Beauty has so many forms, and I think the most beautiful thing is confidence and loving yourself.
Many staple serums and creams are in my skincare routine that, without question, I cannot miss – like Niacinamide (absolutely love, a game-changer) and Glycolic Acid. Also, pretty high on that list a Vitamin C. After being consistent with my use of Vitamin C, I can absolutely respect the benefits and improvements made to my skin.
We each maintain varying skin types and have different skincare concerns. However, it’s pretty safe to say Vitamin C benefits everyone with its ability to protect the skin against environmental aggressors and address signs of aging. I have combination skin, and I’m almost certain that the dryer the skin, the more persistently aggressive the antagonist of this story – hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation, or “dark spots,” results from an overproduction of melanin caused by skin injury or inflammation. They can be in big patches or small clusters, and some are so pigmented that they can be challenging to treat.
I would typically experience hyperpigmentation around the lower half of my face or near my jawline, even after a nasty pimple, and around areas where I would pluck and tweeze (side-eye). Fun fact, dark spots don’t go away overnight. As a matter of fact, they don’t even go away in a few weeks. An article written by the American Academy of Dermatology Association mentions that “a spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. But, if the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.”
Years!? Cue Sweet Brown, because ain’t nobody got time for that!
Finally fed up, I decided to see a dermatologist.
I explained to him my concerns, and you know what he told me? “Put on some sunscreen. It’ll go away.” What? How satisfied would you be with that response? About a week later, I booked an appointment at a spa and got a facial. After talking to the esthetician for a solid hour, it felt like I had attended a seminar. She gave me more than enough information to achieve my goals and ultimately suggested that, if nothing else, make sure to use Vitamin C.
There began the journey through experimenting with Vitamin C serums. I started reading online about its benefits to the skin and learned that Vitamin C helps to slow down and interrupt melanin activity in the skin and helps to regenerate new cells due to exfoliating properties that help to encourage cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. Because Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps prevent the hyperpigmentation caused by skin inflammation due to traumas like ingrown hairs and pimples.
Feeling confident about my newly acquired knowledge, I went to Sephora.com and sifted through the reviews, filtering on comments left by people with similar skin types and complexions like my own. A favorite pastime, I always tend to find joy in the comments. After creating a list of all the Vitamin C serums I wanted to try, I went into the store and tested them, checking for smell and texture.
Luckily for my wallet, that journey didn’t last long. Being a product junky is not for the faint of heart. Some brands like to trick you and mix in essential oils like jojoba and shea butter, placing Vitamin C far down on the ingredients list. Some are into sticky serums, which is weird. Some simply smell horrible and, to add insult to injury – have the nerve to be ineffective. Sweet Brown.
Here’s what I know to be true. Consistent use of Vitamin C has completely changed my skin. I will now and forever incorporate Vitamin C in my skincare routine consistently. Best of all, I’ve begun to notice that when and if dark spots start to form, either from inflammation or unwanted hair, the scar is not as dark – if it even shows at all. Add Niacinamide, and it’s a curtain call.
I’ve tried several different brands and have found my holy grail Vitamin C serums that I know, without a doubt, are going to do what needs to be done. Let me first say, I am not endorsed or being compensated in any way for mentioning any of these brands below. These are genuine suggestions based on my experiences with these products.
Face – Neck – Décolletage
Spot Treatment
Peter Thomas Roth – Vitamin C Target Spot Brightener
When using Vitamin C to treat my face, neck, and décolletage I typically alternate between Peter Thomas Roth’s Potent C Power Serum and Perricone MD’s Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum. I’d have to say, between the two, Perricone MD leads as my favorite and is the one I reach for first. Primarily because I enjoy the scent, and I typically only tend to purchase the Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Power Serum during the rouge sale at Sephora. You don’t need much of either, and both will last you for a good period of time. A little goes a long way with either of these Vitamin C serums.
I apply Vitamin C as the third layer of my skincare routine, coming third only to a skin essence. For context, this would look like facial cleansing as a first step, toning as a second, the application of a skin essence as a third, and then finally, Vitamin C. I allow each product to have its own moment to rest on the skin before moving on to the following product in my routine. Being consistent in using Vitamin C in a skincare routine can help to see a difference around the three-week mark. I’ll take three weeks over six to twelve months any day.
It may be important to note, I am an advocate for drinking plenty of water and incorporating fruits that are high in vitamin C into my diet. Without question, no matter the goal, a transformation always begins from the inside out. Being attentive to how I can improve my skin through my diet has helped me in more ways than I can imagine. A diet doesn’t even mean you have to take anything away. It can be the addition of fruits and vegetables high in the vitamins we need! I enjoy fruits like Grapefruit with my breakfast, lemon water, lemon and green tea. I also make my own homemade salad dressings with lemon juice. Spinach for lunch or dinner.. you get the point 😉
Do you use Vitamin C in your skincare routine? Which vitamin C serums are you using?
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August 23, 2022Thank you so much for your kind words.