If you have read some of my previous posts about sunscreen, you know I only started wearing sunscreen in my late twenties (a huge mistake! Don’t repeat it). As an unfortunate result, my face tone had been two shades darker than my neck. Since it’s a result caused by long-term exposure to the sun, I have long lost hope in balancing my face and neck tones, because I was having the what’s-done-is-done thought in my mind. It’s not until lately when I had accidentally taken a look at my face and neck do I notice that the color difference between my face and neck has magically disappeared! I immediately asked myself, “What makes such a change?” Since I haven’t changed much of my skincare regimen, the question is fairly easy to answer.
Apply Sunscreen Every Day
It’s the same old method: sunscreen. As some of you may know, over 90% of aging is caused by sun exposure. When you can protect yourself against the harmful UV light, you’ve already taken a good step toward anti-aging. However, merely applying sunscreen is not enough. You must make sure that the sunscreen you use is effective and that you apply it the right way. For me, I’ve been using MVO Moisturizing Face Screen solely for the past year. And I think it has done a good job in protecting my skin from sun exposure. For one thing, my skin hasn’t tanned a bit over the past year. As for the right way to using sunscreen. Sunscreen is something I would wear no matter where I’m and how the weather is. Just because I’m indoor and it’s raining outside doesn’t mean I don’t wear my sunscreen. Yes, I’m as crazy as that!
Incorporate Vitamin C Into My Regimen
My second tip to lighter skin tone is vitamin C, namely, L-Ascorbic Acid. For this, I have to thank Vivi from Eco Beauty Secrets for introducing me to this amazing skin savior. I was basically hooked when I heard her say that vitamin C seemed to work for her eye wrinkles. Since I am a magnet to everything about eye wrinkles, I was naturally piqued! But no, vitamin C didn’t improve my eye wrinkles. However, it does other things for other parts of my skin.
First, it has lightened my face tone. The tones of my face and neck appear almost the same for now. I can’t believe it will ever happen consider that I am a late convert to sunscreen. Second, ahem… may I draw your attention to the photo below? The photo shows my bare face in September 2011 and August 2012 (that’s one year apart). You can see that the bumps and redness on the sides of my cheeks have subsided pretty much. Although the lighting may make some difference and the photo features different sides of my face, I guess you can still get the general idea: the condition of my skin has improved a lot with less redress. My face, even without makeup, is now fairer and smoother.
You see? Balancing your skin tone is just that simple. Using sunscreen and vitamin C, and you are on your way to better skin tone and smoother skin.
High Five! Haha!
Vit C did the very same thing to my skin. My skin definitely became at least 1-2 shades lighter and definitely brighter. Regarding the eye wrinkles, I think really have to couple with a moisturizing eye cream or serum as Vit C dries the eye area. It won’t get rid of deep wrinkles but in my case, it helped with those tiny lines that will soon to be wrinkles if left unattended.
And oh– it’s great you mentioned the use of sunscreen! I learned it the hard way that if you slack on sunscreen while using vit C, you’ll easily get pigmentations especially when you’re prone to it like me.
Yup, I have the same thought. Vit C alone is just too weak to remove deep eye wrinkles. And I make it a point to always apply something else on top of Vit C when I used it on my eyes. Yes, I’m one of those who love layering
There are many ingredients that can make our skin prone to pigmentation when exposed to the sun. Vit C is one. Retinol is another. I avoid using products with such ingredients in the mornings.
hi ..lovely review..how dis you used the l-ascorbic powder along with distilled water or a serum?
Hi, nami, I used it with hydrosol, but you can also use it with distilled water or a serum
what is hydrosol and why did you use that instead of water ?
sorry i forgot to ask why you use hydrosol instead of using the serum ?
i too have sun damaged skin and i want to lighten my skin tone about 2 shades as fast as possible
thanks!!
Short answer: I happen to have hydrosol at home. Long answer: I don’t use serum, because I don’t want the ingredients of the serum to interfere with vitamin C. Those two methods I use are not fast method
but they definitely work for me in the long run. I know that citrus (e.g. lemon and grapefruit) can lighten skin but should be used in moderation.