If you want to elevate your daily skincare, consider adding a result-oriented serum to the rotation. For those unaware, a facial serum contains a high concentration of one (or more) active ingredients – that target specific concerns. That’s right. This water-based formulation travels deep into the skin to address dehydration, dullness, acne, and many more pressing problems. But is there a right time to incorporate this active-powered formula into your routine? Should you get a head start in your teens or wait till your 20s? Let’s find out. 

This blog takes you through the basics of facial serums, how to use them and the best formulations available on Foxtale. We also answer all your burning questions about the right time to use Hyaluronic Serum, Retinol, Vitamin C and Niacinamide. 

What is a face serum? 

A serum is a water-based formula that boasts a high concentration of an active ingredient (or more). A serum's efficacy can also be attributed to its ability to absorb into the deepest layers of the skin. 

What is the right way to use a face serum? 

We recommend never using a serum directly on the face. This misstep can seal bacteria and irritants into your face, leading to accidental flare-ups. Instead, follow this simple, 4-step process to make the most of your concern-led serum. 

1. Start with cleanser: Use a potent cleanser to remove dirt, debris and dead cells from the pores while ensuring a healthy microbiome. If you are an oily skin gal, try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash. Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formulation cuts excess shine, reduces acne, and soothes inflammation without drying your skin. Alternatively, for dry skin, we recommend our Hydrating Face Wash. Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract, the formula guarantees a thorough cleanse while deeply hydrating the skin. 

2. Slather the serum: Once your face is dry, apply 2 to 3 pumps of your favourite Foxtale serum. Use a light hand to apply the formula – observe caution around sensitive areas like the eyes and the mouth. 

3. Moisturize to lock: After the serum absorbs into the skin, use a moisturizing formula to lock in the treatment. Folks with dry skin should try Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer. It carries Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Olive Oil and Ceramide that ensure sustained hydration for the skin. Similarly, you can try the Oil Free Moisturizer for oily skin, Skin Repair Cream for a weakened barrier, and our face glow moisturizer to help enhance your skin’s brightness. 

4. Round-the-clock sun protection: Certain active ingredients can make your skin photosensitive. To steer clear of these concerns, it is important to slather some sunscreen in the morning. Luckily, Foxtale carries four phenomenal offerings that will leave you spoiled for choice. If you have oily skin, try our Mattifying Sunscreen. Niacinamide in this SPF removes excess oil and prevents clogged pores while ensuring a brightening effect for the skin. Alternatively, for dry skin, we recommend our Dewy Sunscreen boasting D-Panthenol and Vitamin E. Moreover, our Glow and Ultra Matte Sunscreen have been formulated with all skin types in mind. 

The Best Face Serums On Foxtale And When To Use Them  

Now that you are well-versed in the basics of serums, it’s time to pick one for your routine. To zero in on the right formula, you must have a clear understanding of your skin type and its underlying concerns. 

1. For Intense Hydration –  Foxtale’s Hydrating Serum 

Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Aquaporin Boosters, Red Algae Extract, Betaine, Alpha Bisabolol and Vitamin B5 

This lightweight serum helps revive dry or dehydrated skin. That’s right. Topical application of this facial serum makes your skin plump by 75%. Moreover, it is adept at fighting signs of ageing and offsetting inflammation.  

When Can You Start Using This Hyaluronic Acid Serum: There are no age restrictions for using any of Foxtale’s high-performing serums. You can start using it in your early 20s, late teens. 

2. For Instant Brightening – Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum

Key Ingredients: 15 % L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E  

Our emollient-rich Vitamin C Serum reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation while enhancing your glow. Additionally, Vitamin C boosts Collagen production, making your skin taut, supple and younger-looking. 

When Can You Start Using The Vitamin C Serum: You can start using our efficacious Vitamin C Serum in your late teens. 

3. For Oil Control And More – Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum 

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide and Olive Leaf Extract  

Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum works on multiple skin concerns. It blots excess sebum and prevents clogged pores while ensuring a brightening effect – the perfect workhorse for people with oily skin. Moreover, the effective serum also blurs pores, cloaks blemishes and grants the skin a soft, radiant matte finish. 

