Dull, tired skin: how to bring back your glow

You put on foundation and it just sits there. Your skin looks flat, a little grey, and somehow older than last year, even though nothing dramatic has changed. Friends ask if you've been sleeping well. You have. If you've typed "how to get glowing skin" into Google more than once, you're in good company.

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In a Galderma survey of more than 11,000 people, 37% named dull skin as a top concern, and 40% named dry skin. The two often go together.

Why it happens

Dead cells build up. Skin renews itself more slowly with age, so old cells sit on the surface and scatter light instead of reflecting it.
Clogged pores. Make-up, sunscreen and city air settle in the pores. The skin looks uneven and loses its fresh look.
Dryness. Dehydrated skin looks flat and makes fine lines more visible.
Slow circulation. Less blood flow to the face means less colour, so the skin can look grey and tired.
Stress and sleep. Late nights and long weeks show up on the face first.

Quick self-check

Does your skin look better after a holiday than after a work week?
Run a clean finger across your cheek. Does it feel rough or uneven?
Does your make-up look patchy, even on a "good skin" day?
When did you last have a professional facial cleansing?

If you nodded at two or more, your skin probably needs a reset more than a new cream.

What you can do today

Cleanse gently every evening, even when you're tired. Double-cleanse if you wear SPF and make-up.
Exfoliate gently once or twice a week, not every day.
Apply moisturiser on slightly damp skin to lock in water.
Massage your face for 2 minutes in the morning: it wakes up circulation and brings back colour.
Wear SPF daily. Sun damage is one of the main causes of uneven, dull skin.

What our skin treatments do

At 360°FACE we have three treatments for dull, tired skin. Your therapist will suggest the one that fits your skin today.

Carboxytherapy (30 min, €35; €30 with a massage): a CO₂-based treatment that helps tired skin look fresher and more radiant. A good choice when your skin looks grey and lifeless.
Atraumatic facial cleansing (€50): a deep cleansing facial that clears the pores gently, without harsh squeezing. Ideal when your skin feels congested and uneven.
DTox peeling with massage (30 min, €40): a peel that lifts away dull surface cells, combined with a face massage for circulation and colour.

All three work best together with face massage: cleansing and peeling refresh the surface, massage brings blood flow and colour from within.

How to book it

Carboxytherapy, atraumatic cleansing and DTox peeling are available in Parede (Cascais) and Lisbon. Add carboxytherapy to any face massage and it costs €30 instead of €35.

Looking for a facial for dull skin in Lisbon, or a deep cleansing facial in Cascais? Book carboxytherapy · Book atraumatic facial cleansing · See all prices.

FAQ

Which treatment should I choose first? If your pores feel blocked, start with the atraumatic cleansing. If your skin looks grey and tired, try carboxytherapy with a massage. Your therapist will confirm at the start of the session.

Will my skin be red afterwards? It may look a little pink for a short time after cleansing or peeling. Plan a peel a few days before a big event, not the same day.

How often? A professional cleansing every few weeks keeps most skin clear. Your therapist will suggest a rhythm for carboxytherapy and peeling.

Who should wait? With inflamed skin, active acne flare-ups, a rash or an allergy, sunburn, or a fever or a contagious illness. If you have a skin condition, check with your dermatologist first.