Does Vitamin C really darken my skin? No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin. It is important to know the difference between staining and darkening the skin.
The reason it can stain your skin is because vitamin C degrades into erythrulose—the EXACT ingredient you'll find in many self-tanners! DECIEM, for example, uses erythrulose in Hylamide Glow Radiance Booster and The Chemistry Brand "Glow" Oil. A tan from erythrulose can last as long as a week!
When in the vitamin C is in high concentration, the serum will have a yellowish color; but as it oxidizes, it will turn brown/orange. Cosmetic vitamin C preparations that have discolored should be discarded as they have already oxidized and cannot provide skin benefits.
On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.
It's also the sole ingredient in Deciem's Hand Chemistry Glow Oil and Hylamide Glow Radiance Booster. So that's why vitamin C serums can stain – the ascorbic acid essentially turn into fake tan on your skin!
Wondering why Vitamin C is good for skin? This powerful ingredient has 4 key benefits: It can even out skin tone: Vitamin C helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and sun spots, lending skin a more even-looking tone (and your tan a flawless finish!).
Also, we consulted with scientists who told us that if you wear vitamin C without sunscreen, your vitamin C can actually be photo-incinerated (i.e. totally burned away) by the sun.
What It Does: This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading dark spots. When You'll See Results: Once you add vitamin C to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in three weeks. It can help significantly fade hyperpigmentation in about two months.
You get vitamin A from the food you eat, especially vegetables that contain beta carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and peas. Since vitamin A also functions as an antioxidant, some researchers believe this vitamin, more than any other, may be the key to melanin production.
Vitamin C truly does wonders for any complexion, but it can be especially beneficial for skin that's prone to hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
"Products with niacinamide and vitamin C will help lighten dark underarms," Dr. Jaliman points out. "You don't want to use strong ingredients since the skin under your arms is a sensitive area."
"The anti-oxidative effects of vitamin E can be preventative to darkening of the skin due to sun exposure," Burgess says.
It's been found that topical vitamin C is best applied after exposure to UV light and not prior. Although vitamin C serum isn't a substitute for sunscreen (in fact, sun sensitivity increases with use), the two together can work in tandem to boost the skin's protection from damage.
This incredible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrient is known to improve skin tone and texture, hydrate the skin, and reduce signs of aging. Adding vitamin C to your skin care routine can not only brighten your complexion but also protect against skin damage caused by sun exposure and harmful free radicals.
Why is my face darker than my body? Our face skin produces more melanin compared to the rest of the body parts, so our face skin is generally a bit darker. The harmful rays of the sunlight can damage the melanin cells and as the face is more exposed to sunlight, it is the first to be impacted.
It is impossible to change your constitutional skin tone. However, it is possible to medically treat concerns like tan, dark spots and post-acne pigmentation with safe and effective skin lightening solutions. These advanced aesthetic treatments can improve the health of your skin and restore its natural glow.
For adults, the recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements might cause: Diarrhea. Nausea.
Vitamin C is safe to take in recommended amounts at any time of day. It occurs naturally in a variety of plant products, including orange juice, grapefruit, and lemons. The body does not store vitamin C, so people should take it on a daily basis, ideally in small doses throughout the day.
Weight Gain
Early research has found a link between low levels of vitamin C and higher amounts of body fat, especially belly fat. This vitamin may also play a role in how well your body burns fat for energy.
Bottom line: “Vitamin C is generally safe to use on all skin types and will not make your skin more vulnerable to sunburn,” says Dr.
It'll also absorb into your skin most effectively after you've cleansed and exfoliated, so it makes sense to apply it during your nighttime routine. When you use your vitamin C serum during the night, you'll also avoid the risk of photosensitivity, which can occur in some cases with daytime use.
Bottom line: "It's important to remember that vitamin C should not replace your sunscreen, but rather provides additional protection for your skin against ultraviolet damage when added to your regimen," says Lortscher.