The health of your skin reflects the health of your body. Dull skin can be the result of unhealthy lifestyles and habits. Understanding the causes of dull skin can help make changes in lifestyle which will go a long way in getting supple, healthy and glowing skin. See if you are you making these common mistakes leading to dull skin:

1. Drinking the wrong liquids

Dehydration of skin manifests in the form of flaky patches and uneven colouring. It is important to drink at least eight 16 oz. (0.5 litre) glasses of water a day. Strange as it may sound, some liquids can dehydrate the body at a faster rate. Coffee is a diuretic and causes the body to pass fluids at a greater speed thereby dehydrating it. Every cup of coffee, should be matched with an equal amount of water. The same applies to alcohol also. Try to limit alcohol intake while increasing the amount of water intake to keep the body hydrated.

2. Spending too much time in the sun

Spending too much time in the sun dries out the skin, despite frequently applying sunscreen. It makes the skin dull and dead. Try to limit sun exposure to a couple of hours at the most, and make sure to use sun protection.

3. Using makeup remover wipes instead of washing the face

A recent study found that while the makeup remover wipes can take makeup off, these can also spread it to the rest of the face. The alcohol present in the wipes which help break down the makeup can dry out the skin. After using a makeup remover wipe, follow it up by washing the face with a cleanser and applying a moisturiser before sleep.

4. Staying up late and waking up early

Sleep helps the body to rest and repair, and in turn repairs the skin as well. Cells get their most TLC during the night when the body can rejuvenate and rebuild itself. If the body doesn’t get sufficient restful sleep, it uses the energy to simply stay awake. Try to develop a habit of going to sleep at the same time each night and waking up around the same time each morning so that the body can get enough rest. This will make the skin look healthier.

5. Diet high in carbs and low in vegetables

Diets rich in refined carbs (“energy” bars and other processed snacks) are easy to eat on the go, but relying on these instead of fruits and vegetables for nutrients, take a toll on the skin. The sugars processed by the body goes directly to the skin, making the tone uneven and giving it an overall dull appearance.