skin’s regeneration process, protects against environmental stressors and helps minimise dark marks and uneven skin tone.

Try out some of our fave products from Lamelle for dull skin: 

Exfoliator:  Physical scrubs containing microbeads are best avoided, as these particles may cause micro-tears in the skin. Opt for an enzymatic exfoliator such as Lamelle’s Cathepzyme 1 (specifically for sensitive skin or first time users) or Cathepzyme 2 (designed for a more intensive exfoliation), instead.

Serum: A good quality vitamin C serum (applied either in the morning, or twice daily), is a must-have for a brighter, more radiant complexion. Try Lamelle Correctives Vita C Lipid Serum, which contains lipid-soluble vitamin C as well as jojoba and ginger root. It offers powerful antioxidant protection, smoother skin, reduced signs of ageing and an enhanced glow. Plus, it is tolerable, even by first-time vitamin C users or those with sensitive skin.

Moisturiser: After applying your serum(s), follow with a nourishing moisturiser. Lamelle Serra Restore Cream is a light, non-oily moisturiser that combines Lamelle’s patented Ceramide technology with skin-soothing oat beta glucan and skin-healing dexpanthenol, as well as a complex blend of essential fatty acids to assist the body’s natural repair of the skin barrier. It’s a lifesaver for dry skin and a must-have for winter.

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