When Can You Start Using This Niacinamide Serum: You can start using this Niacinamide Serum from your early teenage years. 

4. To Reveal A Smoother, Brighter Surface – Foxtale’s AHA BHA Serum 

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide  

This active-infused serum dissolves unwarranted buildup to reveal a brighter, smoother surface. It minimizes the appearance of pores, clears acne and cuts excess oil while deeply hydrating the skin. The best part? The serum doesn’t make your skin sting or burn – even in the slightest. 

When Can You Start Using This AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum: You may start using this serum in your 20s. 

5. For Younger-Looking Skin – Foxtale’s Retinol Anti-Ageing Serum  

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated Retinol, Betaine, Kokum Butter  

Our bestselling anti-ageing serum contains Encapsulated Retinol that travels deep into the skin and breaks open – dramatically reducing episodes of purging and flare-ups. This active ingredient cues healthy regeneration of skin cells and boosts Collagen production to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. Results? Younger-looking, taut skin.  

When Can You Start Using This Retinol Serum: You can start using this serum between 20 and 25 years. While most people turn to Retinol only in their 30s, it's a good decision to get a head start.

Excessive grease, glaringly visible blackheads, and pesky acne! 

People with acne-prone skin are probably well-versed in all the above stages and the unique challenges they bring. But what if we told you that a single, 4-step routine can combat all your problems? Don’t believe us? Keep scrolling!  

Straight from the editor’s desk, we bring you a Foxtale-approved daily routine to maintain acne-prone skin. No fuss, no frills necessary. All you need is our hero products daily to maintain a balanced skin microbiome. But before we get to this cheat sheet, let’s refresh our knowledge of acne-prone skin and its many triggers. 

What Is Acne-Prone Skin? What Are Its Triggers? 

In simple terms, acne-prone skin is susceptible to acne vulgaris. This condition may look different for different folks. For some, it is characterized by a never-ending oil slick on the face. For many others, it may manifest in the form of out-of-the-blue pimples.  

Now there are a flurry of reasons that cause acne-prone skin. We list the most common ones here  

- Stressful lifestyle   

- Daily diet  

- Overactive sebaceous glands 

- Clogged pores   

- Genetic predisposition   

- Skincare or makeup that agitates the skin  

- Hormonal imbalances 

What to Avoid: The "Acne Triggers"

Before diving into the routine, check your shelf for these common culprits:

• Comedogenic Ingredients: Heavy oils like Coconut Oil or Cocoa Butter.
• Harsh Scrubs: Physical exfoliants with large beads can tear active acne and spread bacteria.
• Over-cleansing: Washing more than twice a day strips the barrier, causing "rebound oiliness.

The Best 4-Step Routine To Care For Acne-Prone Skin 

Stick to this routine in morning/nighttime for a fortnight and see the results for yourself. 

1. Cleanse: Use Foxtale’s Acne Control face wash to remove dirt and impurities from the skin. It features Salicylic Acid, an efficacious active, that reduces acne, soothes inflammation and helps with sebum control.   

How To: Use a coin-sized amount of the Acne Control face wash and work it into a lather. Now, gently massage your skin for about 30 seconds. Once through, use water for a double cleanse. Dab your skin dry using a microfibre or paper towel. 

What Makes Our Face Wash Stand Out: This unique formulation reduces acne without drying the skin. Moreover, it contains Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid that ensure nourishment and hydration for the skin.

2. Treat: If you are seeking oil control for your skin, try our Niacinamide Serum. It cuts excess shine and prevents unclogged pores while bestowing a gorgeous, matte finish to the skin. 

How To: Take 2 to 3 pumps of your serum (Niacinamide) and gently dab it on your skin. Use a light hand to avoid any stress on the skin. We recommend being extremely cautious around sensitive areas like the eyes and the mouth.

What Makes Our Niacinamide Serum Stand Out: Our Niacinamide Serum doubles as a primer, making it the perfect precursor to your foundation. It blurs pores and veils blemishes while ensuring oil-free radiance for your skin – 8 hours at a stretch. 

