Naturally, Vitamin C is a highly unstable ingredient, and if your product is expired, your Vitamin C serum may stain your skin or even make the skin pigment appear darker. When formulated, your Vitamin C becomes a photosensitive product, meaning it is fragile when exposed to light.
Vitamin C serum is generally used to brighten and even out skin tone, not darken it. It works by reducing melanin production and providing antioxidant protection. If you experience darkening, it could be due to other factors such as irritation or the use of other products. For more insights, check out my Quora Profile!
Your serum might be oxidised. Stop using it if it's making your skin dark.
Vitamin C serum can be transformational for your skin, but it's important to be realistic about your expectations for seeing visible improvements. Patience is key when it comes to seeing results, and so is consistency. Regular use of vitamin C serum should enable you to see visible improvement in 4-8 weeks.
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.
However, the best way to know, according to Dr Kiran, is to notice the difference in your skin. “If you use the serum for a month and find your skin to be bright, clear, less sensitive to the sun, and you are feeling fresher, then vitamin C is definitely working,” she said.
Vitamin C serums are notoriously sensitive to light, air, and heat. Exposure to these elements can cause the serum to degrade, leading to reduced effectiveness. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many people overlook.
Wait for the Vitamin C serum to be absorbed completely before applying the moisturizer. This is the best vitamin c serum in india and it will take about 5-10 minutes. After this, apply the moisturizer all over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
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.
“Purging usually follows a predictable duration, typically anywhere from four to six weeks,” Dr. Thiede said. Since purging occurs because your skin is adjusting to a new product, it shouldn't last longer than how long it takes for your skin to renew itself (about 28 days for most people).
Numerous variables, such as sun exposure, hormone changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ageing, skin conditions, and lifestyle choices, can cause skin darkening. Understanding the underlying reasons will help us avoid or cure darker skin tones.
Fresh vitamin C serum will typically look clear or have a slight cloudy or pale yellowish tinge, reminiscent of that morning lemon water. But as it oxidizes, it starts turning a deeper yellow, eventually going brown or even orange. Think of it like an apple slice left out in the open; over time it turns brown.
The best vitamins to use for overall skin health are vitamins C, E, B12, and A. Although vitamin D is essential for skin health, its primary role is the promotion of melanin formation, which may cause more skin darkening.
After 20% Vitamin C content, you may run into more irritation from the high concentrations without seeing much benefit in return. The most common strengths we see in products are between 5%-20%, so if you are looking for a good place to start aim for 10%-15% and see how it works for your skin.
What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.
Beta Hydroxy Acids
So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.
One of the most common side effects of using a Vitamin C serum is skin irritation. This can include redness, itching, and burning. This is often caused by the high concentration of Vitamin C in the serum, which can be too strong for some people's skin.
Short-term Effects (2-4 weeks): In the first few weeks of using a vitamin C serum, you may experience some immediate benefits such as improved hydration, enhanced skin texture, and a subtle glow. These initial effects are primarily due to the serum's moisturizing properties and the skin's improved barrier function.
What happens if you use vitamin c without sunscreen. Wearing vitamin C without sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage, leading to premature aging, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, it doesn't require food or specific timing to work effectively. However, some people may want to avoid taking it before bed: If you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach – Vitamin C, especially in high doses, can increase stomach acidity, and lead to mild heartburn or nausea.
1) When Vitamin C has been oxidised in the bottle itself
If your Vitamin C bottle is not amber, it can easily contact light and lead to oxidation. In this process, L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) in the serum is oxidised into erythrulose, which is a substance that is used in fake tanning products.
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.
You'll know it when the product changes color, from clear to brown, or has a rancid smell. If you notice this with the one you're using, it is time to throw it away. An oxidized serum is no longer effective in fighting free radicals. The average life expectancy of vitamin C serums is about three months after opening.