For those of us who may have had more margaritas and funnel cake than we’d like to admit this past 4th of July, we probably woke up the next day with our skin looking less than fantastic.

We tend to associate dull skin with the colder months of the year, but the warmer months can present their challenges, too. Besides indulging in a few too many drinks or sugary treats at backyard barbecues, things like running the air conditioner all night, salty air and water at the beach, and high temps outside can suck the moisture out of our bodies and skin.

While quick fixes aren’t recommended and can never take the place of a good skin care routine, there are a few tried and true tricks you can use to revive dull skin in just a few hours (because sometimes you just can’t avoid a late night or an extra slice of birthday cake).

Step 1 to Revive Dull Skin: Hydrate with a Tall Glass of Lemon Water

When we’re feeling dried out and dull, one of the reasons can be that our pH balance has gone a little… wonky.

The foods and beverages we ingest are either “acid-forming” or “alkaline-forming”, and while you do need a good balance of both, our body’s optimal pH level is 7.35, which is slightly alkaline. When we’re off kilter, we experience inflammation, stress, and if prolonged, we can even start to develop a number of chronic diseases or other uncomfortable issues.

In general, plant-based foods are more alkaline-forming, while animal products and processed foods are more acid-forming. 

So, the first step we should take when we wake up with crepey, puffy, or otherwise lifeless skin, is to up our alkaline-forming food and beverage intake. 

While you can certainly go pick up a fancy bottle or jug of alkaline water at the store, an easier, more affordable way to alkalize your cells is to drink a tall glass of lemon water (US News: Health). Although lemon is acidic in its natural form, it’s alkaline-forming in our bodies.

Step 2 to Revive Dull Skin: Skip the coffee

It’s not just about drinking more water, it’s also about what not to drink.

If your goal is to revive dull skin quickly, it’s best to skip your morning coffee. Caffeine is a diuretic, which draws water out of your body rather than keeping it in.

If you must have a caffeine kick, green tea is the best alternative. While it still contains some caffeine, it doesn’t contain as much as coffee and has much lower levels of acidity.

Step 3 to Revive Dull Skin: Eat a protein-rich breakfast

Refined sugars like those we find in breads, cereals, and sweets are (you guessed it) acid-forming. Beyond that, they can spike our blood sugar levels too quickly, and when our blood sugar levels go up or down too quickly, it sets off an inflammatory reaction in our bodies. 

That means that when you’re trying to give your skin a quick pick me up, it’s best to replace your morning bagel or croissant with something that will keep your blood sugar at a more even keel, like eggs, plain greek yogurt, or even fruits with lower sugar content like blueberries or melon.

If you don’t eat animal products, a plain, whole grain, slow-cooked oatmeal topped with berries and nuts can do the trick, too.

Step 4 to Revive Dull Skin: Get a quick workout or stretch in

Another way to bring life back to your skin is to get your blood pumping with a quick cardio workout or stretch.

Exercise boosts circulation, which makes it easier for your body to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and hormones that your skin needs to glow.

Your skin is your largest detoxifying organ, and when you sweat out the bad stuff, it’s easier for the good stuff to give you that glow you’re looking for. 

If you really had a late night and you aren’t feeling up to a full blown workout, there are plenty of 10-minute yoga sequences on YouTube like this one that will get you feeling more alive and will help wake up your skin.

Step 5 to Revive Dull Skin: Use the right products

Even though reviving dull skin is mostly an inside job, you can’t forget the outside!

Start your routine with a good exfoliant, like our fragrance-free, 50% organic Microdermabrasion Regenerative Cream. Not only will you scrub away dull, dead skin cells, but you’ll also pave the way for your serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper into your skin to make them more effective.

Next, if you have 10-15 minutes to spare, drench your skin in our Pink Clay Moisturizing Masque. Pink clay tightens, moisturizes, and detoxifies, making your skin look and feel more fresh and plump like you were lucky enough to enjoy a quick spa day.

Then, finish up with SMM’s Anti-Aging Firm & Facelift Rejuvenation Cream to combat crepey, dry skin before you apply any makeup.

And finally, get back to your normal routine!

While it’s totally possible to revive dull skin in a pinch, nothing can replace a healthy lifestyle and a good skin care routine. If you need help getting started with clean, organic skin care, check out our full selection here.

Xoxo, Barb