3. Moisturize  

There are many myths surrounding moisturization for acne-prone skin.  Whether you grapple with active zits or have conspicuous blackheads on the T-zone – you cannot skimp on moisturizer. PERIOD. A potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Moreover, it makes your skin soft, defers signs of ageing, and counters inflammation. For folks with acne vulgaris, we recommend the Oil Free Moisturizer. 

How To: Take a dollop of Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer and massage it on your face, neck and décolletage area. 

What Makes Our Oil Free Moisturizer Stand Out: Our gel-based formula has been formulated for people with oily and acne-prone skin. It curbs sebum, alleviates acne and soothes inflammation on regular use. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extract improve your skin’s capacity to hold water. Use it in your morning/evening skincare to ensure soft, radiant skin.

4. Sun Protect 

No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. And if you have been skipping this step on account of acne-prone skin, we have the perfect product in store. Make BFFs with Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen. It shields the skin against harmful UV rays, preventing tanning, burns, pigmentation, and ageing.  

How To: Take two fingers’ worth of the Mattifying Sunscreen and apply it on your face and neck. P.S. We recommend wearing sunscreen for approximately 20 minutes before stepping out. If you are outdoors for prolonged periods, reapply every two hours. You can use a sponge to reapply the formula on your face of makeup. 

What Makes Our Mattifying Sunscreen Stand Out: Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen makes for a great addition to products for acne prone skin. The formula contains Niacinamide that absorbs surplus sebum and prevents clogged pores while delivering a beautiful matte finish. Moreover, D-Panthenol in the SPF ensures long-lasting moisturization, making the dermis appear soft and supple. 

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Acne is one of the most prevalent skin concerns across the world. It occurs when harmful bacteria thrive in clogged pores – resulting in bumps and inflammation. Now, we firmly believe that breakouts and zits are not a big deal. However, severe acne or recurring zits impact not only appearance but also one’s confidence.   

Looking for products to build your anti-acne arsenal? You have landed on the right page. Foxtale brings you a range of high-performing, safe and innovative skincare. As cleansing is the first step in any routine, let’s begin with a highly efficient yet gentle face wash a.k.a. our in-house Acne Control Face Wash.  

Before we learn more about this efficacious offering, let’s understand the need for an acne control face wash. 

Why Do I Need An Acne Control Face Wash?  

If you have oily, acne-prone or acne-affected skin, an acne-control face wash should be on your radar. Here’s why   

1. Oil control: We know that oily skin is more susceptible to breakouts or zits. An acne-control face wash with oil-soluble ingredients like Salicylic Acid cuts excess sebum – ensuring a balanced microbiome.

2. Unclogs pores: As discussed earlier, acne occurs when dirt, grime, and excess sebum clog pores. An efficient acne control face wash dislodges this buildup for a clear, radiant complexion. Using this formula twice daily minimizes the appearance of pores.

3. Prevents blackheads and whiteheads: Blackheads or whiteheads appear when dirt, sebum, and dead cells clog the pores on your skin. The only difference? Blackheads have bigger openings on the skin’s surface that lead to melanin oxidation – resulting in their black appearance. A potent acne control face wash helps prevent these blackheads or whiteheads by removing the most stubborn buildup. 

4. Acne control: It goes without saying – an acne control face wash inhibits bacterial growth, reducing the appearance of bumps and eruptions.

5. Curbs inflammation and soothes skin: Ideally, a good acne-control face wash carries soothing ingredients that help calm inflammation and rashes. 

Comparison: Acne Face Wash vs. Regular Face Wash

Does Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash Check The Above Boxes? 

Yes. Our Acne Control Face Wash checks all these boxes and more. Ahead, we list the many benefits of this innovative formula that makes it stand tall in the market.

1. It promotes a healthy acid mantle: The acid mantle or lipid barrier is the first wall of defence of your body. It also plays a pivotal role in skin health by averting irritants, bacteria, and pathogens. That’s right – no matter the concern, a healthy barrier is indispensable to healthy skin. Luckily, Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash contains Niacinamide that helps bolster this lipid barrier while fighting acne. This active ingredient enhances the production of Ceramides and Elastin, ensuring optimal barrier functionality.

2. It is gentle on the skin: Unlike many of its counterparts in the market, Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash is extremely gentle on the skin. It is also devoid of Sulfates – making it safe for everyday use.

