Had a great vacation in the summer but skin turned two shades darker? Tanned skin is a skin concern but vitamin C can help you deal with it. 

Why Do We Tan?

Let us first understand our skin complexion. Skin complexion is based on brown skin pigment called melanin present in the skin. Higher the melanin darker your skin complexion. 

UV radiation penetrates into the lower layer of the epidermis, where they trigger melanocytes (melanin pigment producing cells). Melanin is the body’s natural way of protecting the skin from burning.

High levels of melanin (Skin pigment) indicate tan. Vitamin C reduces the production of melanin and creates an even skin tone. 

What is Vitamin C 

Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid)  is present in high concentrations in the epidermal and dermal layers of our skin. Vitamin C content in the skin is depleted due to factors such as UV light, smoking, pollution, and aging. 

Taking Vitamin C supplements or consuming foods with Vitamin C does help in replenishing the lost Vitamin C to a certain extent. Topical application of vitamin C has been proven to be beneficial for the skin.

Role of Vitamin C in Dealing with Tanned Skin

Tyrosinase is an enzyme (biological catalyst) found in melanosomes that are synthesized inside melanocytes. It speeds up the production of melanin in the skin. Vitamin C decreases tan by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme.

Vitamin C can be used topically in the form of serums on tanned skin. Vitamin C loses its function when it is exposed to external aggressors like sun and light. 

It is a task for manufacturers to deliver vitamin c in the most potent form. For this purpose, they encapsulate vitamin C so it does not get broken down. 

Vitamin C can be taken in combination with ferulic acid or hyaluronic acid. This way it is absorbed better and provides faster results.

The concentration of vitamin C in serums can range anywhere between 10-25%. 

Incredible Properties of Vitamin C 

• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Anti-aging properties

How to Apply Vitamin C Serums?

• Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
• Apply 2 – 3 drops of serum all over the face and massage it gently
• Finish off with a moisturizer after a few minutes

Vitamin C suits all skin types. You can see visible changes in your skin after you’ve used vitamin for about 4-6 weeks. 

Vitamin C is an Excellent Antioxidant 

Our skin is made up of molecules that have paired electrons. Factors like UV rays, air, water, heat or certain medications can lead to a loss of an electron. 

The remaining electron now becomes a free radical that is searching for an electron to pair itself with. 

Because free radicals are wild and free, they may cause damage to the skin. They interact with proteins in the skin and oxidize them (chemically burn them). 

Antioxidants have a free electron to donate and hence fight free radicals. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage.

Vitamin C is a Wonder Ingredient for Anti-Aging 

Collagen is a protein found in our skin that gives strength to the skin. Elastin is another protein found in the skin that gives skin its elastic nature. 

As we age, the production of these proteins in our skin is decreased. Other factors like smoking, lifestyle, and sunlight lead to the wear and tear of collagen and elastin. 

Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and elastin leading to the formation of fresh, new and plump cells. 

Vitamin C Fights Inflammation 

Inflammation is the body’s response to bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances. White blood cells release chemicals into your blood that increase blood flow to the inflamed area. This causes redness, warmth, swelling, pain and at times immobility. 

Vitamin C decreases inflammatory responses at the site of the wound. Besides, it has a property to reestablish stratum corneum (skin’s outermost layer that acts as a protective barrier).

Types of Vitamin C

L-AA (L-Ascorbic acid) – The most effective form of Vitamin C. However, this form is unstable and can cause skin irritation when used in high concentrations. 

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate – This is a water-soluble variety of vitamin C. This is comparatively stable and does not cause skin irritation. It is, therefore, suitable for dry skin and sensitive skin types. 

Ascorbyl Palmitate – Though this is not as potent as other forms of vitamin C, it is used for anti-aging. This form of vitamin C fights free radicals and oxidative damage.

Ascorbic Glucosamine – This again, is a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C. It helps in skin lightening. 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate – It is one of the latest additions to Vitamin C kinds. It is fat soluble and hence penetrates better into the skin. This is a stable form of Vitamin C.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate -This is a stable and water-soluble type of vitamin C. It has skin brightening properties and antioxidant properties. 

Foods That Are Rich in Vitamin C

• Citrus fruits like oranges, lemon, amla or gooseberry, tomatoes
• Green leafy vegetables
• Broccoli
• Green and red peppers
• Cauliflower
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Blueberries

How to Choose A Vitamin C Serum for Tanned Skin 

• Look for a serum whose pH level is 5-6 since it’s close to the skin’s pH. That way the serum will remain gentle on the skin. 
• Make sure your serum is white, light or clear. A dark serum indicates that it may have already been oxidized and not suitable for application on the skin. 
• Vitamin C does not have any odor. If it smells sour, it is better not to use it. 
• Do not purchase vitamin C that is sold in clear bottles. Buy it if it is packaged in dark colored or opaque bottles. This way Vitamin C is protected from sunlight. 

Side Effects of a Vitamin C Overdose

Some people may experience one or more side effects from the following 

• Itching 
• Redness
• Skin irritation 
• Tingling 

Vitamin C is very acidic. While using vitamin C serums, apply a thin layer on alternate days and gradually shift to applying every day. Vitamin C and retinol may pose some adverse effects like skin irritation. It is best to use Vitamin C in the morning skincare routine while retinol at night. 

How to Prevent Suntan

• Avoid going out in the sun when the rays are extreme
• Cover yourself fully, especially hands and neck. 
• Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen no matter what season it is

If you have been struggling with stubborn tan, Vitamin C is all you need to fade it out and get your glow back.