Is your complexion looking dull? There are many reasons why skin can lose its healthy sheen. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help regain your healthy glow. Just follow this guide on how to brighten your skin, and you will be able to perk your complexion back up in no time.
Skin can sometimes take on a dull, lackluster appearance for no apparent reason at all. In addition, age spots, sun damage and post-acne marks often contribute to a not-so-rosy complexion. However, by following a few steps it is easy to brighten skin and achieve a healthy, glowing face once again. What you put into your body as well as what you apply to your skin are both important when it comes to achieving a luminous complexion.
How to Lighten Skin at Home
Skin care expert Keeley Selvage explains in this video ways that you can brighten your skin at home. Selvage says a freshly cut lemon rubbed over the face can exfoliate skin naturally. She recommends doing this at least twice a week for several months for best results.
Step 1: Feed Your Face
- Your skin needs a variety of nutrients to look its best, many of which are found in everyday foods. Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for great skin. Be sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as B vitamins (especially biotin, or b-7). The following foods will contribute to a great complexion:
- Dark, leafy greens.
- Berries, such as blueberries or strawberries.
- Plums.
- Fish.
- Low fat dairy products (yogurt is great).
Step 2: Exfoliate
- Exfoliation has been used for centuries to brighten skin. In fact, it dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Exfoliating removes dead, dull skin cells from the top layer and reveals the newer, brighter looking skin underneath. There are a number of exfoliating products on the market, including scrubs as well as chemical peels. Take care not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to cuts and other skin damage.
Step 3: Topical Treatments
- There are a myriad of topical treatments that can be found at your local drugstore, or even over the Internet. Products containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA, also known as glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acid (BHA, or salicylic acid) or hydroquinone are pretty good bets. Vitamin A and C treatments have also been shown to successfully brighten the skin.
Conclusion
If your skin has been looking dull lately, do not fear. There are several ways to brighten it up and achieve a rosy, healthy glow. If you eat the right foods, exfoliate, and find a good skin-brightening product, you should easily be able to obtain the luminous complexion you desire. If you try all of these things and are still unhappy with your skin, a trip to your doctor or dermatologist may be in order. You may have an illness or vitamin deficiency that requires further treatment.