How to Brighten Skin Tone

Exfoliate regularly for even skin tone.

A dull complexion and lackluster skin tone can be corrected by following a habitual skin care regime. Dull skin will often feel tight and rough. Regular exfoliation can help less-than-radiant skin have a healthy glow. Without exfoliation, dead skin cells build up, causing your skin to look dull. Exfoliation rids your skin of the dead cells along with pore-clogging oil. This oil can cause problems such as blackheads, acne, pimples and whiteheads, along with patchy skin.

Instructions

1. Exfoliate regularly, at least twice per week. To exfoliate, wet your face and then directly apply exfoliating face cleanser using your hands, a sponge or a face brush. Scrub your face with soft, circular motions. Avoid the area of skin around the eye and exfoliate for two to three minutes.

2. Use an at-home microdermabrasion kit one to four times per month. The kit should contain micro-crystal cream with aluminum oxide crystals, lotion, moisturizer to apply after microdermabrasion, an exfoliating wand, foam applicators and an exfoliating cloth. Microdermabrasion will eliminate dark spots and discoloration.

3. Apply a skin brightening mask one to two times per week for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. These masks improve skin tone irregularities and discoloration. Make a homemade mask using a tablespoon each of sandalwood paste, lemon juice, tomato juice and cucumber juice. Mix them to form a paste.

4. Massage your skin to improve blood circulation and brighten skin tone. Use a massaging cream or oil on clean, makeup-free skin. Facial massages will tighten facial tissues and muscles, promoting radiant skin.

5. Steam your face weekly for deep cleansing. Steam will loosen debris, unclog pores and soften skin. Once impurities, toxins, traces of makeup and dust are gone from your skin, it will be easier to clean.

6. Drink water often to keep your skin hydrated, soft and even. Foods that are rich in fatty acids, like walnuts, salmon and chicken, can help improve skin complexion too. Dull skin tone may be the result of an essential fats deficiency.

7. Apply sunblock daily to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging.

Tips & Warnings

• Dull skin tone is caused by stress, lack of sleep, shortness of essential vitamins, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, slow blood circulation, wind, sun exposure and humidity.

• Apply makeup to moisturized skin to help your complexion remain bright. Yellow-based makeup can give the appearance of dull skin.

• Exfoliating for too long a period of time can irritate your skin.

References

• Beauty Advice: How to Brighten Dull Complexion
• Free Beauty Tips: Natural Ways to Lighten Your Skin