1. What Causes Dull Lifeless Skin

We have written before about listening to your skin. If you are looking at your skin and it is looking lifeless and dull, tired and lacking in its natural healthy radiance then you have a problem.

When your skin lacks a healthy radiance you will most likely notice really fine dehydration lines, dark under eye area, and an overall dullness. You may well ask what causes dull skin. There are a number of causes that are all relatively easy to rectify if you have the desire

Dead Skin Cells
As you age you will accumulate more dead skin cells compared to when you were younger. This is caused because your skin produces less oil as part of the natural aging process; your skin starts producing less oil compared to your youth. This build up makes your skin less radiant resulting in dull skin. If left untreated it can also result in clog pores and some forms of acne. Eczema and Psoriasis which are dry skin conditions can add to the accumulation of dead skin cells.

Dehydrated Skin
When your skin lacks water you may notice the appearance of fine lines across the surface of the skin on your face, itchy patches, redness and appear dull. It can be itchy and you may also experience dark circles under your eyes that are normally not there.

Diet
You are what you eat, does not just refer to weight loss or diabetes. An unhealthy diet can also rob the radiance from your complexion.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals plays an essential role in maintaining healthy skin. Eating water-rich foods and raw fruits can contribute to youthful and healthy-looking skin. Also a Vitamin C rich diet will assist with collagen production as will vitamin B3 help with skin repair from sun exposure.

Poor Exfoliation
Exfoliating is a tricky thing. Yes we should exfoliate our skin one or twice a week but there is an however… If you have sensitive or sensitised skin then this may well be too much. Once a week or 10 days may be more compatible with your complexion. Also because we subscribe to safe exfoliation we support the use of organic spheres of plant origin such as jojoba beads which reduces the risk of micro abrasions caused from other exfoliants.
Aggressive scrubbing can also do damage, your skiing should never be tight and shining after a face scrub, this may be a sign of micro abrasions and will most likely result in a quick return to dull skin.

Sun Exposure
Sun damage slows the rate at which skin cells turn over or replace themselves. This causes dull, dry skin, uneven skin tone, and even blemishes and clogged pores.
Do wear sunscreen when outdoors. If you are like me and find sunscreens cause a rash or welts then make sure you wear a hat and use an umbrella.

Not using moisturiser
Dry skin lacks oil because it produces less sebum than normal skin, and the lack of sebum means the skin is without the lipids it needs to retain moisture and to build a strong barrier to protect against external aggressors.

Not using natural and organic skincare
Synthetics can lead to other skin issues such as nasty reactions or absorption of toxic chemicals..
Natural and organic skincare such as the iGETU family of products are curated with the best ingredients to exfoliate, boost hydration, moisture and revive your skin as well as boost Vit C and collagen and much more… naturally of course which makes it ideal for all skin types.

Lack Of Sleep
One of the signs of a tired body is dull skin.With the hectic life most of us live it is sometimes difficult to tear ourselves away from our devices or netflix to go to bed. It is really important that you aim for 7 to 9 hours sleep every night. If you go days without having a decent sleep you are not only going to be unproductive but you will most likely develop shadows and puffiness under your eyes.

Not Cleaning your Skin properly
Cleansing your face is important both morning and night. Sleeping with unclean skin and leaving makeup on leads to accumulation of dirt and debris on your skin surface, clogging your pores and making it appear dull and potentially can result in breakouts and sensitising your skin.

Poor Lifestyle Choices
Excess Coffee/Caffeine, consuming alcohol a bit too frequently and smoking will dehydrate your skin causing it to be dull and can result in the pores appearing larger.
Not moving your body and getting regular exercise will also take its toll on your skin health, as will not feeding the soul by spending time with the people that you love. 

Claim  back your youthful glow

Claim Back Your Youthful Glow
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Like anything if you don’t look after your skin you can’t expect to have great skin, Equally if you are not consistent then your results will be patchy. We have put a simple tick list together for you to show you how easy it can be to look after your skin. A slight shift in your daily routine and preparing for the outdoors can make a major difference in your complexion over time.

Exfoliate treatment once a week unless your skin dictates less frequency
Use a moisturiser that has no fillers and is packed with actives to moisturise your skin and provide it with a barrier against the environmental nasties.
Use a face scrub that uses organic spheres to avoid micro abrasions to the dermis layer of your skin
Use Certified Non Toxic Skincare and Certified Allergen Free products
Daily cleansing rinsing off with a warm washer will help to keep your dead skin cells at bay between your exfoliation treatments
Invest in a Hydrating Serum and a Nourishing Face OIl/Elixir. Add a moisturiser for Dry and Mature Skin..
Never go to bed without cleaning your face especially cleaning off all your makeup
Drink your 8 glasses of water per day or at least try to make it to 6.
Shield your skin from the sun. Wear a Hat, use an umbrella and apply sunscreen.
Maintain a balanced diet that is nutrient rich in Vitamins and minerals paying attention to Vitamin C to help boost your collagen production and Vitamin B3 to help with skin repair.
Get your 7 to 9 hours sleep per night
Move your body in ways that you love
Ditch excess coffee and alcohol consumption, especially during the week
Ditch smoking totally, not only will it play havoc with your skin but it will increase all the wrinkles around your lips. 

Buy 1 Get 1

Generally fruit and vegetables are hydrating and great for you skin.

For healthy skin, you should however aim to include foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and C and B3 and foods that stimulate collagen production. See some suggestions below...

Omega 3: Salmon, Sardines, Walnuts, Chia Seeds

Collagen Boosting: strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, kiwi fruit, Almonds, carrots and avocados

Vitamin A: and antioxidants: blueberries, swiss chard, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes

Vitamin C: Citrus-based fruits like oranges, mandarins and lemons

Vit B3: Potatoes, peanuts, avocado, brown rice, mushroom, green peas and whole wheat

4. Avoid coffee and alcohol

We all love a coffee or an alcoholic beverage but keep it in moderation so that it does not dehydrate your skin in the process.

5. Exercise and Physical Health

There is no doubt that exercise is good for your general health as it improves your cardiovascular health and helps to keep your weight under control but it also gets your blood pumping which in turn increases blood flow to all parts of your body including your skin which helps with your natural and healthy glow.

6. Detox

If you drink enough water and eat a variety and generous amount of fruit and vegetables then this will assist in keeping your body in check.

Detoxing your skin can be achieved by using a good quality face scrub and mask that combines great kaolins and minerals such as Australian Zeolite along, non abrasive exfoliants such as jojoba spheres and high performance native extracts.

A little bit of plant based lactic acid is a good addition to help the exfoliation and moisturising process

7. Avoid Very Hot And Long Showers

As contradictory as it may sound, bathing for long hours can eradicate your skin’s barrier. This may result in loss of moisture content and necessary oils which can dehydrate your skin. Using lukewarm water while bathing is ideal

8. Switch out your pillowcases

If you’re sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, it could be exacerbating the issues with your moisture barrier. Switch to a silk pillowcase or a softer non abrasive fabric.