Priorities
Dull, tired skin
Skin that looks flat, grayish, or tired, with makeup that no longer sits smoothly.
Dull skin isn’t about a specific line or spot. The complexion looks flat or slightly gray, makeup goes on patchy, and you can look tired even when you feel rested. Common causes include dry indoor heat through the winter months and cell turnover that naturally slows with age. It usually responds well to treatment.
A facial or a light exfoliating treatment is usually the best place to start.
What we'd want you to know
No need for a device if a facial does the job
We’d suggest starting with a HydraFacial with our medical esthetician. It exfoliates with a spiral tip and suction, clears out pores, and delivers hydrating serum into freshly cleared skin. Skin looks brighter right away with no downtime, and the effect lasts about a week. Sessions every four to six weeks build on those results.
If peach fuzz is making makeup cling, dermaplaning removes the top layer of dead skin and the fine hair in 30 minutes. And if the dullness is more about uneven tone, a light VI Peel can do what the HydraFacial’s peel step can’t.
How we decide
First, we’ll ask what you’re using at home. A lot of dull skin is really a barrier problem: too many actives, hot water on your face every day, or skipping moisturizer while indoor heating dries out the air. Adjusting your routine costs nothing, so we start there before recommending treatment.
If your skin feels dry and congested, a HydraFacial is a good place to start. A randomized study of 20 women found six hydradermabrasion sessions increased epidermal thickness and antioxidant levels on biopsy, with less dullness and smaller pores, per the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. It was a small study, but it suggests that HydraFacial works best as a series of surface treatments.
If the surface feels rough and fuzzy, dermaplaning on its own or added to your HydraFacial helps makeup go on smoothly, and it won’t make hair grow back thicker. If your tone is uneven, a light VI Peel, with a few days of flaking, will do more than either one.
Your questions, answered
Should I get a HydraFacial before an event?
Yes, it works well before an event. Aim for two or three days before. You may be slightly pink for an hour or two, and your skin looks brighter right away. Avoid trying a peel for the first time in the two weeks before an event, since the flaking is visible.
HydraFacial or dermaplaning, which is better for dull skin?
It depends on what your skin needs: HydraFacial if it’s dry and congested, dermaplaning if it’s fuzzy and rough. Many people combine both in the same visit, and you can ask about the combination at your consult. Our HydraFacial cadence guide explains how to space them out.
Can I do this on a lunch break?
Yes. A Signature HydraFacial takes 30 to 45 minutes, and dermaplaning takes 30. There’s free parking right outside Suite C, most visits are done within the hour, and you can wear makeup afterward.
Related treatments
From the clinic
Treatment guides · 5 min read
How often should you get a HydraFacial? A realistic maintenance calendar
Most people do best with a HydraFacial about once a month: every 4 weeks while you're clearing congestion or dullness, closer to 6 once you're maintaining,…
Compare and decide · 6 min read
Morpheus8 vs microneedling: which one you actually need
Many people who ask about Morpheus8 are better suited to microneedling with PRP. The choice usually comes down to your main concern. Loose skin (jowls, neck,…