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by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ
If vitamin C is a skincare hero, why don’t we always see results?
Simple: Not all vitamin C products are made the same. I’ll show you which type actually works—and what made a difference in my own skin.
Vitamin C can:
But to get those results, you need the right type, concentration, and application method.
I did some investigating to see what the deal is with topical vitamin C for skin health and anti-aging, and here is what I found:
Once I found a product that met all these points … I saw those wonderful benefits I've been reading about, especially on my face and neck.
Here’s what finally worked to lighten the brown spot on my neck:
✨ The combo of fresh vitamin C, regular exfoliation, and deep cleansing made the difference—especially for my neck and lower face.
Want the freshest, most potent vitamin C for your skin? Don’t premix it. (As I mentioned above, I don’t premix anymore—I mix a small amount daily to keep it fresh.)
Vitamin C breaks down quickly when exposed to air or liquid—this method keeps it powerful.
Watch how Carolyn does it in the video below:
This method works for all skin types—but it’s especially helpful for dry, mature, or crepey skin.. And works very well to lighten dark or brown spots.
Apply to clean, dry skin—then massage it in. Studies show facial massage can visibly reduce wrinkles and may even improve how well your skincare products work.
💡 Try this: I follow the Circle Up Rub from Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. It’s a simple technique that helps firm muscles and boost circulation.
This massage is designed to smooth the skin and firm the muscles of your face. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1 – Prep Your Face:
Apply vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin.
Step 2 – Make an “O” Shape:
Open your mouth wide to form a big “O.”
Step 3 – Position Your Fingers:
Place your fingertips on either side of your chin, just under your mouth.
Step 4 – Massage Your Face:
Make small counter-clockwise circles as you move up your cheeks and over to your temples. Repeat 5 times.
This method helped me fade a brown spot on my neck:
Both lighten skin but work differently:
📌 Best combo: Using both can give better results for uneven tone or brown spots.
Freshly mixed vitamin C is:
If your product smells off, turns brown, or feels sticky—it’s likely oxidized and no longer effective.
What to look for when choosing a vitamin C skincare product?
You’d be surprised how many people try to make their own vitamin C serum by crushing tablets. I’ve done it. It felt resourceful—but honestly, it didn’t do a thing.
Here’s why: most store-bought vitamin C tablets are buffered for digestion, not designed for your skin. They usually contain fillers or neutralizers like sodium bicarbonate, which stop the vitamin C from penetrating.
Plus, there’s no way to measure the pH or potency—so even if your mix feels strong, your skin might not actually absorb much of it.
If you want results (without the guesswork), stick with L-ascorbic acid in a form meant for skincare. That’s when I finally started seeing actual changes.
If you're curious about alternatives, here are a few that may work better for certain skin types:
I’ve tested several over the years, but I always come back to the fresh powder + serum combo. It’s the only one that gave me visible results on real brown spots.
While side effects are minimal for most people, everyone’s skin reacts differently. So it’s always smart to do a quick patch test—especially if you’re new to vitamin C.
Personally, I felt a slight warm tingle during the first few uses, but it disappeared after a week.
Question: Can you use vitamin C and niacinamide together?
Answer: Yes—and actually, they can work even better as a team. Vitamin C helps slow melanin production at the source, while niacinamide reduces how much of that pigment makes it to the surface.
That combo means fewer dark spots, a more even skin tone, and brighter-looking skin overall.
Question: Can you boost vitamin C’s brightening power with other ingredients?
Answer: Yes—and I’ve seen real results from it.
When I was dealing with sun spots and uneven patches, I added kojic acid, alpha arbutin, or niacinamide—either mixed into my vitamin C serum or layered at night.
They don’t replace a strong L-ascorbic acid formula, but they can help speed up tone improvement. Just go slow. These boosters are potent, and too much too fast can irritate your skin.
I started with just a few drops, a couple times a week. A little goes a long way.
Question: What shouldn’t you mix with vitamin C?
Answer: Skip anything harsh or reactive—like benzoyl peroxide, strong exfoliating acids (like high-dose AHAs or BHAs), and copper peptides.
I’ve layered too many actives before and... let’s just say my skin wasn’t thrilled. Red, irritated, and not exactly glowing.
Vitamin C works best with water-based serums, hydrators, and calming ingredients like niacinamide. Keep it simple, especially if your skin leans sensitive.
Vitamin C can be a game-changer—but only if it’s the right kind, applied the right way. Fresh formulas made the biggest difference for me, especially with discoloration on my neck. If you’ve felt underwhelmed before, don’t give up.
A few small tweaks (like daily mixing or adding a massage step) might be all it takes to finally see results.
Have you tried skin or makeup products containing
vitamin C? Which ones and what did you think? Leave a comment here and share your thoughts.
References:
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018 May 29;11:253-263. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S161352. eCollection 201
About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.
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