Dermatologists Say These Effective Brightening Serums Will Make Dull Skin Glow Again

Ever since day-to-day life went from being an incessant stream of stress to a full-on tidal wave, you may have noticed that, despite your best efforts (eating healthy, hydrating frequently, moisturizing regularly), your skin continues to look blah with a side of meh.

When it comes to what triggers drab-looking skin, stress is just the tip of the iceberg. “Dull skin is typically the result of having excess layers of dead skin sticking to the skin’s surface,” says Carolyn Chang, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Rhode Island Dermatology Institute. “This happens because the skin becomes more inefficient at removing dead skin cells (known as cell turnover) as we age.” Other causes of dull skin include dryness and brown spots from sun damage, she says.

Along with regular exfoliating and moisturizing, adding a brightening serum to your skincare routine can give your complexion an added boost in the vibrance department. “The goal with brightening serums isn’t to lighten the overall skin tone, but rather, create an even skin tone by reducing overactive areas,” says Dan Belkin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.

Overactive areas typically strike due to inflammation, hormones, excessive sun exposure, and aging, but lifestyle factors can play a role too (think: eating lots of processed foods, not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep), so make sure to take note of lifestyle changes you can make in tandem with using a brightening serum for max results.

How to choose (and use) the best brightening serum

Check for key ingredients: Look for active ingredients that are known for their brightening abilities, says Dr. Chang. These include vitamin C (protects against UV light damage and blocks critical steps in pathway to making brown spots on skin), alpha hydroxy acids (helps to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal brighter new skin), and hyaluronic acid (a super-hydrator that gives your skin a dewy glow).

Another star brightening ingredient? “Retinol, or retinoids, can brighten the skin by reducing the synthesis of melanin, the pigments that make up dark spots,” says Dr. Belkin.

The main ingredient to be careful with is hydroquinone—a powerful topical that does the job by reducing the synthesis of melanin. But one of its side effects is permanent darkening of the skin, especially in unregulated over-the-counter products. “Skin-lightening products from abroad may not be transparent about their ingredients,” says Dr. Belkin. “These should be used with caution.”

Go slowly: Brightening serums have the capacity to be irritating, so Dr. Belkin recommends starting slow—say, using your chosen serum a few times per week, then working your way up to daily use as tolerated. “It should go after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing, since you’ll want maximum absorption of the active ingredients,” he says.

Apply before bed: To maximize efficacy, it’s best to slather on your brightening serum at night, since your skin checks off all of its restorative tasks while you snooze. “This will give your skin all the nutrients it needs to withstand the free radical damage it endures during the daytime,” says Michele Green, M.D., a New York-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. If you prefer applying it in the a.m., don’t forget your SPF, as brightening serums can leave your skin extra-sensitive to the sun’s UV rays.

Ready to boost your radiance? Here are the best dermatologist-approved brightening serums you can buy.