10 dermatologists share their favourite skincare products to combat dull, fatigued skin

You might want to make notes and loosen up your wallets to say hello to brighter, healthier-looking skin

There’s a reason why dermatologists who now double as content creators are all the rage on social media today. As the scope of beauty becomes more perplexing and overwhelming, dermatologists’ endeavours to break down terminologies and ingredients and simplify skincare routines through a science-backed approach resonates well with the curious yet confused skincare consumer. 

As the transitional weather coupled with pollution has begun to create havoc on our skin, fatigue, discolouration, clogged pores and dullness become common concerns. However, with the festive season right around the corner, we reach out to ten of the best dermatologists and medical skincare professionals in the country and ask them to share their most recommended product to mitigate skin fatigue and restore the skin’s luminosity. Hear it straight from the horses’ mouths and make notes. 

Dr Kiran Sethi, dermatologist and author, Skin Sense

“My favourite product is C E Ferulic with 15% L-ascorbic acid from Skinceuticals. While there are many vitamin C serums available, only a few are effective. SkinCeuticals' serum is one that works; the skin does look brighter and healthier quickly. Frankly, most vitamin C serums are kind of a sham, as they use non-stable vitamin C, or contain the wrong pH, making it hard to find a good one.”

Dr Manasi Shirolikar, consultant dermatologist and founder, drmanasiskin.com

“When my skin is feeling dull and fatigued, nothing quite picks me up like a quick 10-minute mask. For my combination, acne-prone skin, I like the Marine Clay Mask from Aminu. It is clay-based, yet quite hydrating so it helps ward off dullness. The matte finish it leaves me with also helps my skin look less tired. I follow this up with a mist or hydrating serum and of course, sunscreen (usually tinted) if I’m stepping out. If I'm staying in, I follow this up with a nourishing moisturiser.”

Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetician and medical director, ISAAC 

“When it comes to fighting dull, tired-looking skin, I swear by the DrG Peptide Drops—almost a secret weapon for skin rejuvenation. Packed with a special blend of tripeptide 1, pentapeptide 4, tetrapeptide 7, ceramide 3, and 1 per cent niacinamide, it does wonders. Niacinamide in the peptide drops adds an extra layer of goodness to the mix, as niacinamide is fantastic for promoting an even skin tone, reducing redness, and regulating sebum production. Peptides are those intricate poly-proteins that can penetrate your skin, unlike collagen-based creams or serums, which simply can’t make the cut; they stimulate collagen and elastin, helping you turn back the clock for a youthful, radiant complexion.”

Dr Jaishree Sharad, celebrity dermatologist and author, Skin Rules

“My current favourites are SESMAHAL Hyaluronic Serum + Mist Liposomado on alternate nights and CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum on the other night. The first one has hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which keeps my skin moisturised and supple and vitamin C destroys free radicals and prevents hyperpigmentation. CeraVe’s product contains encapsulated retinol to help resurface your skin, plus liquorice root extract to help brighten its appearance. In addition, it’s formulated with three essential ceramides that work together to lock in the skin’s moisture and help restore your skin’s protective barrier, along with soothing niacinamide. This helps prevent fine lines and dilated pores and is the perfect anti-ageing serum for me. It does not dehydrate my skin or cause any irritation even if I use it in winter.”

Dr Chytra Anand, dermatologist and founder of SkinQ

“I love the SkinQ Hydrate & Nourish Mask. It’s the perfect pick-up for my skin—either after hectic travels or before events, and for an extra boost of hydration. As I sit in an air-conditioned space all day, my skin tends to feel dull and requires hydration. The SkinQ Hydrate and Nourish Mask makes it smoother through skin barrier-restoring ceramides and squalene plus sodium hyaluronate for hydration. After 20 minutes of the mask application, my skin feels rejuvenated and recharged. Post-travel, I use it as an overnight sleep mask for extra repair.”

Dr Renita Rajan, dermatologist and formulator, CHOSEN

“My favourite skin care product is White Pine Pycnogenol from CHOSEN. Though it is primarily an antioxidant supplement for reducing skin pigmentation, it also works for my migraines and endometriosis. In my forties, I am looking for something that not only works for the skin but also has holistic benefits for overall health. Pycnogenol works mainly by increasing skin hydration, regenerating hyaluronic acid, and conserving collagen in the skin. This, plus its ability to reduce UV-related pigmentation, works to reduce dullness and tanning.”

Dr Madhuri Agarwal, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Yavana Aesthetics

“I have two favourite products for dull fatigued skin—Zo Skin Health’s Dual Action Scrub and Beshtaruh’s Antiaging Night Cream. I use the scrub as a chemical exfoliator twice a week; it contains salicylic acid and lactic acid with antioxidants, which helps to reduce dead and clogged skin. The night cream contains hydrogenated retinol, Thanaka (a paste made from ground bark), and peptides. These ingredients are powerful epidermal and dermal life-givers. The active ingredients are known to stimulate collagen and elastin, improve skin imbalances, and prevent signs of ageing. I apply the cream on my eye and neck areas too, both in the morning and at night.”

Dr Saloni Vora, dermatologist and medical head at Dr Sheth’s Clinics

“I love the Azelac Ru Liposomal Serum by Sesderma as it is suitable for all skin types and in all weathers. It is composed of ingredients like azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, 4-butyl resorcinol, retinol encapsulated in liposomes, niacinamide, vitamin C, and certain plant-based pigment lightening and antioxidant extracts. The liposomal formulation makes this product non-irritating and enhances its penetration into the skin without any barrier damage. Regular usage helps reduce dullness and patchy pigmentation, reduces skin sensitivity, and imparts brightness and an even tone to the skin. Although it is safe to use even during the day along with sunscreen, I prefer using it at night after cleansing my face. About 2 to 3 drops are enough to cover the entire face and neck. One can apply their night creams over this.”

Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Ambrosia Aesthetics

“I like using the Factor G Renew Rejuvenating Serum as it has been developed using the latest nanotechnology with potent skin-transforming ingredients and has undergone rigorous medical trials with proven results. The serum has a light, skin-nurturing texture and shows improvement within a month. It contains seven different plant-origin growth factors, Swiss Apple stem cells, and two different peptides (tripeptide-5 and tripeptide-3) that regenerate collagen and elastin. Besides these, it also contains Centella Asiatica which increases the skin’s microcirculation, boosts skin hydration and also reduces trans-epidermal water loss. As a result, the skin appears deeply moisturised with improved radiance and elasticity. All in all, this serum lends a fresher, smoother, firmer, and luminous appearance even to the most dry, inflamed and sensitive skin type.”

Dr Batul Patel, dermatologist and founder of The Bombay Skin Clinic

“I recommend Zo Skin Health’s Exfoliating Polish. The magnesium crystals exfoliate dead skin cells to provide a clear, smooth and even-toned complexion. It works well for all skin types. Other core ingredients such as vitamins A, vitamin C, C-ester, and E deliver antioxidant protection. The exfoliating polish doesn’t contain any AHA or BHA which means it prevents over-drying of the skin. The polish gives an instant glow and brightens tired and stressed skin. The product can be used twice a week or also before a party to make the skin look smoother and brighter.”

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