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.

A popular active, Vitamin C graces the labels of many skincare staples. From an everyday cleanser to a pick-me-up sheet mask and everything in between. But is Vitamin C worth the hype, especially for folks with underlying sensitivities? The answer is a resounding yes.  

This blog takes you through the many benefits of Vitamin C for everyday use. We then introduce the best Vit C serum for everyday use and help you make the best of it. 

What is Vitamin C? 

As discussed earlier, Vitamin C is an efficacious active ingredient. It is naturally found in the skin – the dermis and epidermis specifically. However, factors like pollution, exposure to UV rays, and even ageing can deplete these levels.  

The omnipresent ingredient is power-packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. How do these traits benefit your skin? We will discuss this later in this article. 

Read More: Detailed guide on what is Vitamin c serum

Benefits Of Vitamin C 

The popularity of Vit C is attributed to the sheer number of benefits it offers. Ahead, we discuss the most common ones -

1. Vitamin C brightens your skin: If you struggle with dark spots and pigmentation, try Vitamin C today. Topical application of this active ingredient inhibits melanin synthesis in the skin cells, ensuring an even, bright complexion.  

2. Vitamin C reverses skin ageing: Want your skin to age more gracefully? Add Vitamin C to your morning/evening skincare routine. It enhances Collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and more.  

3. Vitamin C fights aggressors: We know that Vitamin C possesses incomparable antioxidant properties. It plays a pivotal role in averting free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to the skin. 

4. Vitamin C soothes inflammation: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C reduces redness, rashes, hives and more – making it the perfect fit for sensitive skin. 

5. Vitamin C fades acne spots with time: If you are tired of acne spots and scars pulling focus from your beautiful face, try Vitamin C. It ensures healthy cellular renewal, fading spots and blemishes. 

Read More: Detailed guide on benefits of Vitamin C 

How Much Vitamin C Should I Use? 

There seems to be uncertainty around the concentration of Vitamin C fit for different skin types. If you plan on using the serum format of the ingredient, try Foxtale’s innovative formula. It boasts 15% L-Ascorbic Acid that is stabilized for higher efficiency. Undoubtedly, the most potent form of Vit C – it shows visible results in the first 5 uses. 

Is 15% Vitamin C too much for sensitive skin? 

 No, our serum has been created with all skin types in mind. Moreover, Foxtale’s Vitamin C boasts an emollient-rich formula that deeply nourishes the skin while reducing irritation (or inflammation). It is the perfect addition to your vanity of sensitive skin products. 

Why Pick Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum? 

If you want to add a Vitamin C Serum to your daily skincare, we recommend Foxtale’s innovative formulation. Here are all the reasons our Vitamin C Serum stands tall in the market.

1. Unique gel-trap technology: Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum uses a unique gel-trap technology that combines Vit C with antioxidant Vitamin E. This ensures better (and quicker) absorption of the serum across the lipid barrier, adding to its efficacy.  

2. Shields skin against pollutants and dust: Our emollient-rich formula sits on the lipid barrier and shields it from aggravating pollutants. Layer it with your SPF to minimize the damage caused by harmful UV rays.  

3. Promotes healthy skin: Vitamin E in the formula ensures long-lasting moisturization for the skin, keeping it soft, supple, and taut.  

4. Sits in an airless pump: Vitamin C is prone to oxidization by air, heat and sunlight. This hampers the efficacy of the active ingredient and doesn’t deliver the desired results. To prevent this problem, Foxtale’s Vitamin C sits in an airless pump. 

Read More: Guide on Foxtale's Vitamin C Serum

How To Use Vitamin C? 

If you want to reap the many benefits of Vitamin C, we recommend using it in your AM/PM routine. For those looking to build their routine from scratch, you may refer to the following model. 

1. Cleansing: Cleansing is often the most overlooked step in a skincare routine. It washes away dirt, impurities, and grime effectively. But that’s not all. With the right cleanser, you can address concerns like dehydration, dullness, acne and more from the get-go.   

