How To Get Your Glow Back

There’s no obvious breakout or dramatic change, your skin just feels flat, tired, and lacking the glow it once had. Makeup doesn’t sit as well, skin looks a little lifeless, and even good products don’t seem to make much difference.

Annoyingly, this is incredibly common as we get older. Dull skin isn’t a skin type and the good news is that it’s usually very fixable.

With all the glorious things that come with age, certain processes in the skin naturally start to slow down. Cell turnover reduces, meaning dead skin cells sit on the surface for longer, making skin look flat and tired. Circulation also slows, so skin loses some of that visible freshness. Hydration drops more easily, and collagen and elastin support gradually decline too.
I’ll stop there before you hate me!

The Good News

Dull skin isn’t something you have to accept. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference — and it’s rarely about doing more, just doing the right things.

1. Gently Encourage Cell Turnover

A gentle cleanser (AM & PM) helps remove surface SPF, makeup, and daily impurities from the skin. Cleansing morning and night is important to clear away every day build-up that can sit on the surface and in the pores. This is step one, getting consistent here really matters.

Next, let’s tackle cell renewal. As this naturally slows with age, gentle, and I really do mean gentle exfoliation becomes key. This doesn’t mean strong acids or harsh scrubs. Think regular, skin-respecting exfoliation that removes dead skin cells without disrupting the skin barrier.

I personally love Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, but I usually advise my clients that 2–3 times a week is plenty. I also recommend using it in the evening, as it helps remove the day’s build-up and leaves skin feeling smoother and brighter without overdoing it. This rice-based powder activates on contact with water, releasing gentle exfoliating enzymes such as papain, along with salicylic acid and rice enzymes, to smooth and refine the skin without stripping it.

2. Prioritise Hydration (Not Heaviness)

Well-hydrated skin reflects light better. Focus on hydrating serums, humectants, and barrier support rather than piling on thick creams. Hydration serum first like a hydraulic acid, then seal it in with a moisturiser.

BioLumin-C Gel Moisturiser is a great option for anyone wanting brighter, more hydrated skin without heaviness. The lightweight gel texture absorbs easily, making it particularly suitable for skin that feels dull, dehydrated, or weighed down by richer creams.

It contains a stable form of vitamin C to help support brightness and overall skin vitality, while also helping to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The result is skin that looks fresher and more radiant, while still feeling comfortable and hydrated.

I like this type of formula for clients who want glow and hydration without congestion.

3. Support Circulation

Healthy glow comes from movement beneath the skin. Facial massage, professional treatments, and consistent LED therapy all help boost circulation and bring life back to the complexion.

4. Use Antioxidants Wisely

Ingredients like vitamin C can help protect the skin and support brightness over time. Used correctly, they can really lift a dull complexion without irritating it. However, vitamin C isn’t suitable for everyone.

For some skins ,particularly sensitive, reactive, or barrier-impaired skin — vitamin C can cause tingling, stinging, redness, or irritation, especially in stronger or poorly formulated products. Always patch test where possible.

5. Be Consistent

Brighter skin isn’t created overnight. The best results come from steady, supportive routines rather than quick fixes or aggressive products.