The Best Brightening Products for Dull, Aging Skin, According to Dermatologists

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Composite image of woman applying skin cream and skincare products — Photo: GETTY IMAGES

We're all searching for ways to keep our complexion radiant and bright, especially as we age. Doing so involves combatting dullness, a broad skin-related term that may actually be the sum of other issues.

Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of PillowTalkDerm, defines dullness as an uneven complexion with brown patches, discoloration, or pigmentation. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, this condition occurs when cell turnover slows (this happens when we age!), resulting in a build-up of skill cells on the surface of our faces and reduced radiance. Other causes, she says, include sun damage, environmental stressors, and dehydration.

Conditions such as melasma, a hormonal form of pigmentation that worsens with stress, sun exposure, heat, and thyroid disorders, may also be to blame, adds Dr. Idriss.

Brightening Ingredients to Look For

If you want to brighten your skin, exfoliants are best. These actives eliminate dead skin cells and leave a brighter, more radiant complexion in their wake, Dr. Garshick explains. You can look to physical exfoliants to mechanically buff away these cells or to chemical iterations, such as glycolic and salicylic acid, to weaken the bonds between the dead skin cells and slough them away.

Exfoliants aren't your only option: Both Dr. Idriss and Dr. Garshick say to scan products for the following brightening, pigmentation-combatting ingredients while you shop:

Vitamin C
Retinoids
Kojic acid
Alpha arbutin
Tranexamic acid
Lactic acid
Licorice root extract
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid
SPF

Don't Overdo It

Dr. Garshick warns against using too many exfoliating products at the same time, which can be counterproductive and contribute to irritation and redness. Dina Strachan, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Skin Of Color Society (SOCS) member, agrees and recommends searching for the root cause of your dullness before reaching for exfoliating products that might cause irritation.

For example, if dullness is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, she says, ingredients like retinoids and salicylic and glycolic acids may actually cause a flare. "It's like putting alcohol on intact skin versus scratched skin. It burns," she says.

Ingredients to Avoid

If you're hoping to brighten a dull complexion, stay away from products or ingredients that might strip your skin of natural oils. Dr. Garshick notes that harsh soaps or abrasive scrubs can use micro-tears in the skin barrier and lead to dryness, resulting in a less radiant complexion overall.

The Best Brightening Skin Care Products

Luckily, it's fairly easy to incorporate a brightening skin care product into your routine. Don't know where to start? We asked dermatologists to share the dullness-fighting formulas they personally recommend to their patients.

Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial

$70, sephora.com

"This formula combines exfoliating acids, including glycolic, salicylic, and polyhydroxy acids, with hydrating polyglutamic acid to help brighten the skin without leading to irritation," says Dr. Garshick. "It also incorporates exfolactive, a natural extract from the prickly pear cactus. Together, these ingredients eliminate dead skin cells, so the skin appears less dull."

She recommends using this product once a week for refreshed and renewed skin.

PillowtalkDerm Major Fade Solution System

$174, pillowtalkderm.com

Dr. Idriss' newest line, PillowtalkDerm, is all about targeting hyperpigmentation, and its solution system is a one-stop shop for your brightening needs. "It's a simplified three-step solution for dull skin, including a kitchen sink of ingredients necessary to tackle pigmentation," she says.

In this set, you get a mask, serum, and moisturizer filled with brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids, niacinamide, and glycerin to help fade discoloration and illuminate the dermis.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Facial Moisturizer

$16.99, amazon.com

Dr. Strachan recommends this aptly-named hydrator. It contains a soy complex that not only improves the appearance of dull skin, but also events out tone and reduces the signs of aging, like fine lines.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

$18.79, amazon.com

Dr. Garshick likes this serum, which boasts encapsulated retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness. It is also packed with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to strengthen the barrier and hydrate.

Paula's Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster

$55, sephora.com

Bookmark Dr. Idriss' pick from Paula's Choice: The booster contains vitamin C for brightening, but also has ferulic acid to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Its hyaluronic acid content provides hydration and improves overall texture.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum

$78, sephora.com

Dr. Garshick suggests scooping up this vitamin C serum for its maximum potency. It contains 15% vitamin C and is packed with antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin E and ferulic acid—so it brightens and protects. It comes with a liquid base, which you mix in upon application, to ensure freshness (vitamin C can destabilize over time).

Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow

$42, dermstore.com

Yes, SPF can improve dull skin—and Dr. Garshick suggests this one for daily use. The mineral sunscreen contains antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stressors and fight dullness. As an added bonus, it has a dewy finish and can be worn alone or under makeup.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension Brightening Cream

$10, ulta.com

Azelaic acid can lead to better, brighter skin, and Dr. Idriss likes this lightweight cream which is packed with it. The formula contains 10% azelaic acid to boost radiance and improve texture. It also leaves skin feeling super soft and smooth.

Caire Beauty Beauty Triple Lift Molecule Mask

$52, cairebeauty.com

Dr. Strachan recommends this mask, which contains hyaluronic acid, red algae, and fermented polysaccharides for hydration, improved texture, and tightening. It will leave skin looking firm and bright—and makes for an indulgent at-home facial experience.

Skinmedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

$48, dermstore.com

If you're looking for an exfoliating cleanser, this is Dr. Strachan's pick. It contains a mix of salicylic, lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic acids to provide a boost in radiance and smooths out texture so you're left with an ultra-soft, even canvas. If that long list of acids scare you, don't fret: The formula's jojoba oil and lavender extract calm inflammation.

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