Since a cleanser wields immense power, we are bringing only the best ones for you. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid. Alternatively, for oily or combination skin, we recommend our Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid. 

2. Treating: Once your skin is dry, take 2 to 3 pumps of the Vitamin C Serum and dab it on your face. Never go overboard with the formulation as it may cause accidental flare-ups or inflammation. 

3 Moisturizing: After the serum absorbs into your skin, massage a dollop of your fave moisturizer. This step creates a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Moreover, a potent moisturizer also defers skin ageing, soothes inflammation, and makes your skin appear more youthful. 

If you have dry skin, try Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides. For oily (or combination skin), we recommend the Oil Free Moisturizer. If you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, try our Skin Repair Cream. 

4. Sun Blocking: A sunscreen is non-negotiable in your skincare. It shields the skin against UVA and UVB rays, preventing episodes of damage (re: tanning, burns, photoaging, and more).  

You can pick from a selection of top-notch sunscreens that Foxtale carries. Try Dewy Sunscreen for dry skin, Matte Sunscreen for oily skin and Glow sunscreen for all skin types. 

Regardless of skin type, we are all seeking formula(s) to help attain ‘that coveted’ glow. Well, we at Foxtale pride ourselves on always being a step ahead. So, keep reading to learn what will make your combination skin glow like never before.  

Before we get to the cheat sheet jam-packed with Foxtale bestsellers, let's take a look at combination skin. We also understand the unique challenges faced by skin type. Will these concerns dictate our approach to glow? Will Vitamin C for the skin reign supreme as always? Let’s find out.

What Is Combination Skin?  

In simple terms, combination skin has the characteristics of oily and dry skin. You may notice extreme oiliness on the T-zone, forehead, and chin while your cheeks stay relatively dry. It goes without saying that combination skin requires formulations that cut excess sebum while ensuring long-lasting hydration for the skin.

How To Identify If Your Skin Type Is Combination?  

Aside from a never-ending shine on the T-zone, forehead, chin and flaky, rough spots everywhere else on the face – here’s how you can discern if your skin type is combination.

1. Enlarged pores: Since combination skin carries overactive sebaceous glands (in and around certain areas), you may see enlarged pores on the T-zone, chin or forehead.

2. Whiteheads, blackheads or even acne: The never-ending slick on the face may attract dirt, pollutants and other pollutants when outside. This buildup of keratin and excess sebum may clog the pores, leading to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads or even acne.

3. Non-uniform skin texture during the transitional season: If you grapple with combination skin, you might notice uneven oily production/ flaky texture throughout your skin. This problem becomes more prominent during the transitional season. For example, during summers, the oily parts of the face seem greasier while the flaky patches seem more normal and vice versa.

So, What Ingredients Make The Combination Skin Glow?

If you want to bestow a soft radiance on your combination skin, here are the ingredients you can swear by -

1. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid fits perfectly into your combination skincare routine. Topical application of the active ingredient revives the dry and rough patches on the skin. HA also helps regulate sebum production in problem areas like the T-zone, forehead and chin. The powerful humectant binds almost X1000 water molecules in its weight to the skin, making it appear more elastic, supple, and bright.

2. Niacinamide: Niacinamide, the skincare all-rounder, reduces dark spots and patches while boosting your skin’s latent glow. But what makes this ingredient a great match for the combination skin type? Well, Niacinamide blots excess oil and prevents clogged pores while maintaining ample hydration in the skin. Talk about hitting that sweet spot.

3. Glycolic Acid: Unleash your skin’s glow potential with Glycolic Acid. A type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid buffs your skin’s outermost layer. Results? A renewed glow that turns many heads. The gentle exfoliant removes oil and buildup without making your skin feel stripped.

4. Vitamin C: Does the holy grail of brightening, Vitamin C, work for combination skin? The answer is a resounding yes. Vitamin C’s topical application inhibits melanin synthesis to fight dark spots and pigmentation while enhancing your skin’s glow. Moreover, its ability to unclog pores and ensure long-lasting moisturization helps you cinch that balance.

