Dull, tired skin can occur on any of us, at any age, any moment, and any weather. It may not affect the whole face but a small section of the face. Dull skin gives the appearance of tiredness, lacklustre, and grey. To reverse all these to get a glowing complexion, it can come from great skin conditioning treatments.
What is dull skin
Dull skin is one of the signs of the skin ageing process. Ageing will cause the skin to lose its radiance or its ability to reflect light well. Be aware that tanning or yellowish skin tone is different from dull skin, as dull skin is the result of lack of radiance and hyperpigmentation.
Causes
1. Dry skin / epidermis
When the skin cells are dehydrated and dry, they tend to be flatter and show bigger intercellular gaps among them. Bigger gaps mean higher water loss from the epidermis. So, without moisture replenishment, a dry skin will only end up drier, not shiny, and is prone to fine lines.
2. Skin oxidation
Every day, our body produces reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) as a free radical by-product from the normal metabolism process, you can imagine it is like the exhaust gas produced by a running train. Don’t worry, our body can tolerate a certain number of free radicals, however, too much would cause skin problems. Some behaviours like daily usage of the computer for a long period of time, constantly using their mobile phone, staying up late, or emotional swings will stimulate oxidation, causing the production and accumulation of a lot of free radicals in the skin. These burden free radicals will turn our face grey or yellowish. Oxidation is 100% natural, like leaving a cut apple in the air, it will turn yellow and black.
3.Hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure
Inadequate sun protection will speed up hyperpigmentation on skin and cause the skin to appear dull.
4. Abnormal epidermal renewal
Normally, our skin continuously makes new epidermal cells and sheds the old epidermal cells. But, sometimes, old epidermal cells do not shed and block the opening of the hair follicle instead. These cells will then bind with the sebum residue in the follicle, forming microcomedone or comedone. The bumpy microcomedone and comedone will make the skin texture uneven, resulting in poor light reflection and dull appearance.
5. Reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of blood
Haemoglobin is a protein that delivers oxygen to all the cells in our body. Sufficient oxygen in the blood means sufficient nutrients are delivered to skin cells. Well-supplied skin will look shiny, awake, and glowing.
6. Prone to allergies
People who are prone to allergies usually have dull skin and pigmented dark circles. Also associated with damaged skin barrier, repaired sebum barrier, dry skin, and poor ability to retain water in the skin.
Symptoms
Yellowish skin complexion ≠ dull skin complexion
Dull skin appears: ① rough/bumpy ② lack of natural shine ③ pigmentation/uneven skin tone
Affected people
People who are often exposed to sun; People who do not have adequate sun protection; People who have poor sleeping habits; People who have slow skin renewal metabolism.
Treatment
There are two ways to reverse dull skin and get a glowing complexion. The first is to stop the release of melanin (pigment cells) by preventing melanocytes from being stimulated. The second is to take actions to interfere with the production of melanin when melanocytes are stimulated, and to increase the skin’s antioxidant ability.
A. Mesotherapy
What is Mesotherapy:
Our skin is facing all kinds of damages everyday, like photodamage, pollution and the natural aging process. Mesotherapy can be a regular skin rejuvenation treatment that helps maintain our skin in a good condition in the long run. It is a non-surgical treatment that injects solution with various vital nutrients to our skin directly, which has a significantly higher absorption of nutrients than using skincare products. According to the skin condition, the injection content can also be tailored to meet one’s need for the maximum desired outcome.
How does it work:
In mesotherapy, needles with tiny openings will be used to deliver solution containing medical substances and nutrients directly to the deep skin through the stratum corneum layer. The solution offers excellent effects on hydration, moisturisation, repairing damaged skin, reduction of pore size, repairing after sun exposure, mild anti-ageing, and removing neck lines. Whitening factors can also be introduced into the solution to obtain a better result on repairing and soothing the skin, water retaining ability, gaining elasticity, and brightening skin tone.
Procedure:
1. VISIA skin evaluation: Evaluate skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Tailored a suitable mesotherapy treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Apply anesthetics. Clean and disinfect the whole face.
4. Treatment: Administer injection solution by qualified practitioner. Repeat injection or scatter injection in severe areas.
5. Post-treatment care: Medical-grade facial repair mask and QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.
5. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 60 mins
Who is it for:
- People with dry skin and yellowish complexion;
- People with irritated skin or textured skin; People who are looking for regular skin conditioning treatments;
- People who have dull skin and are looking to rejuvenate their skin;
B. M22 IPL treatment
What is M22:
M22 is an innovative photoelectric skin revitalisation instrument jointly developed by Lumenis, Stanford University, and Harvard University. It innovatively combines the world leading technologies (OPT technology and fractional non-ablative technology – RESURFX) to effectively treat pigmented lesions, acne scars, surgical scars, stretch marks, swelling lines, skin reconstruction (including reducing pores size, hair removal, skin rejuvenation, skin whitening, moisturising, etc.), facial lifting, and wrinkle removal. M22 has obtained the US FDA and the EU CE certification and is the cutting-edge technology that delivers top skin rejuvenation treatment.
