Everyone loves to have flawless and naturally good-looking skin. But external factors like pollutants, environmental stressors, and UV damage can take a toll on your skin. It can make your skin dehydrated, disrupt the natural moisture barrier function and take away its natural glow — the result is a dull face with a lifeless, damaged and blotchy skin appearance!

So, if you’re sulking that “my face looks dull and tired”, don’t worry! We are here to help you with the secret beauty recipes of home remedies for dull skin. 

What Is Dull Skin And How To Know If You Have Dull Skin?

Dull skin is basically an accumulation of impurities, skin build-up, and dead skin cells on the surface of the face. It appears to be dry, blotchy, and rough to touch. Due to lack of moisture and shine, the skin appears to be dehydrated, damaged, and even flat with a patchy skin complexion. 

What Causes Dull Skin?

One of the most common reasons for dull skin is not exfoliating your skin, lifestyle choices, and lack of hydration & nourishment. Here are some of the primary dull skin causes that you need to know:

Accumulation of Dead Skin Cells

One of the main reasons for dull skin is dead skin cell buildup. Due to the effect of environmental stressors your skin suffers through oxidative damage resulting in clogged pores, dark patches, and a stressed skin appearance.

Dehydration 

Not drinking enough water on a daily basis can make your skin dry and lifeless. Usually, in hot summers or extremely dry weather conditions, your skin loses moisture from the epidermal layers making it look dehydrated and dull.

Not Exfoliating 

Exfoliation is an essential part of your weekly skincare routine to get rid of skin buildup, dead skin, and whiteheads. Lack of exfoliation or skipping it completely can cause an accumulation of impurities and blocked pores making your skin dull and listless.

Skin Conditions

It’s not necessary that your skin might look dull only due to dead skin cells. Some of the common skin conditions like melasma, acne, or lesions can result in brown patches, pigmented skin, and bumpy texture making your overall skin look rough and lacklustre.

Lifestyle Choices

Some of the lifestyle choices like smoking, tobacco or intake of an unhealthy diet high in sugar or preservatives can have adverse effects on your skin health. It steals the natural glow of your face, making your skin look dull and damaged.

Irregular Sleep Patterns

Your skin sheds off dead skin and undergoes cell regeneration during sleep. Hence, lack of sleep or rest can be one of the contributing factors which hamper the skin renewal process leading to visible signs of dull and tired skin.

Ageing

The natural process of ageing is inevitable due to which your skin loses the ability of cell renewal. Also, continuous exposure to the sun can also lead to collagen breakdown resulting in early signs of ageing like patchy skin tone, dullness and dryness. Hence, ageing is one of the pivotal causes of dull skin.

Stress

Living in a fast-paced era of life, stress can be the biggest problem. It slows down the blood flow resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to your skin cells. This results in a dull, moistureless and flat skin appearance.

How To Remove Dullness From Face – 8 Home Remedies For Dull Skin

Are you ready to get rid of dull skin? Look up to the following dull skin remedies and say hello to brighter and softer skin. Here’s the step-by-step process to skincare for dull skin at home:

1. Cucumber, Yoghurt, and Lemon Juice

Cucumber contains vitamins, minerals and cooling agents which help rejuvenate dull skin texture and soothe inflammation. Yoghurt has mild exfoliating and antioxidative properties to slough off dead skin cell layers. Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which is much needed to attain a brighter-looking complexion.

What You Need

Cucumber, Fresh Yoghurt, and Lemon Juice

How To Apply

  • Take half a size of peeled cucumber and grind it into a blender.
  • Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice and yoghurt to it.
  • Mix all three ingredients well.
  • Apply the face pack to your face.
  • Leave it for 20 minutes.
  • Wash it off with cool water and pat dry your face.

