After a long, tedious day at work, have you ever looked at yourself and said, “Ahh! What do I do to get rid of this dull skin?” Dull, lifeless skin is a common concern for people of all ages and gender. Not only does it impact our mood, but it also makes us lose confidence. So, to answer your most asked question, we have curated an easy routine that you can use anytime to revive dull skin. Check it out now.

Reasons you may experience dull skin

Before diving into how you can take care of dull skin, you must know what causes it in the first place. Here are some of the common reasons:

• Due to pollution, and dirt, the top layer of your skin, that you can see, can have too much build-up and that’s what results in dull skin.
• As you age, your skin’s cell regeneration process slows down and this results in loss of collagen production, which may make your skin look dull.
• If you have dehydrated skin that lacks moisture, it may appear dry, dull, and pale. Dehydrated skin could also be the result of excessive smoking.
• Frequent worrying about things can be a huge bummer for your skin as it reduces blood flow to your skin, making it look less lively.
• If you suffer from insomnia and skimp on sleep, its results can easily appear on your skin, making it look dry, dull and uneven.

The perfect 5 step routine to instantly revive dull skin

1. Make double cleansing your bestie

If you only cleanse your skin once at night and complain about having dull skin, then you have to try double cleansing! In double cleansing, you use a balm/oil cleanser as the first step and then a gel/foam cleanser as your second step.

Without proper cleansing, the pores remain blocked which further weighs down your skin and your complexion looks dull. Incorporate our Daily Duet Face Wash in your routine to eliminate all the toxins through your pores. It effectively cleanses your skin without stripping the natural oils off your face and is suitable for all skin types!

2. Use a face mask to wipe out the impurities

The easiest way to make your skin look brighter is by using a face mask! Everyone has that one face mask that they can rely on to take care of their dull skin. If you haven’t found one, just DIY it! Take some Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti), mix in some water and apply the paste for 10 mins.

Pro tip: If you have had an extremely frantic day, take nice and relaxing steam before and while you apply the face mask. It’s sure to calm your nerves!

3. Start your skincare routine with a hydrating serum

Dull skin can be the result of dehydrated and parched skin, so using a hydrating toner and a serum after cleansing can be game-changing. Use serums that comprise hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Peptides, etc.

Incorporate a Vitamin C serum in your daily skincare routine to bring that dull skin back to life. Since this ingredient alone can fight free radicals and wrinkles, you won’t have to whine over dullness.

4. Make moisturization your mantra

No matter what skin type you have, you just cannot skip over moisturizer. In fact, no skincare routine is ever complete without it. Using a barrier repair moisturizer like our Ceramide Supercream twice, every day is like a Skin-vestment. It keeps your skin barrier healthy, which instantly makes your skin from dull to daisy!

5. Finish it up with SPF in daytime

Most skincare and beauty enthusiasts who keep up with the trends have heard of “glass skin”. It is the hydrating skincare technique introduced in K-Beauty. The method has inspired many different products available in the market today. Achieving glass-like reflective and radiant skin, irrespective of the skin tone is the new trend in the beauty world.

Unlike the Korean skin tone, Asians and Indians have more colour- golden and shades of brown are the normal skin tone in this part of the world. The pristine perfection of glass skin on women of colour appears like liquid gold and hence the name. Let us delve further into understanding the concept and how to achieve this perfection.

What is liquid gold skin exactly?

The glass skin trend lacks representation from various parts of the world. Thus, many often believe that reflective radiance is not suited for brown or yellow-toned skin. But on the contrary, the trend is suitable for all and among women of colour, the radiance is quite similar to liquid gold.

When you look for glass skin, the trend is usually portrayed through lighter skin tone hence, it may be difficult to understand how it may appear on women of colour. This is where the concept of liquid gold skin comes into play. It is much more attainable and alluring among women of colour.

Best way to achieve that 'liquid gold skin'

The glass skin trend is a result of an elaborate eight-step skincare routine. However, achieving liquid gold skin is a much more sustainable process. Though it is often said that a 45 to a 60-minute skincare routine is needed to achieve such radiance, there are ways to make the process simpler and more practical. Here are the steps you can follow to achieve that “liquid gold skin”:

1.Begin with Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the first step towards making your skin smooth and all prepped up for the next steps. Depending on your skin type, facial masking or chemical exfoliation are ideal ways to prep the skin. Face shaving also removes dead skin cells to some extent and also smooths the skin further.

