There are a couple of common factors that lead to skin damage on a daily basis: UV exposure, improper diet, lack of hydration, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, wrong skincare routines and chemical irritants. Usually your skin is able to recover from daily damage, but when you start to notice dullness, prominent wrinkles and/or pigmentation (spots), the skin damage is serious and needs to be addressed. But worry not; a few tweaks in your existing skincare routine can help repair and improve the look of dull, damaged skin, and here’s a 5-step regimen that will help you do just that…
- 01. Use a gentle cleanser
- 02. A nourishing sheet mask
- 03. A hydrating moisturiser
- 04. A repairing eye cream
- 05. A protective sunblock
01. Use a gentle cleanser
Skin that is damaged may already be lacking moisture and hydration, which is why you should give your detoxifying or deep cleansing face washes a break for a while. Switch to a gentle cleanser, which effectively rids your face of dirt, oil and grime build-up, while hydrating it at the same time. A common indicator of a drying cleanser is when your skin feels tight post washing and this should be avoided at all costs.
BB picks: Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
02. A nourishing sheet mask
There are a couple of other things you need to hit pause on while repairing damaged skin - astringent-like toners and exfoliators. Damaged skin has significantly compromised barriers and should not be disturbed any further. Instead, use a nourishing serum, or serum-infused sheet mask after cleansing to restore any lost moisture.
BB picks: Pond’s Skin Firming Serum Mask
03. A hydrating moisturiser
Maintaining an ideal level of hydration is key in repairing a damaged lipid barrier and strengthening it against environmental aggressors. Aim for hydration with your moisturiser; a formula that keeps your skin dewy for long hours is sure to bring back radiance to dull skin.
BB picks: Lakmé Absolute Hydra Pro Gel Crème
04. A repairing eye cream
Given that the eye area is significantly thinner than the rest of your face, it can show damage much prominently. Add a repairing eye cream to your routine to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and add natural firmness back into the skin in that area. Brownie points for using a SPF-infused formula for added protection to the sensitive area.
BB picks: Dermalogica Total Eye Care With SPF 15
05. A protective sunblock
UV exposure is by far the biggest culprit behind skin damage and instead of trying to reverse it all the time, use a sunblock religiously to avoid it in the first place. Use a generous amount of a broad spectrum SPF on a daily basis, even if you are not stepping out. When you do step out, make sure you are reapplying every 3-4 hours, depending on the kind of direct sunlight your skin is being exposed to.
BB picks: Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
Written by Sumona Bose on Jan 18, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!