Dull Skin in Summer: Why It Happens and How to Get Your Glow Back

In the summer months, our skin often experiences a lot of trauma. Even though many individuals anticipate looking healthy and having a sun-kissed glow during the summer, this is not often the end result. Throughout the country of India, increasing temperatures, high humidity levels, airborne toxins including air pollutants, extreme UV light exposure, and low to moderate hydration levels are often the leading causes of skin appearing tired, uneven, and dull.

Hundreds of people share with us each summer that their complexion appears less radiant to them despite washing their face numerous times each week and using various skin care treatments. This is a common concern among dermatologists, as they see most of their patients with dull skin during the summer months.

The good news is that by understanding what causes your skin to have a dull appearance, you can return to your natural glow and avoid damaging your skin permanently.

What Causes Dull Skin During The Summer?

Dull skin is not a recognized medical condition according to dermatology organizations throughout the country. However, clinically, dull skin is a visual evidence that the skin is not performing its normal, natural process of creating new skin cells.

There are several specific summer factors that contribute to dull skin.

Excessive Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has the potential to damage the skin barrier; UV radiation stimulates an increase in production of melanin, resulting in tanning or pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and a lack of brightness. According to dermatology organizations and health professionals, skin discoloration (all types) and premature aging of the skin are primarily due to excessive UV exposure and is directly associated with the lack of brightness of skin.

Dehydration

Water loss through sweating in the summertime can be underestimated by many individuals.

When the skin is dehydrated, it can become dull, flaky, and unreflective, removing any natural luminosity.

Stopping Sweat, Oil, and Clogged Pores

When the weather gets warm, your skin produces more oil than usual. When oil mixes with sweating, dirt and environmental debris, this can lead to clogged pores.

This will make your skin appear dull and uneven.

Pollution

Severe air pollution in cities throughout India can contribute significantly to oxidative stress on the skin, which will contribute to accelerated skin damage and decreased natural radiance.

Symptoms of Summer Damage to Your Skin

Some of the more common summer skin symptoms include:

• uneven tone

• persistent tan

• rough

• large pores

• dry patches even when sweating

• increased pigmentation

• loss of natural radiance

• increased breakouts

If one or more of these skin problems continues for a few weeks, you might consider having your skin examined by a professional skin care specialist.

How You Can Get Your Glow Back

Part 1 - Make Daily Sun Protection Your First Priority

The foundation of your summer skin care routine will be sunscreen that provides "broad-spectrum" protection.

Every morning apply sunscreen and space your sunscreen reapplication to approximately every two hours when you will be spending long periods of time outdoors.

Part 2 - Concentrate on Hydrating Your Skin

Start by using products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and/or ceramides for both internal and external support of the skin's barrier function.

Once hydrated from the outside in, your skin can function better with sufficient water intake from food and liquids.

Part 3 - Add Antioxidants to Your Routine

The fourth step in the skincare routine involves adding some antioxidant ingredients such as Vitamin C or Niacinamide to the skin, which can help brighten the appearance of dull skin as well as help address sun-damaged skin.

Part 4 - Consider Clinical Treatments

After exfoliating and applying an antioxidant serum, the next step is to try clinical treatments. Clinical treatments offer quicker results than home methods due to advanced technologies, but may also be more expensive, with costs and benefits dependent on the clinic’s equipment and treatment package options.

It’s difficult to assess the average cost of a skin brightening treatment in India as many variables can affect the total cost of treatment.

Commonly Used Types of Brightening Facial Treatments and Their Approximate Prices in India

Factors Solicitous Comparisons Between Home Skincare Versus Clinical Treatment Include

Advantages

• Clinical treatments are usually faster at providing visible improvement when compared to the results obtained at home using over-the-counter products.

• Clinical treatment plans can be customized for each client, so they can be adapted to clients’ specific needs.

• Clients can utilise more advanced technology than they would be able to access from an over-the-counter product.

• A skin care professional can assess if a clinical treatment is suitable for a particular skin type.

Disadvantages

• Client’s clinic will likely charge a higher fee than if they were receiving an at-home product.

• Multiple visits may be necessary to complete the clinical treatment plan.

• Certain procedures may cause temporary redness/sensitivity in the immediate area following treatment.

Summer Skin Care Trends for 2020 in India

The Indian aesthetic medicine market is expanding as people become increasingly aware about taking care of their skin through Preventative Care.

• Organizations like the Skincare Industry Association and Medical Aesthetics (SIAMA) have emphasised the need for Evidence Based Aesthetic Treatments, Patient Safety, and Treatments Measured/Guided by Dermatologists.

Some of the Latest Trends Include

• Medical Grade Facials

• Preventative Anti-Aging Regimens

• Laser Skin Rejuvenation

• Personalised Skin Care Programs

• Combined Treatments for Pigmentation/Dullness

Common Mistakes that Complicate Dull Skin

1. Over-Exfoliating

Many individuals think that constantly scrubbing / exfoliating will help them achieve beautiful skin but when continually exfoliating can actually weaken the skin barrier and cause more harm than benefit.

2. Not Wearing Sunscreen

Even indoors when there is no direct sun, you can still be exposed to UV rays through windows and indirect sun.

3. Following Social Media Trends without Thinking

Just because something works for one person does not mean it will work for everyone. Always evaluate the products you are using through the lens of your skin type.

4. Forgetting to Hydrate

You can have the best skin products on earth and they may not fix chronic dry skin without appropriate hydration.

Conclusion

Finally, there are many factors causing summer skin to be dull. Beyond the sun's rays and dehydration, factors such as pollution, excess oil, and compromised skin will also create dull skin. A good skincare routine can dramatically improve the health of the skin; however, continuous dullness and/or tanning or pigmentation will likely require the assistance of an expert.