We have shared some tips and benefits of Face shaving in this article here: Decoding Face Shaving & Dermaplaning: How are they different? be insightful to create a holistic skincare regime at home. 

2.Make way for antioxidants 

Antioxidants are food for the skin that keeps it hydrated and protected from free radicals. The darker skin tones are more prone to dryness thus including a product that has antioxidants give the perfect boost to your skin. Vitamin C is a good source of antioxidants for your skin. Include our oh so lovely C For Yourself Vitamin C serum and achieve the liquid gold perfection.

3.Go all-in with hydration

Layering hydrating products not only improves the overall health of the skin but also helps you achieve that liquid gold skin. Hence, follow a simple routine that includes hydrating toners, serums, and moisturizers one after the other.

A great choice to make sure skin stays hydrated for a long time is using our Ceramide Supercream twice, daily. It is a superb moisturizer for daily use that keeps your skin soft and supple and your skin barrier healthy! 

4.Focus on specific ingredients

It is important to consider your skincare ingredients when you are following a skincare routine. Understanding your skin type is the first step towards selecting products for skincare.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most versatile ingredients that are very suitable for melanin-rich skin. It hydrates and helps to prevent aging. Similarly, Ceramides are the building blocks of your skin that help to retain the lustre and structure. Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 is also popular for melanin-rich skin as it prevents ehydration. Few more ingredients like olive oil, rosehip oil and peptides are elemental nutrition for the coloured skin. 

5.Healthy skin is happy skin

Apart from topical application, specific attention to diet and lifestyle can make a significant difference to your skin health. Drinking sufficient amounts of water and indulging in a healthy and balanced diet is the key to healthy and happy skin. Practice facial massage routines or use a Gua sha to retain the suppleness of your skin. 

Here is a detailed guide on Face tools like Gua sha and Jade rollers and how to use them the right way: Skin tools to help you de-puff and de-stress.

6.Make SPF your best buddy

Using a sunscreen or SPF-induced product is a must even for melanin-rich skin. Unlike the myth that brown people do not need SPF, it is an essential item for everyone irrespective of skin type or weather. A good quality sunscreen with high SPF is the best way to prevent external damage. Our CoverUp Sunscreen is your best bet when it comes to choosing an appropriate sunscreen. It not only protects your skin from sun damage but also from the harmful pollution and blue lights emitted from the skin.

If you are maintaining all these things daily, your skin will eventually recover and you can get that liquid gold glow that is so much coveted all over the world.

We are always in search of viable and effective skincare solutions. These days, the market is flooded with many products derived from a variety of ingredients. One such is our personal favorite, Vitamin C, which is proven to be effectively beneficial for all skin types. From brightening the skin to fighting signs of ageing and stimulating collagen production, Vitamin C does it all.

It is available in the form of facial serums, gels, and even creams these days, which can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine. Moreover, ingesting Vitamin C is also effective along with topical application to achieve promising results.

We’ve answered all the burning questions going through your mind about Vitamin C serum, its benefits, side effects, types, what to mix & whatnot, and much more. Check them out right here!

What is Vitamin C?

Starting with the most basic question: What’s Vitamin C? Well, it is a potent antioxidant that helps to fight the signs of ageing, fine lines, and wrinkles. It is also called L-ascorbic acid and is a water-soluble, lightweight vitamin that naturally occurs in various citrus fruits.

The human body and even animals are unable to naturally synthesize the vitamin and hence require supplements and topical application to reap its benefits. It is essential for the growth, development, and repair of body tissues. One can derive it from their daily diet by intaking citric fruits or in the form of supplements. Other than that, many topical products have this ingredient in them, and they are equally effective.

What are the benefits of Vitamin C serum? 

