3 Active Ingredients You Need For Dull Dry Skin

Alpha Hydrox Acid

During the dark winter months, skin can look pale and dull, through lack of sunlight, heavier make-up, and sluggish metabolism. Dirt, oil, dead skin cells and other pollutants can quickly build up, leading to blockages, blackheads, blemishes, and dull pallor. An effective exfoliator can penetrate deeply into the skin cells to purify the complexion and speed up renewal.

There are two types of exfoliators. Facial scrubs are physical exfoliators that use tiny abrasive granules that are manually rubbed into the skin. The effects are quick, skin looks brighter and more radiant but because this method only targets the superficial layers of the skin, results are short-lived making it a quick fix.

Chemical exfoliators work differently and use enzymes to transform skin at a deeper level. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are often used within this type of exfoliator because they’re so effective. Not only do they peel away the top surface of skin, but they penetrate down into the lower skin layers to dissolve clogged pores and speed up the skin renewal process leaving the skin healthier, clearer, and more youthful looking. With regular use, results are much longer lasting than physical exfoliators.

An exceptional exfoliator that uses the power of natural AHAs is 111Skin Clinical Exfoliator. This is a super-concentrated formula harnessing enzymes to gently dissolve the debris and detritus that clogs up pores. Calming botanicals have also been added to calm irritation and sensitivity plus the interestingly named Tego Natural Betaine which boosts hydration levels, an essential after exfoliation. Use it as part of your evening routine and you can sleep easy whilst your complexion is perfected. When you awaken, expect incredible radiance and a wonderfully smooth and retextured complexion.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C targets several common concerns including dull, dehydrated skin. This super-strength antioxidant is not only renowned for its amazing skin-brightening properties, but it also promotes collagen production, helping to minimise fine lines and wrinkles and increase elasticity. And as if that wasn’t enough, it also defends against free radicals which cause damage to skin and premature ageing making it a great anti-ageing ingredient too.

We love MZ Brighten and Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum, a results-driven, ultra-targeted serum to address the undesirable effects of sun damage, skin tone imperfections and regular bugbear, premature ageing.

A rich dermatologically tested formula, this holds a dynamic complex of actives and an optimal dosage of stabilised Vitamin C all of which work synergistically to protect the skin’s elasticity, promote collagen production, and create a defensive shield to combat against environmental aggressors like the weather, chemicals and dirt that ordinarily would damage skin.

Apply this daily serum under your day cream for instant luminosity, a refined and rejuvenated complexion and to protect your complexion from premature ageing.

Hydromanil™

You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out that dry skin needs more moisture. The problem is that you could lavish on a moisturiser and then within a matter of hours, be back to square one with dry, chapped skin again.

So, what’s the secret here? Well, an effective hydrator not only replenishes moisture levels, but it also locks it in so that it doesn’t evaporate. To do this, a moisturiser must work at a cellular level rather than topically on the superficial layer. Obagi® has created an innovative, clinically proven ingredient named Hydromanil™ that helps with this obstacle. You don’t have to only take our word for it either because skincare trials demonstrated longer lasting hydration for up to eight hours.

Its unrivalled effectiveness is down to molecules that cleverly form a matrix across the skin’s surface, creating a barrier to prevent water loss and enabling them to remain on the cells for longer. So, whilst it delivers instant hydration and thirsty skin is at once nourished, the matrix also holds water in the layers of the skin, gradually delivering nourishment from active compounds over the extended period of eight hours. You’ll find this wonder ingredient in an all-day hydrator, Obagi Hydrate® and its overnight counterpart, the ultra-rich Obagi Hydrate Luxe®, a luxurious extra-strength moisture balm that also gently exfoliates during the night to leave the complexion firm, supple, radiant and thoroughly nourished.