Either tan or your skin may have turned into a funny orange or peach-ish color. It is because Vitamin C is extremely potent but it can easily react with the air, light and heat in the environment to only make your skin appear darker. Let's understand what exactly went down with your skin after applying Vitamin C.
Although oxidised vitamin C is not bad for the skin, it can leave temporary yellow, orange, or brown staining on the skin's surface.
Using Vitamin C serum without applying sunscreen in the morning will make your skin darker. This is because Vit C makes the skin photosensitive, making it more susceptible to burning in the sunlight. Also, Vitamin C serum should only be used in the evening to prevent the above mentioned effect.
These ingredients work by reacting with proteins in the dead stratum corneum layer of your skin to produce brown compounds called melanoidins. These melanoidins stay on your skin and give it a brown colour, until the dead cells slough off (after around a week).
In a word, yes, oxidised vitamin C can become harmful to the skin. You'll find that in some cases people suffer from unwanted skin irritation, but this isn't the only problem. The effectiveness of your vitamin C serum is completely depleted. This means the skin no longer benefits from the benefits of the active.
Hyperpigmentation from Skincare Products
Ironically, certain skincare products meant to brighten can darken your complexion. Hydroquinone, retinoids, and potent acids may trigger irritation or allergies, potentially causing ochronosis.
Vitamin C preparations can also discolor on the skin surface as they contact oxygen in the environment. This accounts for the orange color that may emerge on the skin in the morning after wearing a vitamin C preparation overnight.
Too much vitamin C serum can cause skin irritation and too little may not provide the desired results. It's best to follow the instructions on the product label and start with a small amount of serum, gradually increasing the amount based on your skin's needs.
If you experience any irritation or allergic reaction, you should stop using the serum immediately, and if you have ongoing concerns about vitamin C products or your skin health, be sure to speak to a medical professional immediately.
Instead, vitamin C can cause temporary skin staining (also known as hyperpigmentation), which happens when l-ascorbic acid (the most common form of vitamin C and one that is less shelf-stable) oxidizes and turns into erythrulose (a key ingredient in many self-tanner products).
Generally, using Vitamin C serum doesn't result in adverse effects. But in some cases, you might experience dryness, redness, and irritation. You are likely to face these symptoms if you have sensitive skin. To lessen the risk of these side effects, start with a low concentration of this ingredient.
You should also avoid over application of your vitamin C serum. Start by applying every second day, and as your skin becomes more tolerant, progress to using it daily. Some users may choose to use a vitamin C product both morning and evening, although this doesn't suit everyone.
Your skin can develop darker patches as the result of excess melanin production, typically caused by skin inflammation, hormone fluctuations, and poor lifestyle choices. Age spots – also known as sun spots and liver spots – can also be signs of skin conditions, such as Melasma.
Schlessinger says people with very sensitive skin should consult with a dermatologist before use, since potent forms of vitamin C can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Vitamin C serum may result in yellowing of the skin or clothes, stinging, or dryness, though those effects are rare.
In other cases, mixing can destabilize or cancel out the benefits of the antioxidant. Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.
It is because Vitamin C is extremely potent but it can easily react with the air, light and heat in the environment to only make your skin appear darker.
Store it in the fridge; just make sure you take it out a few minutes before applying to give it a chance to warm up. If you don't use the refrigerator, keep vit C in a cool, dark place. A cabinet or drawer away from windows will keep it from oxidizing. If the product's label shows it's expired, dispose of it.
➡️ Oxybenzone: This is a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens that absorbs UV rays and converts them into less harmful energy. However, oxybenzone can also cause pigmentation and skin darkening, especially in people with darker skin tones.