Vitamin C serums have gained immense popularity over the years for their many benefits. All these benefits together make it a potent choice for all skin types. Here are a few benefits which are universal to all skin types and can persuade you to include Vitamin C face serum in your skincare routine:

• Vitamin C face serums are mild and safe enough for most skin types. They are also suitable for use along with other soothing skincare ingredients such as Niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic acid.
• It is extremely hydrating in the form of ascorbic acid and is absorbed thoroughly through topical application. It also helps to reduce transepidermal water loss or TEWL and helps the skin retain moisture better.
• Vitamin C face serum helps to fade hyperpigmentation over time and eventually leaves it much brighter and even-toned.
• When the correct formulation is used, it soothes irritated skin and reduces redness as it acts as an antioxidant. It also neutralizes the free radicals that lead to oxidative damage.
• Vitamin C helps to reduce melanin production, which in turn reduces hyperpigmentation. It contains an enzyme known as tyrosinase which is used for treating hyperpigmented spots.
• Vitamin C promotes collagen production by accelerating collagen synthesis in the body. Over the years, collagen synthesis slows down, which leads to ageing.
• When you pair Vitamin C with sunscreen in the daytime, its efficacy is increased, and your skin is protected from sun damage.
• Vitamin C serum, when used as an eye cream, can be proven highly beneficial in targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and other concerns.

Read More: Benefits of Using Vitamin C Serum

What are the side effects of Vitamin C?

Everything has a good and a bad side to it. Vitamin C is packed with many benefits but has a few side effects as well. It is a generally well-tolerated ingredient and is considered safe for all skin types. It does not cause any side effects on most skin types, but sensitive skin has always had its limitations.

Those with sensitive skin types often experience irritation, redness, and itchiness when exposed to Vitamin C. However, it all comes down to the strength and composition of the Vitamin C face serum. High vitamin C concentration can adversely affect extremely sensitive skin when used incorrectly. Hence, it is important to always start with low concentrations and then make your way up to higher, more effective, and safe formulations. 

Another side effect that many users complain about is the yellowing effect of the skin and other surfaces with which it comes in contact. It can cause stinging and dryness though these are extremely rare symptoms. 

Caution should be taken, especially when it is being used under the eyes. In short, the side effects are mostly witnessed in the sensitive skin type. Therefore, by choosing the right variant and concentration of Vitamin C serum carefully for your skin, you can avoid these side effects.

Read More: Mistakes to Avoid While Using Vitamin C Serum

How to use vitamin c serum?

1)Cleanse your face

Whether you’ve spent the entire day out with friends or doing work, it must have tired you out. But along with you, there is also an organ that is exhausted. From facing pollutants and gathering dirt and grime throughout the day, it needs a fresh cleanse to revitalize it. That's your skin. It is very important to use a cleanser that will remove all the dirt but be gentle while doing so. You can include Foxtale's Daily duet cleanser to help unclog pores and leave you with glowy skin. 

Buy Now: Rs 349/-

2) Apply the vitamin C serum

Now that your face is a fresh canvas for you to layer all the products in, you can start your routine by applying the vitamin C serum. Do your skin a favor and use Foxtale's C for yourself vitamin C serum. Not only will it make your skin appear younger, but it will also protect you from sun damage. 

Buy Now: Rs 595/-

3) Use a moisturizer 

With winter officially here, your skin needs extra care and nourishment. Using a moisturizer is important as it will help in locking in moisture, keeping it hydrated for a long time. Incorporating Foxtale's ceramide supercream will help give a smoother skin texture and maintain its barrier.

Buy Now: Rs 445/-

4) Protect with SPF

Your entire skincare routine will be ineffective if you don't apply sunscreen. When you're out in the sun the entire day, you are exposing yourself to harmful UV rays, which can have a harmful impact on the skin. Protecting yourself with sunscreen, like Foxtale's dewy finish sunscreen, will shield your skin from UVA+ UVB rays and reverse free radical damage. 

Buy Now : Rs 675/-

Conclusion

Vitamin C serum can benefit numerous skin types and is regarded as a great weapon to possess against anti-ageing. Incorporating the serum into your skincare routine offers you a plethora of benefits, from fading hyperpigmentation to promoting collagen production; this versatile ingredient deserves a place in your skincare cupboard. To be on the safer side, it is recommended to conduct a patch test first to ensure your skin has no adverse reaction to the product. Always ensure to pair Vitamin C serum with sunscreen to reap the maximum benefits!

While the bedtime skincare routine is considered the most effective, some of you might just want to dive into the bed without a care for the world. But leaving your skin unhappy without its daily nutrients retaliates with dryness, fine lines, and excess oil the next day.

