Vitamin C serum? Worried about oxidization

[hadtodoitagain]

Hello!

I suffer from hyperpigmentation and a friend recommend me to try a vitamin C serum. However, when researching, it mentions that vitamin C mainly oxidises (sp) and can leave a orange/brown tint on your skin.

What can I do to try and sort out my hyperpigmentation. Should I go ahead and try Vitamin C?

Oh, I hadn't heard of this side effect... I don't imagine it would be permanent? So maybe worth trying, but in very small doses to begin with.

I tried vit c serum a while ago and it wasn't good for my skin. Think I was slightly intolerant to it, or something else in the serum. I haven't tried again since. If I was though, I'd go very easy to begin with, in case of side effects.

Doesn’t stain my skin, but does leave orange marks on white pillowcase, but it comes off in the wash.

By hyperpigmentation btw, do you mean redness?

I have rosacea, and have had some success with niacinamide, alpha arbutin and azaleic acid.

I've been using the Ordinary 23% Vit C. No oxidation. The first couple of times I used it I noticed a bit of orange on my pillow case but I haven't noticed it since.

I'm only using it at night BTW. So it's possible it oxidises but I don't notice it! If it does, it's clearly temporary as my skin looks normal in the morning.

I think you have to stick with it. It's slowly but surely improving my pigmentation.

This is only the case with L-AA (L-Asorbic Acid) vitamin c, which is generally the form of vitamin C you want in a 10-20% concentration at a low-ish pH. It's only if you overuse it, the body can only absorb about 20% in 24hrs, so if you're using too much, eg. morning and night, whatever doesn't get absorbed sits on the skin, gets oxidised and 'tans' the skin in similar way to fake tan. Use as directed and you shouldn't have an issue, the formulation does have a tendency to oxidise so if it's not in a stable formulation, usually water based (which tends to get the best results when it come to vitamin c) as opposed to a suspension (silicones and similar) you'll want to keep it in the fridge. If it discolours slightly (light yellow) it's not an issue, it's just less effective but stop using it when it's clearly discoloured to a deep orange/rust colour, then it will stain your skin as well.

If you just follow manufacturers instructions you really shouldn't be having any issues.

Vit made my skin feel quite itchy. Do some research before buying a product.
Look up Dr Sam' videos online.

Thank you!

Hyperpigmentation as in... when a spot on my skin heals, it leaves a dark mark on my face (I think hyperpigmentation is the correct word for that).

Thank you botem that was really really helpful. Which Vitamin C do you recommend is good and does not oxidise?

Wherearenow I tried the Ordinary but it made me break out so I stopped using it.

It's difficult to answer, none should oxidise on your face with proper use. Unstable formulations whereby the product oxidises (you do tend to use it up before that happens though) are usually more effective and also more likely to irritate. In that category I'd recommend Timeless CE ferulic. If you want a stable derivative Medik8 Tetra is good although I believe Garden of Wisdom also have one with the same active ingredient called C-Deep that's cheaper but I haven't tried that one personally.

I have been using the Murad Fit C serum for nearly 2 months (first time vet C user) and I absolutely love it. No issue with oxidising on my face and the bottle is designed to prevent the cream oxidising once started - it has a pump and two chambers of product.