The primary focus of 2023 has been beauty and skincare. From Hailey Bieber’s glazed skin or Alia Bhatt’s sunkissed look, the focus has been the same – bright, glowing skin. And if there’s one ingredient that takes the crown thanks to its almost instantaneous results, it has to be Vitamin C. No matter what your skin type and complexion, this antioxidant when applied topically on the skin not only helps even out the skin tone and brightens it but can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
The benefits of a good Vitamin C serum are too many to count, and something we’ve addressed hundreds of times. But unfortunately, there’s no way to get that glow overnight. It requires weeks, if not months of consistency to see results. Until now.
Glowing Skin Overnight? Sign Me Up
The method called Skin Flash claims to deliver glowing skin overnight. There are only two steps to this method – after washing your face apply a potent vitamin C serum (between 15% to 25%) and then layer your skin with petroleum jelly or a heavy moisturiser. Also known as skin slugging, layering on a heavier product helps lock in vitamin C and prevents its oxidation as well.
This technique while not entirely new, promises brighter, healthier and glossier skin in less than 12 hours. But it sounds too good to be true, and slightly controversial as well, so I roped in two of the best dermats in the business to weigh on this trend.
Proceed, But With Caution
Proceed but with caution, recommends Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Cosmetic Dermatologist, Ra Skin & Aesthetics. “The layer or sandwiching method should be approached with caution, and its sustainability may vary with seasons. It’s especially not recommended for those with sensitive skin and during seasons that exacerbate skin issues (like the monsoon)”, she tells me.
While the technique does promise a quick turnaround time and a shortcut to glowing skin, Dr. Shetty also cautions against too much Vitamin C. “There are drawbacks to applying an excessive amount of Vitamin C, including skin irritation, sensitisation, and potential acne due to clogged pores, especially when combined with occlusive substances like Vaseline,” she says.
Vaseline can also be problematic, especially for those with oily skin since it clogs the pores. Dr. Nishita Ranka, Medical Director & Founder of Dr. Nishita’s Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics, suggests a few alternatives like hyaluronic acid and squalene instead. “Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin without adding oiliness, while squalane provides lightweight hydration,” she explains.
So where do we stand? Dr. Ranka, believes that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare. She says, “While Vitamin C is generally beneficial, its effectiveness can vary based on an individual’s skin type, the concentration of Vitamin C, and the product’s formulation. I caution my patients about the potential for skin irritation, redness, and acne outbreaks with excessive use of Vitamin C, especially in acidic formulations. It’s a balance between achieving desired skin benefits and maintaining skin health.”
And while trends like Skin Flash might seem like they’re rooted in science and promise instant results, both experts believe that every individual’s skin needs must be considered before approaching trends. And it’s always best to get a dermatologist’s input before including actives like vitamin C in your skincare, let alone practice skin slugging with it.
And If You Want To Try Out Skin Flash, May I Recommend Some of My Favourite Products
As someone with extremely oily skin, I’m slightly skeptical of this trend but still want to try it sans the Vaseline. Because let’s be honest, I’ll go any length to get that glow!
Featured Image: Instagram, Unsplash
