Do you see a dry, drab, dull complexion when you look in the mirror? Do you have an unhealthy skin tone? A bright, glowing complexion gives the appearance of youth, health and happiness. When you have a dull complexion or unhealthy skin tone, you may appear tired, unhealthy, worn out, or older than you really are.
Healthy skin is essential to achieving natural beauty, so make sure you have all the basics covered before you even try to achieve a flawless complexion with cosmetics.
Sometimes skin complexion can become dark and dull. This can result due to many reasons such as age spots, sun exposure or the build-up of dead skin cells. There are various products that are available on the market to help brighten the skin, but these products may not work with a single application, so you may need to purchase additional treatments. Thankfully, there are also low-cost steps that you can take to brighten your complexion.
What causes dull complexion:
• stress and tiredness
• lack of essential vitamins
• smoking and drinking plenty of alcohol
• slow blood circulation
• wind, sun, humidity, temperatures
Face Mask For Dull Skin
Achieve a noticeably clear and glowing complexion with this face mask that’s good enough to eat.
Step 1
Crack the egg on the edge of a small bowl, and allow the egg white to pour into the bowl while you keep the yolk in the shell. Put the yolk and shell aside.
Step 2
Whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon oatmeal and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
Step 4
Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face and neck. Avoid your eyes, nostrils and mouth.
Step 5
Allow the mask to set for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 6
Splash your face with warm water to remove the mask.
Step 7
Rinse your face again with cool water to tighten and close your pores, then gently pat your face dry with a towel.
Warnings
If your skin becomes irritated while wearing the mask, remove it immediately.
Tips
For added glow, moisturize your skin after removing the mask. A drop of olive oil is an ultra-hydrating alternative to store-bought moisturizers.
Always apply face masks to skin that is clean and free of makeup for best results.
Limit your showers to 10 minutes, and keep the water cool to avoid stripping skin of it’s moisture.
Symptoms of Dark Skin
For many of us darkening of the skin doesnt even raise an eyebrow, even though the darkening may be uneven. However, in most cases, darker skin caused by hyperpigmentation is uneven and appears in the form of dark patches on the joints, palms, soles and perhaps even the face. Some of the common symptoms of dark skin caused by hyperpigmentation include:
Uneven light brown or dark brown colored patches on the skin
Appearance of blemishes on the face and other parts of the skin
Differences in skin tone, mainly on the face, neck, throat, elbows and knees
In case your skin is naturally dark due to the presence of melanin then the symptoms may not be noticeable immediately. However, over a period of time, as the discoloration spreads or becomes darker, it is bound to become evident.
Unfortunately, darkening of the skin is not always indicative of hyperpigmentation; there are a few other skin conditions, such as lupus and rosacea too that could lead to a darkening of the skin. Therefore, it could be a bit of the challenge to diagnose the condition accurately, without seeking medical assistance. If darkening of the skin is caused by some other health problems then it is very likely that you will also notice some other symptoms like a rash, swelling, reddening, acne, tiredness and weakness along with the darkening of the skin. It is absolutely essential to consult a doctor in case you see accompanying symptoms like:
Dizziness and fainting
Gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting
Digestive disorders like constipation or diarrhea
Lack of an appetite, accompanied by weight loss
Pain in the stomach and the abdominal area
Flushing of the skin
Causes of Dark Skin
In most instances, darkening of the skin is fairly harmless and is not a major cause for concern. Some of the most common factors that have been known to lead to discoloration or darkening of the skin include:
Heredity factors, where the genes for darker skin are passed on from one generation to the other.
Over exposure to sun light for an extended period of time, especially in case of high sensitivity towards sun radiation
Malnutrition or the lack of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients in the body
Hormonal changes in the body, that could be triggered by factors such as pregnancy or menopause
Use of certain medications, especially oral contraceptives that cause the darkened patches to appear in a typical butterfly pattern.
However, not all causes for dark skin are simple and minor. Some of the conditions that could lead to darkening of the skin may require immediate medical attention and treatment. Some of the more serious causes for darker skin include:
Addisons disease, in which the adrenal glands do not produce the required amount of steroid hormones
Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, where your immune system attacks the bodys tissues and organs
Hemochromatosis, a condition in which your body produces too much iron
Intestinal disorders
Liver-related diseases and disorders, like cirrhosis
Remedies for Dark Skin
When it comes to treating dark skin or discolored patches on the skin, most health experts will advise you to first determine the factors that are causing the problem. In case your skin is producing too much melanin mainly due to simple factors like excess exposure to the sun, you may be advised to use simple home remedies to regain your original skin color. Given below are some of the most commonly recommended natural home remedies for dark skin:
Mix one teaspoon of milk powder, a teaspoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of almond oil, to make a thick paste. Apply this on to the skin and keep it on for around 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing it off with cold water. This not only helps reduce the effects of tanning and skin blemishes, but also gives your skin a natural radiance
Add some plain oatmeal to unflavored yogurt and apply the mixture on to the affected skin. After around 20 minutes, wash the mixture off your skin with cold water. Some tomato juice could also be added to this mixture to increase its effectiveness
Potato has natural bleaching properties, which is why it is excellent for lightening patches and blemishes as well as darkened skin. Cut a potato into thin slices and place them on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes.