Skin Type

Suitable for oily acne-prone, combination skin type

2. Besan, Raw Milk and Turmeric

Besan has natural skin-lightening and brightening properties. It helps soak up excess oil, cut off dead skin and rejuvenate your skin. Turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial qualities to treat dull skin due to minor skin infections from bacteria/fungi. Raw milk helps deeply moisturise, lighten brown patches, and tone your skin. 

What You Need

Besan Powder, Raw Milk, and Turmeric Powder 

How To Apply

  • Take 1 tbsp of besan powder (coarse textured)
  • Add 1 tbsp of fresh milk and a pinch of turmeric powder to it.
  • Mix them all together and form a smooth paste.
  • Apply it evenly to your face in thick layers.
  • Allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes.
  • Rinse off the pack using lukewarm water. 
  • Repeat this process 2-3 times a week.

Skin Type

Suitable for all skin types

3. Aloe Vera Gel and Coconut Oil

Aloe vera gel is a natural humectant for the face which helps strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier and prevent moisture loss. It also helps condition your skin and uplift dry & dehydrated skin. Coconut oil has antimicrobial qualities to fight the dirt & pollutants accumulated on the surface of the face. The combined effect of these two ingredients work great to rectify all skin imperfections and improve overall appearance.

What You Need

Pure Aloe Vera Gel and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

How To Apply

  • Mix 1 tbsp each of aloe vera gel and coconut oil in a small glass bowl.
  • Apply and massage it well to your skin for 2 minutes.
  • Wash your face in the morning.
  • Apply it every day before bedtime to wake up with naturally glowing skin.

Skin Type

Suitable for dry, sensitive and combination skin type

4. Milk Powder and Glycerine

Milk powder has effective exfoliating and skin-lightening qualities. The tiny pore-size particles in it work up into the pores to get rid of all the dirt, grime and dead skin buildup. Glycerine is a wonderful natural moisturiser which replenishes damaged skin tissues and softens texture. Using this pack also helps remove skin discolouration and dullness due to sun tan.

What You Need

Milk Powder and Glycerine

How To Apply

  • Take 1 tbsp of milk powder in a glass bowl.
  • Add 4-5 drops of glycerine to it.
  • Mix well and apply it to your face.
  • Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  • Wash off the pack using cool water.
  • Repeat the process once a week for impressive results.

Skin Type

Suitable for all skin types

5. Orange Juice and Honey

Orange juice is high in citric acid and antioxidants to ward off dead skin cells, exfoliate pores and revive your natural skin complexion. Using it with honey helps rehydrate your skin, improve blood flow, and even out patchy skin tone.

What You Need

Orange Juice and Honey

How To Apply

  • Take a few orange carpels and grind them into a blender.
  • Strain the juice into a small bowl to discard the fibrous remains.
  • Add 1 tbsp of honey to the juice and mix well.
  • Apply and massage the mixture to your face for 30-40 seconds.
  • Leave it for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse off with cool water and pat dry your face.

Skin Type

Suitable for extremely oily acne-prone, normal to combination skin type

6. Sandalwood Powder and Rosewater

Sandalwood powder is an excellent natural ingredient to deeply cleanse your skin, control excess oil, and get rid of the dead skin cell layer. Rose water has skin healing, hydrating and cooling properties to liven up your skin, heal skin imperfections giving you a naturally radiant glow.

What You Need

Sandalwood Powder and Rosewater

How To Apply

  • Take 1 tbsp of sandalwood powder in a small bowl.
  • Add 1 tbsp of rose water to it and mix well.
  • Apply the mixture evenly to your face using a face pack brush.
  • Leave it for 15 minutes.
  • Wash it off with cool water.
  • Repeat the process once a week.

Skin Type

Suitable for oily, combination and sensitive skin

7. Strawberry, Curd, and Honey

Strawberry is one of the best citrus fruits with oodles of vitamin C and antioxidants. It works as a great natural exfoliator for skin to perk up dead skin cell layers, unclog congested pores and add an illuminating glow to your face. The combination of curd and honey nourishes parched skin, even out patchy skin tone and transforms dull & damaged skin into a soft, supple and gorgeous-looking face.

