Catching too many rays can lead to increased pigmentation this summer – so now is the perfect time to try vitamin C for skin
Words: Rachel Tompkins | Images: Shutterstock & various brands
Retinol might be an obvious choice for resurfacing a dull complexion, but when it comes to reducing pigmentation, vitamin C’s the way to go as it can add brightness and glow.
Hyperpigmentation is very common and means that some areas of the skin look darker than others. For some people, this manifests as brown, black, grey or even red spots. And these spots are referred to as age spots, sunspots or liver spots.
Your skin gets its colour from a pigment called melanin, made by special cells. If these cells become damaged they can affect your body’s natural melanin production. Skin cancer expert Dr Paul Banwell (paulebanwell.com), founder and former head of The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit in East Grinstead, one of the largest skin cancer units in the UK, says the sun’s ultraviolet light can cause a lot of damage. ‘Sun damage is generally the main cause of pigmentation issues. When the skin is exposed to UV, hormonal balance or trauma, it activates melanocytes, which increase melanin production,’ says Dr Banwell.
Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin it’s colour, and when melanin is not evenly distributed, it can cause freckles, brown spots or patchy pigmentation. ‘Although freckles and brown spots are not a skin disorder, they are a key sign of sun exposure and damage, both of which are linked to premature ageing of the skin, which is associated with skin cancers.’
Best time to lighten
‘Vitamin C is a key ingredient to effectively treat hyperpigmentation because of its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to inhibit melanin formation,’ says Dr Banwell.
‘I also recommend retinol products, which can be applied topically to lighten skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. However, you must be careful with retinol, because it can lead to sunburn (hence why you always need to apply a high-factor SPF during the day when using retinol), because it encourages new skin cells to develop.’
Doctor Ginni Mansberg, founder of E.S.K Skincare (eskcare.com) is another fan of vitamin C. ‘Vitamin C is available in a number of active forms. Among all the available options, L-ascorbic acid is the most biologically active and well-studied, and there are three ways in which this powerful antioxidant can help skin – provided it is at a low pH,’ says Dr Mansberg.
‘Firstly, vitamin C can slow the production of melanin, aiding in brightening and prevention of dark circles, sunspots and pigmentation; secondly, due to its high antioxidant potency, vitamin C works on a cellular level to revise existing damage including environmental and ageing; thirdly, the ingredient improves the texture of skin thanks to its ability to enhance collagen production, leaving skin feeling firm and smooth.’
In short, vitamin C offers multiple benefits – internally and externally – and by adding it to your skincare routine you’ll not only be helping to address pigmentation issues, but also brighten and rejuvenate your complexion for the year ahead.
Try these…
Give your skin a new life with these radiance-enhancing beauties…
Voya Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
Top Sante verdict
This lightweight facial serum is organically formulated with seaweed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory complex combined with ascorbyl glucoside, so is suitable for sensitive skin- Considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use
- Provides advanced environmental protection by neutralizing damaging free radicals
- Helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Improves skin tone and texture as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Germaine De Capuccini Timexpert Radiance C+ Illuminating Antioxidant Eye Contour
Top Sante verdict
Restore the glow of your eye contour with this cream enhanced with HLG Nanopolymer, which increases the efficacy of vitamin C. It helps fade signs of fatigue, fine wrinkles and evens tone- Protecting the delicate eye contour area
- Eyelids feel deeply hydrated and flexible
- Eyelid skin becomes firmer
E.S.K Enlighten
Top Sante verdict
Evidence-based skincare cream with a tyrosinase inhibitor (4-n-butylresorcinol) and antioxidant (niacinamide) to lighten and brighten skin appearance, and provide a more even skin tone- Formulated to help skin look brighter and more even
- Gentle, nourishing ingredients suitable for daily use
- Supports the appearance of an even skin texture and tone
By Sarah London Vitamin C + E Daily Radiance Booster
Top Sante verdict
An antioxidant booster that protects skin from environmental aggressors while brightening and evening out skin tone. It uses a stable, slow-release form of vitamin C, paired with soothing vitamin E- Promotes bright and glowing skin
- Infused with vitamin E to support collagen production
- Revitalises skin with nourishing plant oils
- Gentle formula, ideal for everyday use
PCA Skin C&E Advanced
Top Sante verdict
This first-of-its-kind waterless formula contains potent antioxidants. The 20 per cent concentration of pure vitamin C minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles- Promotes an even skin tone and protects against environmental damage
- Contains proven therapeutic levels of Vitamins C and E to brighten, soothe, and rejuvenate skin
- Includes advanced corrective ingredients hexylresorcinol and silymarin to further target dark spots
Q+A Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Top Sante verdict
The vitamin C is encapsulated in a blend of volcanic soil to keep it stable and prevent oxidation, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and is ideal for dry skin- Antioxidant-rich hybrid serum to brighten and refresh the skin
- Perfect for all skin types, especially dull and ageing skin
- Volcanic Soil keeps the Vitamin C highly stable to ensure the serum doesn’t lose its effectiveness