How does it work:
M22 laser treatment uses the core OPT technology and the only true fractional non-ablative technology, RESURFX. Thanks to the longer wavelength light used, the OPT IPL therapy offers better all-round skin rejuvenating results than other types of IPL therapies. It can be used as your regular skin conditioning treatment, providing a wide range of skin improvements including removal of pigmentation, reduction of skin redness, brightening skin tone, smoothing lines and wrinkles, firmness, and reduction of pores sizes.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Customise unique treatment plan based on individual’s skin condition and desired results.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles and apply treatment gel.
4. During treatment: Full face treatment, repeat steps at severe areas.
5. Post-treatment: Remove the gel, clean the face and apply a medical grade repair mask to calm the face.
6. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
- People who are prone to facial redness and have severe condition of facial veins;
- People who want to brighten their dull skin and improve skin texture;
- People who want to increase the collagen proliferation in their skin and repair their skin’s barrier;
- People who want to improve their skin condition, but do not rush to get instant results;
- People who are looking for regular skin conditioning treatments to improve their skin;
C. PicoSure Laser Pigmentation Treatment
What is PicoSure:
PICOSURE is a picosecond laser treatment that can safely and effectively remove tattoos and pigmentation. It has been certified by the US FDA and China CFDA and approved for use in treatment of pigmented skin problems and pigmentation. A specific wavelength of light (755nm) is used to remove melanin. This treatment is 7 times more effective than traditional laser, and less high thermal damage and less rebound. The specific lens will deliver specific wavelength energy into cells to break down melanin, stimulate growth of collagen and elastic fibres, and effectively improve skin elasticity.
How does it work:
Under “BOOST” mode, the pulse width of the PicoSure can be adjusted and compressed from 750 to 550PS, which can increase the pressure by 70%. The 755 nm wavelength light that can be absorbed by melanin is irradiated on melanin, and all the energy is released within picoseconds. Due to the high energy released within a short period of time, melanin molecules are not able to absorb all the energy and eventually burst into smaller particles. The resulting particles will then be eliminated by the body.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Develop a unique treatment plan based on the client’s skin condition and desired results.
3. PATCH TEST: Perform a patch test 24 hrs prior the treatment. Proceed with the treatment when no allergy or abnormal sign is shown.
4. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean, disinfect and apply anaesthetics at the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles.
5. During the treatment: Deliver wavelength pulse at the pigmented areas, repeat steps at the severe pigmented areas. Cooling effect from cold air outlets.
6. Post-treatment: Apply aloe vera gel to soothe and calm down the treated areas.
7. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 1-1.5 hrs
Who is it for:
- People with pigmentation problems such as freckles, sunspots and age spots;
- People with dull complexion and severe pigmented spots;
- People who are looking for an effective method to eliminate their pigmentation;
- People who are looking for reduction of pigmentation alongside reduction of pore size and smoother skin texture;
D. Skin whitening drip
What is IV drip:
Skin whitening drip solution contains mainly antioxidant agents such as glutathione and vitamin C. Glutathione is an antioxidant and detoxifier for our body cells, recommended for people who want to brighten their dull complexion / dark skin tone around eyes, improve acne scars, and smoothen their rough skin texture. People who work / spend a lot of time under the sun can benefit from the whitening drip as it can greatly reduce the development of pigmentation in the skin. Also, the drip can be helpful for people who have irregular sleep patterns or are under stress as the drip will detoxify and condition the cells on top of the skin whitening effect.
How does whitening drip work:
European whitening drip solution contains mainly glutathione which is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids such as glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. In addition to its powerful detoxification property, glutathione can effectively inhibit free radicals, which results in slowing down oxidation and skin ageing process. When the drip solution is injected directly into our body, our body cells and system will instantly react to the nutrients in the solution, including the inhibition of creation of new pigment, elimination of existing pigments, and brightening skin tone from the inside out. Also, long term usage of whitening drip does not cause side effects.