What You Need

Strawberries, Fresh Curd and Honey

How To Apply

  • Take 2-3 strawberries and add them into the blender.
  • Add 1 tbsp of honey and fresh curd to it.
  • Mix all the ingredients and form a fine paste.
  • Apply it evenly to your face.
  • Leave it on for 15 minutes.
  • Wash off the pack with lukewarm water.

Skin Type

Suitable for all skin types

8. Saffron and Milk Cream

Saffron is one of the expensive spices with great exfoliating and skin-brightening qualities. It helps repair damaged skin tissues, refine bumpy skin texture and add suppleness to your skin. Milk cream has a deep-conditioning and moisturising effect on the face which provides required nourishment, fights dryness and improves dull skin texture.

What You Need

Saffron Strands and Fresh Milk Cream

How To Apply

  • Take 6-8 saffron strands and crush them into a small bowl.
  • Add 1 tbsp of milk cream to it.
  • Mix well to prepare a face pack.
  • Apply and massage it evenly to your face.
  • Leave it for 15 minutes.
  • Wash off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process once or twice a week.

Skin Type

Suitable for all dry, normal to combination skin type 

7 Best Skincare Products For Dull Skin

If you’re just looking for something to avoid the hustle of preparing homemade face mask for dull skin, here are some of the best skincare products you need to add to your skincare routine:

1. Organic Harvest  Petitgrain Essential Oil 

Organic Harvest  Petitgrain Essential Oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents to fight the oxidative stress on the skin, ward off pollutants and get rid of dead skin cells. This essential oil also helps moisturise the skin, prevent dryness and rejuvenates your face making it ideal for dull skin.

Price: 295 INR
Buy Link: Organic Harvest  Petitgrain Essential Oil 

2. Organic Harvest Brightening Day Cream: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Rice Water

Organic Harvest Brightening Day Cream is made with the goodness of rare ingredients like kakadu plum, acai berry & rice water. This moisturiser acts as a protective layer to fight against free radical damage, UV radiation and pollutants. Not only it removes impurities but also helps provide intense hydration, even out patchy skin tone, and add a natural face glow.

Price: 695 INR
Buy Link: Organic Harvest Brightening Day Cream

3. The Mom’s Co. Natural Vita Rich Face Serum

The Mom’s Co. Natural Vita Rich Face Serum is enriched with the skin-loving vitamins C, B, and E. It has a lightweight non-sticky consistency which sinks well into the deeper layers of the skin, restores lost moisture, protects the natural lipid barrier, and prevents sun damage. The presence of hyaluronic acid makes it ideal for skincare for dry skin to keep your skin nourished and happy!

Price: 699 INR
Buy Link: The Mom’s Co. Natural Vita Rich Face Serum

4. MyGlamm Wipeout Germ Killing Face Scrub – Lavender & Neem

MyGlamm Wipeout Germ Killing Face Scrub is made with the combination of lavender & neem extracts. As the name suggests, this face scrub contains chlorhexidine to zap-off bacteria, remove impurities and dead skin cells from the surface of the face. Within its one-time use, it re-energises dry skin, defies the visible signs of ageing, and fights free radical damage.

Price: 129 INR
Buy Link: MyGlamm Wipeout Germ Killing Face Scrub

5. MyGlamm Glow Iridescent Brightening Moisturising Cream

MyGlamm Glow Iridescent Brightening Moisturising Cream is infused with the benefits of rosehip oil for skin to deeply moisturise and softens dry skin texture. Packed with oodles of antioxidants and vitamins, it provides the required nourishment to your skin, soothes skin, and brightens up dull face complexion.