Take a bowl of plain, unflavored yogurt and add a few grated dry orange peels to it. This paste is very effective in getting rid of a tan and should be kept on to the skin for at least 15 minutes, after application.
Mint works wonders in lightening the skin tone and therefore, the paste of freshly ground mint leaves should be applied on to the skin for around 15 to 20 minutes, before being rinsed off.
In addition to the remedies for dark skin mentioned above, you also need to get an adequate amount of sleep, rest and exercise a day, as they all play an important role in keeping your skin healthy. Unhealthy practices like smoking and the use of illegal drugs should be strictly avoided.
Diet for Dark Skin
Contrary to what many people believe, there are no miracle foods that will lighten your skin immediately or get rid of dark patches and blemishes overnight. However, if youd like your skin to maintain a healthy glow, it is important for you to follow a balanced and nutritious diet at all times.
If you wish to have healthy and glowing skin your first concern should be your fluid intake, as you need to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. This will flush out the toxins from your body and at the same time will hydrate your skin internally, keeping it soft and supple. This reduces the possibility of discoloration, but does not rule it out completely.
Avoid eating any foods that are heavy, oily or spicy. These foods are difficult to digest and therefore build up the waste in the body, leading to many health problems that can also affect the skin. If you are trying to improve your skin tone, it is important to stay away from chocolates, caffeinated, aerated and alcoholic drinks.
Instead, increase your consumption of foods that are high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as they improve the health of your body, as well as your skin. Make sure that you eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, whole grains, cereals, beans and legumes.
Suggestion for Dark Skin
Until a few years ago it was quite common to see people spend hours in the hot sun, just so that their skin could get the deep tan they so desired. However, in the last few years, people have realized that excessive exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun could lead to skin problems, like cancer. Therefore, it is important to exercise some amount of caution when trying to get a tan. There are several tanning booths and salons that have cropped up over the country that can help you to get the skin color you desire quite swiftly. If you do wish to tan your skin naturally through sun exposure, it would be wise to protect your skin adequately, with a good sunscreen solution. Many people tend to confuse sunscreen with a sunblock, but they are actually quite different. A sunblock will prevent your skin from getting darker, whereas a sunscreen will filter the harsh rays of the sun, allowing your skin to get tanned, while minimizing the risks of cancer and other similar skin conditions.
Moreover, in case you are taking oral contraceptives or any other medication that you believe could be the cause of skin discoloration, it is important for you to consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may be able to suggest alternatives to the medication that you have been taking. However, it is imperative that you never make any changes to your prescribed medication (including their dosage), without getting a doctors approval first.
If you have a skin tone that is naturally dark, there is little you can do to lighten it. However, by keeping your skin clean and tending to it regularly, you can greatly improve the quality of your skin.
Home remedies for a glowing complexion
If you are feeling too broke to splurge on a facial at the salon, let Mother Nature come to the rescue.
All you need is to do is invest some time and effort once a week, and use the ingredients available in your kitchen to concoct your own facial at home.
You can decide which facial to opt for, depending on your skin type and on the availability of the ingredients.
These facials can be done once a week, or before going for a party or for an occasion.
Note of caution: If your skin is sensitive to any natural product, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before using any of the given remedies.
Also, please wash your face before using any of these face packs.
Normal skin
~ Extract the juice of half an orange or tomato, mix with two teaspoons of curd. Lightly massage onto your face in an upward direction. Let it dry. Then, wash your face with cold water and wipe dry. This will give your skin a nice glow.
~ Rub the inner part of the skin of a papaya on your face. Let it dry. Then, wash your face with cold water and wipe dry. This will give your skin a nice glow.
Whenever you cut a papaya to eat, save a small portion of the peel for this purpose. You can store the peel in an airtight container for about two days in the fridge; however, it is preferable to use it fresh.
~ Grind 50 grams (around half a cup) of cabbage and extract the juice. Apply this on your face. After it dries, wash with cool water and wipe dry. This helps tighten your skin and prevents wrinkles.
~ Grind one small carrot and squeeze the pulp to remove the juice. Apply the juice on your face and let it dry. Then, wash with cold water and wipe your face dry. This helps to rejuvenate your skin.
~ Whenever eating an apple, do not discard the skin. Use it as a skin cleanser.
Just rub the inner side of the peel in an upward direction and let your face dry. Then, wash with cool water and pat dry. This helps tighten your skin.
