Reduce Alcohol Intake

Alcohol can seriously dehydrate and dull the skin. It can also increase the blood flow to the skin’s surface, resulting in a flushed appearance that can become permanent over time for some people. If you feel the need for a drink and don’t want to see the effects of it on your skin, try sipping water along with your drink.

Drink Water

We may roll our eyes every time a celeb claims drinking water as their top beauty secret, but they’re technically not wrong. Proper hydration lays the foundation for maintaining all normal body functions including skin rejuvenation. If your skin is parched, it’s likely that your body is too. So make sure you’re drinking at least half your weight in H20 ounces daily.

Consume More Fatty Acids

You are what you eat. The quality of food you eat and the types of foods you consume affect the health and look of your skin. Incorporate more foods into your diet that are high in fatty acids such as fish (especially salmon), walnuts, and flaxseed. Fatty acids are crucial to healthy skin because they boost cell production below the skin’s surface, reinforcing the skin barrier and reducing inflammation. Think of it as nourishing your skin from within.

Increase Antioxidant Intake

Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants can also help to fight skin inflammation and free radical damage. Nuts and seeds like walnuts and pumpkin seeds as well as tomatoes may protect your skin while dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that keep skin healthy. Also, make sure your diet is rich in probiotics—the healthier your gut is, the healthier your skin is, too.

Use Sunscreen Every Day

According to esthetician, Mahtab Moaven, the sun depletes the skin of its levels of essential fatty acids and hyaluronic acid, which can lead to dullness, pigmentation such as melanin and lipofuscin. “Use of SPF is very important every day, and the level of SPF depends on the time of exposure,” says Moaven. “Use an SPF 30 for every day and an SPF 50 for activities such as hiking, swimming, walking, or jogging.”

Exfoliate Regularly

We hate to break it to you, but no matter how dry and dull your skin is, you can’t moisturize dead skin away. Exfoliation may be the key to a brighter complexion; luckily, there are multiple ways to incorporate the practice into your routine. You can gently exfoliate with a washcloth, use an exfoliating cleanser or scrub, or go even deeper with microdermabrasion treatments or a skin cleansing brush. You can also go with a chemical exfoliant, like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, depending on your skin type. Exfoliate your skin two to three times a week, or, if you have sensitive skin, start with once a week and see how your skin tolerates it.

If you exfoliate regularly, you are consistently sloughing off the dead skin and allowing new, plump skin cells to come to the surface of your skin, which is a crucial step to achieving a brighter complexion.

Start Your Day With Vitamin C

A daily dose of orange juice loaded with vitamin C might be good for keeping colds away, but topical vitamin C is also a nutrient-rich antioxidant that fights signs of aging. Bonus: it’s a known skin-brightening agent, too. Vitamin C also protects the skin from UV-related free radicals, lightens up dark spots, and improves your skin’s overall appearance. We recommend the cult-classic Skinceuticals C + E Ferulic Serum for the best results.

Get Adequate Sleep

Not only is it important for your body to get proper shut-eye, but it may be key for your skin, too. Moaven says that cell regeneration occurs during our sleep, and that lack of sleep will directly play a role in poor skin regeneration, resulting in tired and dull skin. If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s rest, try a pillow spray to help you fall asleep faster, like the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray from This Works, or a melatonin gummy.

Use a Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid

Ever feel like your skin is stripped, dry, and tight post-washing? Upping the ante on your moisturizer may be key for a well-hydrated, brighter complexion—especially if you choose one with hyaluronic acid. “Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture better than any other ingredient,” Dr. Bhanusali says. We recommend Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream, which leaves skin plump and feeling softer than ever.

Never Skip Cleansing

Try washing your face every day, twice a day: first thing in the morning and before bed. This gets rid of built-up dirt and oil on the skin’s surface, and it also removes makeup depending on the cleanser’s formula. Untouched dirt, oil, and makeup might clog pores, weigh down your skin, and lead to a dull complexion. If the day calls for a ton of makeup, a double cleanse may be in order to ensure there isn’t any leftover makeup left on your face after a full day.

Consider Your Tap Water

You may have heard that unfiltered tap water can be harsh for the hair, but it can be equally as damaging for the skin. Note that this doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you live in an area with hard water your tap water contains high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and oxidizing heavy metals. Repeatedly exposing the skin to the minerals (aka washing it) may contribute to irritation, dryness, collagen loss, and clogged pores—the four henchmen of skin dullness. To offset the damage to the skin barrier and significantly brighten the dermis, consider installing a water filter or adding a water softener. You can also eliminate washing your face in tap water altogether by using micellar water—Bioderma Sensibio is a cult favorite worth trying.

Combat Environmental Triggers With Skincare Products

Fun fact: The environment has a direct influence on our skin. Moaven says that some factors that can cause dull skin are oversensitivity, which pushes the epidermis to build a thicker layer of protection on the skin, which leads to a dull and rough texture. Also, pollution has been proven to disrupt the skin microbiota and increase sebum production and acne.

Do Weekly Face Masks

Give your skin regular treatments to boost your overall brightness. Look for ingredients such as turmeric, niacinamide, vitamin B3, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). We recommend Aavrani’s Glow Activator Exfoliator mask as it combines purifying clay with turmeric and neem to smooth skin texture, fight acne, and boost radiance.

Put Down the Cigarettes

We all know that smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also bad for your skin. Not only do the toxins in cigarettes speed up visible signs of aging, but since they reduce the quality of oxygen and amount of vitamins that typically get delivered to the skin, smoking ultimately leads to a lackluster complexion.