This is where finding effective ingredients which require minimal time to work with maximum impact on your skin comes in handy. If you smartly design the skincare routine and ingredients throughout the night, you can derive the maximum benefits from your products. Let’s take a look at the skincare ingredients that work best as overnight treatments and how they do this magic!

Ingredients to include in your night-time skincare 

Before diving right into the list of ingredients, let’s understand why nighttime skincare is essential. Skincare during the nighttime gets more time and relaxation to get absorbed by your skin. As you sleep and are not exposed to external radicals, the skincare products are better absorbed and get more time to make a better impact on your skin.

We have listed five such ingredients which are highly effective provided they get enough time to get absorbed by your skin. As a result, you can experience the benefits when they are included in your nighttime skincare routine.

#1 Retinol

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is one of the BEST ingredients to incorporate in your night skincare. It is known to brighten the skin and help to treat breakouts while refining the overall texture of the skin. It has many derivatives like retinoids which are more concentrated and hence suitable to treat moderate to severe skin damage. Retinol is much milder and is highly recommended for daily use.

Usually, a formulation with a 2-3% concentration of retinol is good enough for any skin type. However, if you are just starting, less than 1% is recommended. It is mildly exfoliating and works best overnight to steadily minimize the signs of aging and skin damage.

#2 Lactic acid

Lactic acid is known to be a very gentle yet effective form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid that improves the skin texture and exfoliates the skin. Since it is derived from milk, it doesn’t dry out your skin, in fact, it improves the skin’s moisture level and hydration naturally. Lactic acid-infused serums act the best overnight and can show visible radiance and softness with consistent usage.

This ingredient is water-soluble and hence dissolves the impurities that help the dead skin cells cling to your skin at surface level. As a result, the skin texture gets smooth, hyperpigmentation and acne scars are reduced and it makes your skin glow like never before! A bonus- There will be no redness or discomfort in using Lactic acid, unlike other chemical exfoliants.

#3 Ceramides

You might already know that ceramides are the building blocks of your skin. But did you know that with age, the natural collagen production in the body slows down and the skin loses its elasticity? Giving your skin what it needs with topical products is effective to keep your skin taut and youthful.

Ceramides help to lock the moisture and act as a barrier against environmental damage. When you slather on our Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer at night, the skin gets enough time to absorb the product and its benefits. Thus, in the morning, the skin is hydrated enough.

#4 Peptides

Just like collagen and ceramides, Peptides also occur naturally in the skin. Peptides are a type of amino acid that helps to make up certain skin proteins. It stimulates/triggers the skin to produce more collagen, making it a perfectly complementing ingredient alongside collagen products. Peptides also help to improve the skin barrier and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As a result, the skin stays more elastic. Last but not the least, it minimizes inflammation.

One of the best parts about it is it can work well with any other ingredient! Using peptides in your nighttime skincare routine alongside ceramides and retinol is the best way to get the maximum benefit out of it.

#5 Hydrogenated olive oil

The hydrogenated olive oil contains many beneficial fatty acids that can get absorbed easily in the skin and heal dry skin particularly well. Products with this ingredient when used at night form a layer on the skin which improves moisture retention. This property makes it extremely hydrating and moisturizing on the skin. It is considered four times more effective than squalene.

Just like squalane, hydrogenated olive oil does not make your skin greasy. But it is capable of healing even the driest skin. Using products with hydrogenated olive oil such as our Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer as a part of the nighttime skincare routine ensures maximum benefit.

Why do some ingredients work best at night?

With different types of skincare products available, one may wonder why some ingredients work best during specific times. Sun, heat, pollution, and other environmental aggressors can lead to many chemical changes in the products being used.

For example, retinol is most suitable for nighttime. This is because retinol increases the sun sensitivity of the skin. As a result, tanning and skin irritation can get aggravated when you are going out in the sun right after using retinol-based products. Another reason why some ingredients work best at night is that they get enough time to get absorbed. Although you can use some of these ingredients in the daytime, they need to work deeper within the skin layers to eradicate major skin problems and hence they are most effective when given the required time.

In short, one can rightly say that overnight skin treatments should be used after proper research and understanding. If you understand why a specific product is more suitable for a nighttime skincare routine, choosing them correctly is much easier.