9 Skin Care Products for Dull Skin

When you think of beautiful skin, a radiant-looking complexion that just seems to appear like it’s glowing from within probably comes to mind. So, if you have dull-looking skin, chances are you may be wondering what you can do to brighten things up. Well, it’s time to get your skin care routine in order. Below, learn about our best skin care products for dull skin—including a skin-brightening cream and serum—and how to use them.

#1: CLEANSER

When you have dull skin (or any skin type for that matter), cleansing should be the first step in your skin care routine. So, look for a cleanser that is formulated to help brighten the appearance of your complexion. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser is formulated to seamlessly transform from clay to mousse and remove everyday impurities from the surface of your skin without over-drying it. Immediately, skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution and left with a clean, clear look. Use after use, dull skin appears more radiant and luminous.

Daily, squeeze the cleanser into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

#2. SKIN-BRIGHTENING SERUM

A skin-brightening serum—specifically a vitamin C serum—can help transform your dull skin over time. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum effortlessly glides onto skin to restore skin’s radiance and reduces wrinkles. Apply a dime-sized amount every morning and evening onto your face and neck.

#3: FACE MASK

If you have dull skin, treat yourself to an at-home spa day with the following face mask. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Mask is formulated with three types of clay (kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava) and charcoal. It helps draw out any buildup of impurities, dirt, and pollution, reduce the appearance of dull skin, and increase the look of luminosity. Immediately, skin looks brighter. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Use three times a week for best results.

#4: DAY CREAM

After cleansing dull skin, it’s important to reach for the right moisturizer—a skin-brightening cream. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Moisturizer is an intense daily moisturizing cream enhanced with rosy pigments to help instantly revive the look of skin’s rosy tone. This cream, which gently exfoliates dull skin from the surface of your skin, immediately makes skin look hydrated, while skin appears renewed with continued use over time. Every morning, smooth it gently onto your skin after cleansing in a circular motion.

#5: FACE SCRUB

Exfoliation is one skin care step you don’t want to skip when it comes to dull skin. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser is formulated with gentle micro-pearls and glycolic acid. It helps exfoliate dullness and impurities from the surface of your skin. Immediately, skin looks brighter. Every morning and evening, lather the scrub into wet hands, gently massaging it onto your skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

One thing to keep in mind: Alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid) can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher after using this scrub (don’t worry, we’ve got a product recommendation for you below!). What’s more, you should also take sun protection measures, including limiting your amount of time in the sun, seeking shade, and covering up any exposed areas.

#6. BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM

Your under-eyes can help boost the appearance of your dull skin—or work against you. To help brighten the skin around your eyes, use the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Anti-Aging Eye Brightener Paraben Free. This anti-aging eye brightener has a unique whipped texture and instantly blurs and helps visibly color correct dark circles. Every morning, pat around the eye area and gently smooth until absorbed.

#7: MOISTURIZER WITH SPF

Sun protection is a daily must—whether or not you have dull skin. To help cut down on the number of steps in your morning skin care routine, consider using a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen, like the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Brightening Day Lotion SPF 30. Skin looks brighter immediately after using this hydrating moisturizer, which is formulated with glycolic acid. Apply it as directed before heading outside for the day, and remember to take the other sun protection measures we mentioned above, too.

#8: PEEL PADS

Making one small tweak to your nighttime skin care routine can make a difference. In the case of dull skin, this tweak should be using a peel pad before bed. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, which are formulated with glycolic acid, physically resurface dead skin cell buildup. Immediately, skin looks brighter. Gently apply in a circular motion to your face at night on cleansed skin. In the morning, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and take additional sun protection measures.

#9: SKIN-BRIGHTENING NIGHT CREAM

Before bed, use a different moisturizer than you did during the day, but make sure your night cream is of the skin-brightening variety as well. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturizer features an exfoliating concentrate in one chamber and a brightening infusion in the other. Every night, smooth the skin-brightening cream gently over cleansed skin—then go through your sun protection routine in the morning, as this product also contains glycolic acid.

There you go: Nine products that can help create can combat the appearance of dull skin. For more beauty advice, check out our article, How to Brighten Your Skin: 8 Helpful Tips.