What causes dull skin?

Your skin should feel fresh, radiant, and alive. But when it looks tired, lacklustre, or uneven, you might be dealing with dull skin – one of the most common skin concerns. Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface – and how to bring your glow back.

A build-up of lifeless skin cells

Your skin is constantly renewing itself. New skin cells are formed deep in the epidermis and gradually rise to the surface over several weeks. Once they reach the top, they die and naturally shed to make way for the fresh, healthy cells beneath. But as we age – or when skin is exposed to stress, pollution, or a disrupted routine – this natural shedding process slows down. Dead skin cells begin to accumulate on the surface, forming a dry, uneven layer that blocks light reflection.

The result? Skin looks dull, rough, and tired, instead of smooth and luminous. These old cells can also interfere with how well your skincare absorbs and how makeup sits on your skin – making everything feel a bit off.

Using natural exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), or fine physical particles such as jojoba beads, can help break down the bonds holding dead cells in place, so they can be removed from the skin’s surface. Once those dulling cells are gone, your skin instantly looks brighter and fresher, and over time, cell turnover improves – bringing your glow back to life.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Aura Gold Manuka Honey Radiance Mask and Glory Vitamin C Triple Action Glow Toner both contain AHAs from lime caviar to help dissolve and remove lifeless skin cells.

Halo Skin-Brightening Mud Mask helps to scrub and physically remove rough outer layers with exfoliating jojoba beads.

Daily exposure to pollution, UV rays, and toxins creates free radicals – unstable molecules that damage skin cells, disrupt collagen, and lead to uneven tone and texture. This oxidative stress doesn’t just age the skin – it also saps its radiance.

Antioxidant-rich extracts like Kakadu plum, nature’s richest source of vitamin C, and Vinanza® Grape seed extract neutralises free radical damage and protects skin vitality. You should also apply mineral sunscreen every day to prevent UV rays from reaching the skin’s surface.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

We love Diem Vitamin C Pigment Correcting Water Cream and Glow Vitamin C Brightening Serum. Both of these brightening superstars are rich in natural vitamin C to target the cause of dullness. And don’t forget our bestselling mineral SPF as your ultimate daily protection.

Dehydrated skin is dull and tired

Skin that's low in water looks dull, tired, and less plump. Dehydration can be caused by weather, diet, harsh products, or a damaged skin barrier that lets moisture escape.

What helps: Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and mānuka honey draw water into the skin and lock it in.

Sluggish circulation

Poor circulation means less oxygen and fewer nutrients are delivered to your skin cells – leading to a pale, fatigued appearance.

What helps: Gentle massage, regular exfoliation, and antioxidant skincare to stimulate blood flow and revive natural radiance.

Stress and lifestyle factors

Lack of sleep, stress, poor diet, and alcohol can all disrupt your skin’s renewal process – dulling your glow from within.

What helps: A healthy diet paired with consistent skincare ritual rich in plant-powered nutrients helps your skin recover and rebuild.