Simply put, skin serum is a product that you use after washing the skin but before moisturizing the skin. Due to its lipid-soluble base, its active ingredients can cross the surface and reach deep layers of the skin. In the case of serum, vitamin C, the active ingredient, vitamin C, acts as an antioxidant that reduces UV damage caused by sun exposure - such as hyperpigmentation, aging and sunburn, if used. Comes with sunscreen - says Uma Agbai, a dermatologist. See vitamin C serum before and after pictures to see how it works.

Topical vitamin C also inhibits an enzyme that produces skin pigment, melanin. As a result, it can lighten and even out skin tone, which may lead to hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma - dark patches, usually on the face - as well as post-inflammatory staining - dark spots that may result from acne, eczema, or Other skin diseases. These hyperpigmentation disorders are more common in people with dark brown skin.

He adds that while there is some research evidence that topical vitamin C provides these skin benefits, he knows of no evidence that oral vitamin C (for example as a supplement) has similar benefits.

What causes darkening of the skin in vitamin C.
So, what happens when a vitamin C serum makes your skin look dark?

There are two reasons why you may change color and both are related to oxidation:

Vitamin C is oxidized in bottles
Vitamin C is oxidized on the surface of your skin

Apparently, this is quite common in some vitamin C serums, and I did my daily work to find out why. There is scientific evidence that serums change from clear to orange-brown: ascorbic acid is oxidized to erythrolose, according to Michelle Wang, a chemist - which is a key element in her skin.

"Erythrolysis is one of the ingredients in fake tanning and is often found alongside dihydroxyacetone, or DHA," Wang wrote in a post on his site.

Don't worry though - this does not mean that you should completely discard bulk and skin care products. You need to make sure you are getting a fresh vitamin C serum and that you are using it properly. First? According to Wong, look for vitamin C that is more resistant to oxidation (AKA, not ascorbic acid, which he says is the most unstable). Instead, Wong says look for vitamin C, which is listed below.

It also helps prevent oxidation in the first place, which Wang says can be beneficial by purchasing a vitamin C serum that contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, and increases antioxidants, as well as using the serum at night and away from the direct. Is. Sunlight. We have even heard rumors about people storing their vitamin C serum in the refrigerator as much as possible.

Erythrolysis is one of the ingredients in fake tanning and is often found alongside dihydroxyacetone or DHA. These substances react with the proteins in the dead layer of your skin and produce a brown compound called melanoidin that stays on your skin until the dead cells are gone (after about a week). The reaction is a Millard reaction, like the reaction that meat and cooked goods turn brown from heat.