3. It offsets inflammation: Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash contains Hyaluronic Acid and Alpha Bisabolol that help counter inflammation, rashes and redness.  

4. It doesn’t make your skin feel stripped: Our innovative Acne Control Face Wash doesn’t make your skin feel extremely dry or stripped. You can add the offering to your AM/PM regimen without any worries.

5. It instantly hydrates your skin: Hydration is crucial for all skin types – oily skin is no exception. The lack of hydration triggers the sebaceous glands into overdrive, making your skin greasier than ever. Luckily, Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash contains Hyaluronic Acid that binds water molecules to the skin, making it look soft and supple.

6. Vegan and cruelty-free: If you are a conscious consumer, Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash is the way to go. Our potent cleanser is vegan and cruelty-free, much like all Foxtale skincare products. We believe in upholding the cause of sustainable and ethical beauty practices. 

How To Make The Most Of My Acne Control Face Wash? 

If you struggle with recurring or aggressive breakouts, here’s a fool-proof anti-acne routine starring our Acne Control Face Wash. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll ahead and say hello to gorgeous, acne-free skin.

1. Start with cleansing: Take a coin-sized amount of the Acne Control Face Wash and gently scrub your face for 30 seconds. Go for a second cleanse with cold or lukewarm water. 

How often should you cleanse: Experts suggest that cleansing twice daily is sufficient. So, you may use the Acne Control Face Wash in your morning and nighttime skincare routine. Avoid over-cleansing as it removes natural oils from the skin, making it dry and uncomfortably tight.

2. Apply treatment: Once your skin is dry, dab in a serum or treatment of choice. If you want to ensure brightening while regulating sebum – try our Niacinamide serum. Additionally, Foxtale’s acne gel for active breakouts and AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum for buildup removal make for great picks.

How often should you use serum or treatment: You can use the serum twice daily. If you are new to active ingredients, we recommend conducting a patch test first. To avoid any accidental flareups, you can start out by using the formulation twice or thrice weekly.

3. Moisturize for soft, supple skin: Moisturization has many benefits. It creates a protective barrier on the skin, sealing hydration and treatment for prolonged periods. A good moisturizing formula helps offset inflammation, defers ageing and makes your skin appear soft. For oily and acne-prone skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. The Niacinamide-infused formula soaks excess sebum, prevents clogged pores, and soothes acne. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extracts in the formula ensure long-lasting hydration for the skin.

How often should you moisturize: You should moisturize twice daily after cleansing.

4. 360 sun protection: You need SPF, even on a cloudy or outcast day. This formula shields the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing photoaging, pigmentation and other forms of damage. Foxtale’s Matte Sunscreen is the perfect fit for folks with oily or acne-prone skin.

How often should you wear sunscreen: You should apply sunscreen in the morning, 20 minutes before stepping out. If you are outdoors for a long period, reapply every 2 hours.

Related Articles:

1. Face Wash vs Cleanser: What’s the Difference?
2. Types Of Face Washes and Benefits
3. How To Wash Your Face For Healthier Skin

Who doesn’t love a versatile skincare workhorse that does it all? Well, today we introduce you to two such active ingredients – Alpha Hydroxy Acids a.k.a. AHAs, and Beta Hydroxy Acids or BHAs. You will find these ingredients in every skincare aisle of the supermarket and your nearest drug store. But should you consider adding them to your daily routine? The answer is a resounding yes. AHAs and BHAs extend benefits like combating acne, exfoliating dullness and ensuring a healthy cellular renewal process and more. So,why not? 

This blog takes you through the many benefits of AHAs and BHAs. These two head categories house several active ingredients – Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Glycolic Acid which are household names for acne care. Moreover, we help you leverage the combined power of AHAs and BHAs with Foxtale’s innovative Exfoliating Serum – a customer favourite.   

What Are AHAs? 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or AHAs) are water-soluble exfoliants that buff away dirt, debris, and dead cells from your dermis. AHAs also help ensure the healthy cellular renewal process of your skin. You can use this active ingredient in your daily routine to

- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles  

- Reverse signs of photoaging, especially pigmentation 

- Improve skin texture and appearance 

- Exfoliate dullness to enhance skin brightness  

What Are Some Popular AHAs? 

