How to Get Rid of Dull Skin and Get Your Natural Glow Back

Remember the days when conversations didn’t include a distracting reflection of your every move? Even after a full year of steady video calls, seeing oneself speak and react on camera in real time still feels pretty strange and for some, a little uncomfortable. We’re seeing ourselves in a completely different light—and sometimes that lighting isn’t so great.

If you feel fixated on your features from the neck up, you’re not alone. Many working from home are experiencing “Zoom Face,” or the self-consciousness that results from harshly examining one’s complexion on daily video calls. One of the most common complaints: tired-looking skin. Well, perk up because the right products can provide a fix for dull skin woes.

Armed with vitamin C, caffeine, and collagen, you can take down insecurities and feel more confident. Here’s a lineup of energizing swaps to add to your current routine. However, while you’re treating your skin, remember to look within and remind yourself of the inner beauty that makes you, YOU. Don’t forget to bring that boss mentality to your next video meeting for the ultimate glow: from within.

Stainless Steel Facial Roller

To fully wake sleepy skin, splash your face with cool water to refresh pores. Before launching into your daily routine, make sure to gently massage your face to boost circulation, de-puff, and increase oxygen flow. Go for a 100% stainless steel roller, like SACHEU Beauty Stainless Steel Facial Roller, which helps to brighten, reduce inflammation, lift, and firm over time.

Caffeine-infused eye patches

With the potential for dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, the sensitive skin under the eyes can be unforgiving. The main culprits: lack of sleep and extended blue light exposure—and the latter can be unavoidable at times. Just like your morning cup of caffeine gives you a burst of energy, the skin around your eyes also benefits from a caffeinated pick-me-up. Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches combine the invigorating power of 1% caffeine with the plumping effect of licorice extract, peptides, and aloe vera for brighter, firmer eyes. Leave these on for 10-15 minutes and then follow up with an antioxidant-rich eye gel to keep that bright-eyed look throughout the day. We also recommend investing in a quality pair of blue light glasses for added protection.

Vitamin C serum

Apply a serum with citrus ingredients, specifically vitamin C, all over to transform dull skin. Find yourself a formula with a high concentration of this radiance-enhancing ingredient, like Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum, which harnesses 20% Vitamin C and 2% Citrus Cells. Helpful for all skin types, this treatment shields skin from daily aggressors while firming, smoothing, and fading dullness with consistent use.

Collagen-rich moisturizer

Lack of moisture is one of the main reasons why skin may appear tired. Dehydration can also exacerbate the look of fine lines and wrinkles, which webcams seem to unapologetically highlight. When this happens, it’s time to call in collagen-infused reinforcements. I like how the FIRMx Collagen Moisturizer from Peter Thomas Roth features 7 (!) forms of collagen and collagen-supporting ingredients, including marine collagen, plant collagen, and hydrolyzed collagen to improve overall firmness. Peptides and collagen amino acids help boost results while 5% hyaluronic acid complex drastically improves hydration.

Leave-on lip repair treatment

Looking at your lips on Zoom and wondering if there’s a better way to hydrate? Treat your mouth to a formula rich in natural retinol, cherry blossom, and jojoba oil to not only moisturize and repair, but also resurface. Boscia’s Cherry Blossom and Bakuchiol Resurfacing Lip Repair features the AHA Lactic Acid, which gently exfoliates skin leaving behind soft, smooth lips with diminished fines lines and wrinkles. Wear alone or with lip color and apply right before video calls for noticeably nourished results.