~ Take an ice cube and rub on your face. Then, pat dry. This helps to improve blood circulation and keeps your skin healthy.
Variation: Boil some lemon grass in a small container of water and cool. Pour it in the ice tray and freeze. Later, rub the ice cube on your face.
~ Beat the white of one egg and apply on your face in an upward direction. Once it dries, wash with cold water. It helps tighten your skin and delays wrinkles.
Oily skin
~ Make a paste of 2 tbsp of wheat flour using as much water as needed. Apply on your face in an upward motion. Leave to dry. Then, wash with cool water and pat dry. This helps remove excess oil from your skin.
~ Mix two teaspoons of raw milk, around the same quantity of cucumber juice and few drops of lemon. With a cotton ball, apply the solution on your face and leave to dry. Then, wash with water and pat dry.
~Soak two to three teaspoons of methi (fenugreek) seeds overnight. Grind into a paste, then rub on your face. Once it dries, wash with cool water.
The granular effect helps remove blackheads. Methi also helps remove excess oil from your skin.
The excess paste can be stored in the refrigerator but should be used within a week.
~ Soak two to three teaspoons of whole masoor dal (red gram) overnight. Grind into a paste and apply on your face. Once it dries, wash your face with cold water and pat dry. It gives the same effect as methi.
The excess paste can be stored in the refrigerator but should be used within two days.
~ Grind half a cucumber and squeeze to remove the juice. Apply the juice on your face and leave to dry. Then wash with water and pat dry.
It helps refresh and tighten your skin.
For dry skin
~ Mash half a ripe banana, add a teaspoon of honey and make a paste. Apply on your face. Once it dries, wash with cold water and pat dry.
This acts as a moisturiser and helps in tighten your skin.
~ Soak khus khus (poppy seeds) overnight. Grind it with just enough milk to make a paste. Apply on your face. Once it dries, wash with cold water.
The natural oil present in khus khus helps to moisturise your skin.
~ Just before boiling milk, remove two tablespoons. Massage it lightly on your face in an upward motion. Leave to dry, then wash with water and pat dry.
This helps to keep your skin supple.
Variation: Add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the raw milk and follow the same process. However, avoid doing this if you have pimples on your face.
~ Make a paste of 2-5 tablespoons of raw peanuts with milk. Add ¼ teaspoon of honey to it. Apply on your face. Leave to dry. Then wash with cold water and pat dry.
The natural oils present in the peanuts help moisturise your skin.
~ Make a paste of one teaspoon of malai, a pinch of turmeric and four to five drops of olive oil. Apply on your face, leave to dry. Wash with cold water and pat dry.
Malai acts as a natural moisturiser and turmeric and olive oil helps rejuvenate your skin.
Combination skin
~ Mix 3-4 tablespoons of Multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with 8-10 ground pudina (mint) leaves. Freeze the pack overnight.
Keep outside for 10-15 minutes and then apply on your face. After 10-15 minutes, wash off and pat dry. It helps in cooling and cleansing your skin.
~ Boil a handful of lemon grass leaves in one litre of water, until you get the aroma. Then, place in an ice tray and freeze.
After returning home from work or an outing, rub a lemon grass ice cube all over your face. It cleanses the dirt and grime accumulated in your skin’s pores and shuts them.
Whisk away black spots and pimples
~ Make a paste of either half a piece of nutmeg/ six to eight jamun seeds with water/ rose water. Apply on your face. Leave to dry. Then, wash with cold water and pat dry.
~ Squeeze half a fresh lemon into one glass of freshly boiled milk. Leave for half and hour, then apply on your face before retiring to bed.
~ Take 125 ml (¾ cup) of tomato juice and squeeze in half a lemon. Add five to seven mashed mint leaves and black salt to taste.
Drink this every morning and evening for at least one week. It will help detoxify the body.
It also helps to relieve constipation and worm infestation.
For blemishes
~ Rub a slice of lemon or the remains a squeezed lemon on your face. Allow it to remain overnight, then wash with cold water. It will restore your skin’s softness and lend your complexion a glow.
~ Squeeze the juice of one lemon into one ripe tomato (in which a hole has been made). Rub the tomato on your face. Leave to dry. Then, wash with water and pat dry.
Diet tips
Diet can play a major role in imparting glow and freshness to your skin, some of the tips that can help are:
~ Drink 12 to14 glasses of water everyday.
~ Avoid eating to much of fried foods like vadas, samosa, chips, bhajias, etc. Stick to fresh vegetable salads or fruit salads.
Depending on the seasonal availability, eat all types of fresh, green vegetables and all types of fresh, juicy fruits (except for strawberries and mangoes; they are heaty and overconsumption can lead to acne).
~ Avoid consuming too much of heaty food like chillies, garlic, non-vegetarian items or dried fruits like dates.
~ Detoxify once a month by consuming fresh vegetables, fruits and liquids all day.