5. Retinol: Retinol helps shed unwarranted buildup and dead cells on the dermis, revealing a clean, bright surface. You may use the age-reversing ingredient to get your glow on. However, to eliminate possible episodes of inflammation, we recommend conducting a patch test first.

What Is The Best Glow-Up Routine For Combination Skin 

If you’re well-versed in the ingredients to get glowing skin, let’s incorporate them in your daily skincare with 4 simple steps. Scroll ahead for the best skincare products for combination skin.

1. Cleanse-cleanse-cleanse: Start by cleansing your skin to remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the skin. For combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash STAT. This face wash for pimples removes excess oil, soothes inflammation, and prevents breakouts. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide improve your skin’s water-holding capacity.

2. Get your glow on: Now, for the most important step – use a treatment of choice to get your glow on. If your secondary skin concern is premature ageing, pick Vitamin C or Retinol. For instantaneous oil control, we recommend Foxtale’s 12% Niacinamide Serum. For an intense hydration booster along with glow, try our Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

3. Moisturize well: Once your serum sinks in, use a moisturizing formula to seal the actives for prolonged periods. To maximize your skin’s radiance, we recommend Foxtale’s Glow Moisturizer. It contains Peptides, Vitamin C, and Niacinamide that fight dark spots for a long-lasting glow. Moreover, the efficient formula makes your skin firm, improves texture and upholds the lipid barrier.

4. SPF-SPF-SPF: Next, slather two fingers’ of sunscreen. Since we want to unlock the latent glow without compromising on sun protection, add Foxtale’s Glow Sunscreen for your skincare. Infused with Niacinamide and Vitamin C, the formula fades pigmentation, brightens the skin, and regulates sebum production. We love how the sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving a dreaded whitecast or greasy feeling.

Read More: 
1.  Guide of Combination Skin
2. Solutions To Deal With Combination Skin
3. How To Make My Combination Skin Glow?
4. Anti-Ageing Products For Combination Skin
 

Healthy skin glows different. Luckily, we are spilling the beans on how to achieve this natural glow – one that makeup can’t achieve. Scroll ahead to learn more. But before we get to this cheat sheet, let’s study all the factors that make your skin dull. 

What Does Dull Skin Look Like? 

Dullness may manifest in different forms in different individuals. Common signs include

1. Rough, flaky texture 

2. Lackluster skin 

3. Tired, beat-looking skin 

4. Conspicuous dark circles

What Causes Skin Dullness?   

Several internal and external factors can lead to dullness. Ahead, we take a closer look at the most common triggers.

1. Accumulation of dead skin cells: Skin renews itself every 28 to 30 days – it sheds dead cells and ensures healthy regeneration of new ones. However, mature skin that produces less than adequate sebum finds it difficult to expel these dead cells, leading to a layer of unwarranted buildup.  

2. Dehydrated skin: The lack of hydration hampers the blood flow to your skin, making it look beat. Moreover, dehydration exposes the network of enlarged blood vessels in the under-eye area a.k.a. dark circles.  

3. Not enough exfoliation: Regardless of the type, your skin demands regular exfoliation, The process involves dissolving dead cells, debris, and dirt to reveal a clean, bright surface underneath.

4. Lack of moisturization: Moisturization plays an important role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. A potent moisturizer forms a protective layer on the dermis, preventing its water molecules from escaping. 

5. Exposure to UV rays and menacing pollutants: Continued exposure to UV rays hampers Collagen and Elastin levels in your skin, making it appear tired and dull. 

6. Not getting enough beauty sleep: For the unversed, the skin undergoes repair and regeneration activities at night. So, if the REM cycle is interrupted, your skin is most likely to give it away in the form of dull, dry and tired-looking skin.

What Are The Best Ingredients To Revive Dull Skin?

