Hi! I’m Dr Loo Keng Shien.

Here's Episode 25 of the Patient Mailbox series, where we collect handpicked questions submitted by patients suffering from various skin diseases and condition, and personally answer them with our best efforts. I hope to help any one of you who face challenges from similar situations.

Editor’s Note: Dr Loo Keng Shien is a Consultant Aesthetic Physician with a special interest in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine. She has highly certified qualifications from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, and in Practical Dermatology from Cardiff University. She currently practices at Peter Ch'ng Clinic Skin & Laser Specialist in Desa Park City.

Question:

Hi Dr Loo,

I’m Stelly, I’m 34 this year, and I have noticed my skin turning dull and my complexion is not so bright as before.

I haven’t always had the fairest of complexion or skin color, but my skin now has turned considerably darker and more dull in comparison to just a mere 2 or 3 years ago.

Does our skin darken with age? What are the causes of my dull skin? How can I get my dull skin to glow again?

Some people also say diet plays a role, like drinking milk can help my skin glow, is this true?

Answer:

Seeing our skin getting dull always makes us anxious and makes us wonder what causes this phenomenon.

However, to first answer the question on diet and our skin, I'd like to start with busting this myth - no, there is no relationship between diet and having a dull skin.

So does our skin darken with age? What are the causes of our dull skin?

Yes - our skin does darken as we age. This can be caused by sun exposure accumulated throughout the years or a lack of facial care at home.

This includes using wrong or unsuitable facial products, using inadequate moisturisers to protect our skin, and also not applying enough sunscreen or sunblock to protect our skin from the sun.

How can I get my dull skin to glow again?

Although it may sound mundane, basic facial care is essential in keeping our skin healthy and preventing dull skin. Daily cleansing, moisturising, and complete sun protection are important in keeping our skin from turning dull.

I also often receive enquiries asking about the efficacy of scrubbing. While scrubbing the face occasionally can help to clean clogged pores and cleanse the face, scrubbing too often or excessively can cause overly sensitive skin due to the constant trauma. So it is not encouraged.

How can I get my dull skin to glow again?

There are a few treatments that can help make your dull skin glow again. And I'll go through each of them one by one so that you have an idea of your options.

Medical grade facial treatments, including Silk Peel, can exfoliate the dead skin on the surface of our skin, and at the same time infuse an appropriate amount of chemical solution targeted for different skin types. So make sure you get your condition diagnosed by an experienced professional for the most suitable solution targeted for your skin type.

Some gentle lasers can also be used to treat dull skin with minimal downtime, like Copper Bromide Laser, Carbon Peel, Q-Switch Laser, and Laser Genesis.

Copper Bromide Laser treatment doesn't cause any pain, and is a pretty comfortable process, suitable especially for patients with darker skin tone looking to brighten the skin. Comparably, Q-switched Laser and Laser genesis may give you a treatment experience with a warmer sensation.

Carbon Peel is also another treatment that can help brighten up the skin, but only if it is done by good hands. It can cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation if it is wrongly set up! So always make sure you get your skin treatments done by verified aesthetic doctors or dermatologists!

Lastly, there's also the popular Chemical Peeling treatment which can brighten the skin, but it's not suitable for patients with sensitive skin because it can be a little harsh on the skin.

Most of these treatments are called lunchtime procedures, they can be done without any downtime. However, diligently taking care of your skin at home is important after the treatment to maintain the effects of the treatment.

Out of the treatments listed above, Silk Peel is often the most favourable among our patients because it is quick, has no downtime, and gives you an instant result.

Copper bromide laser is also a popular choice because it is the most comfortable laser among all. It is the preferred treatment choice of patients with a darker skin tone.

In any case, make sure to always make your choice sensibly by always putting safety your top priority - it's our top priority, too!

Stay tuned as we take a look at some of the myths of dull skin in the next issue.

See ya!

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Loo Keng Shien

Dr Loo Keng Shien is a medical aesthetic practitioner who loves to listen to patients' problems and find medical solutions to help in their skin and aesthetics journey. Dr Loo practises evidence-based medicine, and with her experience, she has listened to and helped numerous patients solve their skin problems or achieve their aesthetic expectations safely and effectively.