Some popular AHAs include Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. 

What Are BHAs? 

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that seep into the pores – removing dirt, grime and excess sebum. You can use BHAs to  

- Reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads  

- Flatten acne 

- Soothe acne-related inflammation or redness  

- Remove oil slick or excessive greasiness from the face  

- Minimize the appearance of pores  

What Are Some Popular BHAs? 

The most common BHA is Salicylic Acid – a Godsend for folks with oily or acne-prone skin/ 

Leveraging The Combined Power Of AHAS and BHAs  

What if we told you – Foxtale helps you leverage the combined power of AHAs and BHAs in one nifty little bottle? Yes, you read that right. Bid goodbye to a gamut of skin woes with Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum.  

Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid  

Concerns it targets: Blackheads, whiteheads, acne, massive pores, skin greasiness, spots and marks 

The experience: This lightweight and creamy formula sloughs off buildup, revealing a bright, radiant surface. Moreover, the serum works on all of the following concerns -

1,  Removes oil slick: If your one complaint is overactive sebaceous glands, add this to your list of oil skin care products. Salicylic Acid in this formula cuts excess oil to maintain a healthy microbiome.

2. Unclogs pores: Holy grail of acne control, Salicylic Acid, removes dirt, dead cells and oil from the pores, reducing their appearance. So, if your textured skin makes your foundation look blotchy – this Foxtale favourite should be on your radar.

3. Removes whiteheads and blackheads: When dirt, keratin, and dead cells clog pores, they may result in whiteheads or blackheads. The only difference between the two types of acne is that blackheads have bigger openings on the skin's surface. This leads to the air oxidizing melanin, which leads to the black colour. 

4. Combats acne: Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid slough away buildup, reducing the appearance of bumps and eruptions. This efficacious serum also prevents future breakouts by unclogging pores and regulating sebum production. 

5. Soothes inflammation: Salicylic Acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe acne-related redness.

6. Exfoliates dullness: AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid derivative, Glycolic Acid, exfoliates dullness from the dermis, uncloaking a smooth, radiant surface. So, if your skin has been looking beat or tired, reach out for Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum STAT. 

7. Ensures healthy cellular turnover: The skin has a circadian rhythm that prioritizes repair and regeneration at night. Using Foxtale’s Exfoliating Serum with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid helps shed dead cells, administering a healthy cellular renewal process. 

8. Fades spots and scars: Salicylic Acid carries mild astringent properties – helping reduce acne spots and marks with time.

USP: Additionally, Foxtale's AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum boast unique properties that make it stand out 

1. Unlike other exfoliating serums in the market, our serum doesn’t burn or sting on application. 

2. Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum has been formulated with all skin types in mind. 

3. Hyaluronic Acid in the formula ensures long-lasting hydration to the skin for its soft and supple appearance. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid also offsets any accidental flareups or inflammation. 

4. Niacinamide in the serum doubles down on hydration by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Additionally, the skincare active plays a pivotal role in upholding the lipid barrier by boosting Ceramide and Elastin production. 

How often can you use it: Experts suggest that exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week at night ensures healthy skin. We recommend steering clear of over exfoliation as it makes the skin dry and uncomfortably tight.

How To Make The Most Of Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum 

If you wish to make the most of Foxtale’s AHA BHA Serum, add it to your weekly skincare rotation. Here’s how - 

1. Start by cleansing: Use a potent cleanser to remove dirt, grime, and dead cells from the pores. If you have oily or combination skin, try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid. Alternatively, folks with dry or sensitive skin may try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract that improve your skin’s capacity to hold moisture. 

2. Apply the Exfoliating Serum: Once your skin is dry, apply 2 to 3 drops of the Exfoliating Serum. Don’t rub your skin aggressively as it may cause stress or strain. Also, observe caution around sensitive areas like the eyes and the mouth. Additionally, you may use Foxtale’s pimple gel on different nights to flatten bumps. 

3. Follow with moisturizer: After the serum absorbs completely, take a dollop of moisturizer and gently massage it onto your skin. If you have oily or combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. People with dry skin can try our innovative Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides. For extremely dry or damaged skin, try our Skin Repair Cream.