To help restore your skin to its former glory, here’s a look at the best ingredients for a lit-from-within-glow 

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is dubbed the holy grail of skin brightening. Its topical application fades dark spots and pigmentation while enhancing your skin’s brightness. The active ingredient helps achieve a single-tone complexion by inhibiting melanin synthesis in skin cells.

Hyaluronic Acid: Ample skin hydration is indispensable to a long-lasting glow. This is why we recommend Hyaluronic Acid for your skincare rituals. The powerful humectant binds X1000 water molecules in its weight to the skin, making it look radiant and soft.   

Niacinamide: Niacinamide enhances your glow via multiple pathways. It reduces melanin concentration in skin cells to banish dark spots and pigmentation. Additionally, Niacinamide doubles down on efforts for glowing skin by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss.  

Ceramides: Super ingredient Ceramide preserves skin hydration by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Moreover, the ingredient sits on the skin to avert harmful aggressors, UV rays, and free radicals.   

AHA and BHAs: AHAs, BHAs like Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and more slough off excess oil and buildup from your skin’s outermost layer – ensuring a clear, bright surface. This exfoliation process also aids cellular renewal to uphold overall skin health.  

Retinol: We know Retinol as an anti-ageing ingredient that softens fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. The efficacious ingredient also ensures the healthy regeneration of skin cells, resulting in the gorgeous, glowing appearance of the dermis.

The Best Skincare Routine For Glowing Skin 

Now that you’re well-versed in all ingredients that help maximize glow, here’s how to incorporate them in your daily routine with Foxtale bestsellers. Our high-performing, innovative, and safe formulas bring out your skin’s inner radiance while promoting its overall health.

1. Start by cleansing: Cleansing is the first and often the most neglected step in a skincare routine. It helps remove dirt, grime, and debris from the pores, ensuring a healthy microbiome. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash STAT. Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extracts, the gentle formula guarantees a thorough cleanse while sealing hydration into the skin.  Alternatively, folks with oily or combination skin can try our Acne Control Face Wash. The best face wash for pimples sloughs off dead cells and cuts oil to create a smooth, glowing canvas.

How to use: Use a coin-sized amount of face wash and scrub your face for 30 seconds. Once through, use cold water for a double cleanse. Always use a light hand for the cleansing process to avoid any stress or strain on the skin.

2. Follow with treatment: Dab your skin dry and use an active-packed treatment to unlock the best glow. Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum is one the best products for glowing skin. This emollient-rich formula percolates 4X deep into the skin, making it brighter in only 5 uses. Moreover, Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in shielding the skin against harmful aggressors and pollutants. Alternatively, you can use Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum, AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum or Retinol Serum based on your secondary concerns.

How to use: Take 2 to 3 pumps of your favourite Foxtale Serum and dab it on your skin. Do not aggressively rub the formula as it may cause stress or strain. 

3. Apply moisturizer: Once the serum sinks into your skin, use a lightweight moisturizer to seal the treatment and hydration. Folks with dry skin can try Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides. For oily, we recommend our Oil Free Moisturizer with Niacinamide. If you want to double down on efforts for glow, try Foxtale’s Glow Moisturizer with Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Peptides.

How to use: Take a generous amount of moisturizer and gently massage your skin. Use upward, circular motion of the fingertips for a lifting effect.

4. Put on sunscreen: End your skincare routine with a potent sunscreen. This formula shields your skin against harmful UV rays, preventing episodes of pigmentation, photoaging, tanning, and burning. Folks with dry skin can try Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen. Alternatively, folks with oily or combination skin should opt for our Matte Sunscreen. If you want a soft glow, try our innovative glow sunscreen.

How to use: Take two fingers’ worth of sunscreen and apply it on your face, neck and ears.

Read More:
1. DIY Skincare Hacks For Glowing Skin
2. How To Get That Glowing Skin Like Celebrities
3. 8 Tips To Hydrate Your Skin and Get Glowing Skin