People commonly want a healthy-looking, evenly toned, glowing skin. However, skin health is impacted by various factors, including pollution, sun exposure, weather, and skin products used. These factors can easily replace a fresh-looking face with dull-looking skin.
Since skin dullness is generally caused by external factors, you can use different home remedies and observe self-care measures to help rejuvenate your skin, making it appear more youthful.
The following home remedies, using natural or easily available ingredients, can bring back the fresh and even tone to your dull skin and improve its appearance.
# Apply honeyHoney contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, and sugars such as fructose and sucrose that moisturize the skin. Honey also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial polyphenols that contribute to skin health.
Additionally, the topical use of honey can help lighten and gently exfoliate the skin.
- Put a few drops of medical-grade, raw, or organic honey on half a lemon.
- Rub the lemon on your face in upward strokes.
- Rinse your face after 10 minutes.
- Repeat this remedy once or twice a week for best results.
# Dab some lemonLemon is rich in vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant. Moreover, it helps lighten and brighten the skin by acting as a natural bleaching agent.
- Mix 1–2 tbsp of lemon juice with water. You can also add vitamin E oil for added benefits.
- Using a clean cotton ball, apply this solution to your face and other affected areas.
- Rinse after 15 minutes.
- Moisturize your face after washing and apply sunscreen.
# Use aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is popularly used for its various dermatological benefits. The active compound present in aloe vera gel, known as aloin, helps lighten the skin.
Additionally, the mucopolysaccharides in aloe vera gel help bind moisture to the skin, while the polyphenols act as antioxidants to help manage oxidative damage. Aloe vera also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help manage skin inflammation.
- Extract aloe vera gel from a freshly cut leaf, and gently massage it on the skin. Wash after 15 minutes.
- Mix about 2 tbsp of the gel with 1 tsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of vitamin E or olive oil, and 1 tbsp of honey to prepare a mask. Apply the mask to your skin, and wash after 15–20 minutes.
# Exfoliate using alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid, are highly efficient in exfoliating the skin. These are commonly used in the clinical setting for chemical peels.
Alpha hydroxy acids help remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin. Moreover, the use of these acids can help rebalance skin pH, therefore preventing infections and blemishes.
The most commonly used natural alpha hydroxy acid sources include milk and yogurt. These contain lactic acid and can be safely used at home.
- Mix 1–2 tbsp of Greek yogurt with 1–2 tbsp of honey and add ½ tsp of turmeric powder.
- Apply the paste to your skin. Make sure to exfoliate the skin all over your body instead of focusing on the face only.
- Rinse after the mask dries.
- Pat your skin dry and moisturize as usual.
- Repeat this remedy once or twice a week.
# Make a cucumber facial maskCucumber extracts contain vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and water. This rich composition can help moisturize, brighten, and soothe irritated skin and also help inhibit sebum secretion. Cucumber also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
- Grate half a cucumber and mix it in ½ a cup of yogurt.
- Apply the mask to your face and neck.
- Rinse using lukewarm water after 20 minutes.
# Apply turmericTurmeric is a readily available ingredient that is commonly used as a spice in many cuisines. It possesses various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects.
The use of turmeric powder in facial masks can impart a radiant glow to the skin. It is especially useful in treating acne.
- Mix turmeric with fuller’s earth or sandalwood to make a facial mask. You can also add vitamin E oil or plant oil if the paste is dry.
- Apply a thin layer of the paste to your face.
- Rinse after 15 minutes.
# Use a papaya maskPapaya contains plenty of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, which can help repair and rejuvenate the skin. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin.
Moreover, the topical application of papaya moisturizes the skin, making it softer and smoother.
- Mash 2 tbsp of ripe papaya and mix it with ½ tsp of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of honey.
- Apply the paste to your face.
- Wash after 15 minutes.
# Exfoliate and moisturize with oatmealColloidal oat extracts provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help improve the appearance of dull skin.
- Mix 2 tbsp of ground oatmeal with 1 tsp of honey. Add rose water or plain water to the mixture to form a paste. Massage this paste gently on your skin, and rinse with warm water after 10 minutes.
- Add oatmeal to your bathwater, and soak your body in it for about 20 minutes.