Procedure:
1. Face-to-face consultation: Doctor provides suggested treatment plan based on client’s condition and goals.
2. Pre-treatment preparation: Preparation of drip solution.
3. Treatment method: Intravenous injection, infusion.
4. Post-treatment care.
Duration: 30-45 mins
Who is it for:
- People with dull complexion and pigmentation on their body:
- People with irregular sleep patterns and physical health burden;
- People who are looking for anti-ageing and brightening treatment for their body’s skin;
E. Hydrafacial
What is Hydrafacial:
HydraFacial is a patented skincare treatment developed by an American skincare company, HYDRAFACIAL. This FDA, CE and CSA approved device was designed to promote the health of skin and to restore skin barrier rapidly. Mainly focusing on restoring skin health, HydraFacial utilised the patented 4 in 1 patented Vortex-Fusion delivery system to exfoliate, extract and hydrate skin, and used in conjunction with the HydraFacial proprietary vacuum technology and serums. As a result, impurities can be easily dislodged and removed while simultaneously delivering hydrating skin solutions. It only takes you 30 minutes to solve skin problems without downtime and pain, including blackheads, brown spots, dehydration, wrinkles, sensitivity, dull skin, enlarged pores, pimples, and photodamage.
How does it work:
Hydrafacial treatment combines the usage of an exclusive formula essence and the patented VORTEX two-way vacuum technology to exfoliate the skin, rapidly open up the pores, clear the congestion, non-invasively clear out blackheads, whiteheads, debris and dirt, gently remove old dead skin cells. While vacuuming and cleansing the skin, the essence that is made with nourishing ingredients will be absorbed into the skin, which can accelerate cellular metabolism, restore the skin’s oil-water balance, resulting in a cleaner and healthy skin. In only 30 mins, hydrafacial treatment will cleanse, extract, and hydrate your skin in 3 steps. According to your skin condition, location and desired results, a unique plan can be tailored for your needs.
Procedure:
1. VISIA skin evaluation: Evaluate skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Tailored a suitable hydrafacial treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Remove makeup and cleanse the face.
4. Hydrafacial 3 steps: ①Cleanse+Peel ②Extract+ Exfoliate ③Nourish+Protect
5. Post-treatment care: QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.
6. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
- People who have sensitive skin and want to brighten their dull skin and deeply cleanse their face;
- People with problems of clogged pores and slow cellular metabolism;
- People who want to gently repair their skin’s barrier;
- People who want to combine HYDRAFACIAL treatment with other treatments to brighten their skin;
F. Acid Peel
What is acid peel:
Acid peel is a skin resurfacing procedure involving application of acidic solution on the skin. The acidic solution dissolves the oil particles among cells on the outermost layer of the epidermis and promotes the removal of the outermost layer. It stimulates the renewal of skin cells, promotes the replacement of elastic fibers in the dermis, and maintains the healthy state of the skin. It also helps with skin whitening, removing acne marks, reducing pores size and fine lines, removing blackheads, and curing acne and chloasma.
How does acid peel work:
Acid peel/AHA peel solution can loosen the physical attachment among stratum corneum cells by dissolving the oil particles between their cellular gaps, which will peel off the excessively accumulated keratin, unblock the clogged hair follicles and prevent the development of clogging opening at hair follicles. In addition, it stimulates the regeneration ability of epidermal cells and promotes dermal collagen fibre proliferation and its structural rearrangement, which will help to effectively improve skin texture (especially chicken skin), minimise large pores (by inhibiting oil secretion) and brighten skin tone.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Provide suitable acid peel treatment plan based on client’s needs and goals.
3. Pre-treatment: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.
4. Treatment: Apply an acidic solution on the face, waiting 1-5 mins.
5. End of treatment: Apply a neutraliser solution on face to terminate the acidic reaction and peeling reaction to avoid over peeling.
6. Cleaning. Post-treatment care.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
- People who have slow cellular metabolism, large pore size and accumulation of keratin in their pores;
- People with very oily skin or combination oily skin;
Improve Dull Skin,come to Ai Beauty Clinic,
for safe and professional medical treatment.
Ai Beauty Clinic is a CQC accredited clinic based in London, and also is strongly supported by Cynosure(the owner of Ulthreapy) and Cynosure (the owner of PicoSure).
With rich experience of treating clients of various conditions, led by a famous British medical chief trainer, practiced by doctors and nurses who are GMC/NMC-registered and worked in NHS national hospitals, Ai Beauty provides certified and safe medical beauty treatments.
Ai Beauty always puts safety first. Not only are all medical staff insured by independent medical policy, each client who comes to Ai Beauty Clinic is also insured by £5 millions medical insurance. This full insurance coverage allows clients to have a concern-free treatment experience.
Ai Beauty Clinic has served over 15,000 clients from all around the world, been covered by some famous media such as European Times and CW Television, and established trust and an excellent reputation among them.