Price: 1595 INR
Buy Link: MyGlamm Glow Iridescent Brightening Moisturising Cream

6. St.Botanica Nature’s Vitamin C Face Brightening Day Cream SPF 25

St.Botanica Nature’s Vitamin C Face Brightening Day Cream SPF 25 is fortified with the richness of potent botanical extracts to rehydrate dull skin leaving a refreshing feel on the face. The presence of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid helps intensely hydrate the skin, minimises dark spots, and heals blotchy skin appearance. Made with SPF 25, this face cream has the benefits of sunscreen for skin to avert the harmful effects of UV rays and protect your skin against environmental stressors.

Price: 649 INR
Buy Link: St.Botanica Nature’s Vitamin C Face Brightening Day Cream SPF 25

7. St.Botanica Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Sunscreen SPF 50

St.Botanica Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Sunscreen SPF 50 comes with PA+++ to provide enhanced protection against UVA and UVB rays of the sun to prevent dry skin and dullness. Besides, sun protection also soothes, hydrates and refreshes your skin keeping it healthy, soft and glowing. This sunscreen can be a great addition to incorporate aloe vera uses for skin in your daily routine.

Price: 599 INR
Buy Link: St.Botanica Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Sunscreen SPF 50

Some Effective Skincare Tips To Prevent Dull Skin

Here are some of the preventive skincare tips to prevent dull skin and build up:

  • Exfoliate your skin twice a week to get rid of stubborn dirt and pollutants clogged into the pores.
  • Make sure to remove makeup before you hit bed. Sleeping with makeup overnight is a big NO! It blocks your pores with product debris and excess oil.
  • Make sure to reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours. It helps protect your skin against UV rays and free radical damage causing dull & tired skin.
  • Drink a minimum of 7-8 glasses of water during the day. Also, maintain a diet rich in green veggies and citrus fruits for glowing skin to your skin hydrated and healthy inside out!
  • Cover your face whenever you step out. This helps prevent the invasive effect of environmental pollutants, dirt and UV damage causing dull skin.

FAQs 

Why is my skin so dull?

Some of the main factors responsible for skin dullness are dehydration, oxidative stress, not exfoliating the skin, dead skin cell buildup, stress, unhealthy diet, and lack of sleep.

What deficiency causes dull skin?

Deficiencies of vitamins C and B complex is responsible for dull skin which is accompanied by dryness, pigmentation and patchy skin tone.

What products help dull skin?

Skincare products infused with natural ingredients like vitamin C, coconut oil, and aloe vera gel works best to revive dull and lifeless skin condition.

Which oil is best for dull skin?

Beauty oils including almond oil, lavender oil, petitgrain oil, rosehip oil and coconut oil are highly recommended to treat dull skin.

Which vitamin is best for dull skin?

Vitamins C, B7, E, and D are essential vitamins for dull skin to restore healthy and glowing skin appearance.

What food causes dull skin?

Dairy products and foods high in sugar cause dull skin, along with processed and preserved food items. This includes deep-fried snacks, coffee, carbonated drinks and spicy & salty foods.

Conclusion

Due to continuous exposure to environmental stressors and busy lifestyle habits dull skin can occur to anyone. But the best thing about it is that dull skin is temporary. 

We bet these home remedies for dull skin and good skincare habits (exfoliation, moisturising and SPF) can really save the day! So, next time you wonder how to get rid of dull skin naturally — try out your favourite dull face remedy and restore your natural skin radiance!

Related Stories

Best Moisturizer for Face in India – The best moisturiser for face is all you need to keep your skin hydrated, soft and happy. Explore the list of best moisturisers in India from top brands based on your skin type and needs. Pick your favourite right now!
Best Hydrating Serum for Dry Skin – A  good hydrating serum with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin A works great for dry skin. If you’re in quest of suitable hydrating serum to fight dryness and dull skin texture — hop on to the list and get your hands on the best one!
Natural Face Pack for Dry Skin –  Natural face pack for dry skin helps cure dryness, refine damaged skin texture, and brings back its suppleness. We have jotted down the step-by-step guide to making the best homemade face mask for dry skin with a handful of pantry ingredients. Click to read more.