Is vitamin C ruining my skin?

[Softleftpowerstance]

I started using the Ordinary vitamin C serum after developing a sun spot on my forehead. (Itself I think the result of retinol). Everything I read said Vit C is the go-to for pigmentation problems. But having used it since the start of the year I’ve noticed that my forehead has got progressively drier, which makes frown lines more noticeable. In recent months it’s also become quite spotty.

I was reading a few blogs today and came across a school of thought that Vitamin c is actually bad for your skin, especially if you’re still pre-45 and making decent amounts of collagen. (I’m mid 30s).

What have other peoples’ experiences of vitamin c been like? Have I buggered up my skin or is this just age?!

I buggered up my skin using deciem products. Including a couple of their vitamin c’s. I didn’t know which it was but my skin went dry and more wrinkly with more prominent pores. I was also using niod cais and a few other serums ( none of their exfoliants though). So it was hard to work out what it was.
I cut everything and used only gently products for about a year. Basic hydrating moisturisers, gently cleansers. Nothing to harsh. Skin is back on track but won’t tough deciem again. Recently used beauty pie vit c over the summer and skin has been fine.

I didn’t know which it was but my skin went dry and more wrinkly with more prominent pores.

That’s exactly the problem, but with added spots. My instinct is to try and find a serum to combat it but perhaps I’m best off keeping it v simple.

The same happened to me last month.

I developed very dry skin around my eyes and temples and forehead.

I went back to using Olay tinted moisturiser and the Olay night cream and its been better since.

I was waking up with spots and scales at one point!

I think I damaged/ upset my skins acid mantle. Stick to things that are really healing and moisturising. I liked eucerin urea repair Face cream. That seems to help a lot.
No harsh exfoliants, no retinols etc. I now am a lot more careful about what I introduce. And I introduce it very slowly. The problem with deciem is it encourages you to whack all sorts of crap on your face at the same time. Not good if your skin is a bit sensitive.

I’m 44 and using a vit c/ hyraluronic acid serum and so far all is well.

You’re best trying IPL if it’s just the one sun spot and making sure use good SPF all year round. Can take years for sun damage to come to surface so may be nothing to do with retinol.

I found the same happened whenever I tried retinols

@KatzP I feel a bit ridiculous getting IPL for one spot. It’s something I might consider in a few years as I assume I’m just on a downward spiral now. . Have you had it done?

Has anyone used the Eucerin anti pigment range?

I had IPL done for a group of sun spots on my cheek. Had 3 sessions which faded them a bit.

I’m using the dr Denis gross ipl serum right now which is helping to fade them further. But that’s got vit c in it.

I think the Ordinary speeded up the onset of lines and wrinkles for me tbh.

I’ve found this too! I was using a vit c serum daily and retinol once a week, the lines on my forehead became much more prominent after using these things, I was using a rich moisturiser too, so don’t think it was because of dehydration.

I’m just using Liz Earle and Elemis now, and my skin is looking fantastic.

Omg, I've been using this too and have noticed more wrinkles on my forehead and a spot! I didn't make the connection, but I think you might be right.

I'll stick to what I used before from now on I think.

The retinol seems to do my skin good though, I think. I've only recently included the vitamin c and that's when the problems started.

Well the Vitamin C went in the bin this morning. When throwing it away I did see that the use by date was only six months after opening, so maybe it’s degraded. Or it’s just not for me.

I haven't tried Ordinary's vitamin C serum, but have tried their sister range's one (Indeed Lab). Made my skin super smooth but stung, was so heavy (like piling on silicone heavy primer) and it could make spots more likely.