Summer brings tans. Summer also brings hyperpigmentation. Although some people are more prone to getting skin discolorations from frequent sun exposure than others, it’s still good to have a trick or two up one’s sleeve to fix it when it happens. That's where a good vitamin C mask comes in handy.
Brighter Skin with Vitamin C and My Homemade Skin Brightening Mask Recipe
This mask is a snap to make and yields great results, not to mention it's cheap! However, if you have recently exfoliated your skin, popped a blemish, or have had skin treatments in the last few days, this mask is going to sting.
On the upside, this mask will lighten and brighten your skin making it soft and more youthful in appearance due to Vitamin C's skin whitening effects. It will also help encourage collagen production in the skin which is an added bonus.
How to Make a Skin Brightening Mask Using Vitamin C
Here’s what you’ll need:
• 1 teaspoon of natural Vitamin C powder that says L-ascorbic acid Vitamin C (find it here. if you want a pure ascorbic acid, check out the one by The Ordinary)
• 1 teaspoon of fresh aloe gel or raw honey
• ⅛ teaspoon spring water— Optional (if the mask is too gritty, add more water a few drops at a time until smooth)
• 1-2 drops sandalwood, eucalyptus, frankincense, tea tree, geranium, or helichrysum essential oil
Loving Preparation - Skin Brightening Mask
• Mix ingredients with a small brush until smooth
• Apply with the brush in an even layer all over face, avoiding the eye area
• Leave on for up to 15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water or wipe away with a warm cloth (if you put it on really thick you can peel it off in pieces if you like)
• You may experience some redness for up to an hour afterward but this is normal
Your skin will feel really smooth afterward.
Make sure to wear a good sunscreen during the day otherwise your results will disappear.
This homemade skin brightening mask will:
• Reduce redness
• Brighten skin tone
• Lighten hyperpigmentation
• Tightens pores
• Smooth the complexion
• Evens skin tone
• Feed the skin
This mask is intense for some people, so if you have very sensitive skin and this mask is a bit too strong for you, add less Vitamin C powder to your aloe vera gel. You can also mix a pinch of the Vitamin C powder into your daily serum or moisturizer for the same effect.
This mask is great for all skin types and can be used up to twice per week.
Using it more often at this strength may cause some peeling.
*** You can also use Vitamin C tablets crushed into a powder or capsules instead of trying to find the powdered version if it isn’t available. It's not the best method, but it works to an extent. Just make sure it says L-ascorbic acid so you know it's the real thing. Using the vitamin C powder from the link above will yield an orange looking mask while pure L-ascorbic acid yields a white mask.
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Simple Fruit Masks for Beautiful Skin
Simple Oatmeal Face Mask for Oily Skin
DIY Rice Flour and Rice Flour Mask
5 DIY Face Mask Recipes Using Essential Oils
Terry carrico says
Nice homemade skin brightening tips! I will try it, thanks for sharing it.
AB says
can vitamin c powder be mixed with rice cream or rice flour?
Tash says
Hi AB!
Yes! However, as soon as you add any type of water, you will want to use the rice flour quickly since water makes vitamin C lose its potency. I would also recommend mixing the vitamin c powder with the amount of rice cream you want to use each time because of this reason. best of luck!
Munshira says
Can this mask b made and keep it free a month? If yes, thank u... if no, how can I extend its shelf life?
Tash says
Hi Munshira!
If you kept the mask in the fridge then it would last.
Satrap says
Hi Tash,
Just wanted to thank you for the recipe and let you know we linked to it in our big 200 DIY Beauty Products round up on MoneyPantry.com.
hira khan says
You could try a natural brightening mask, which is extremely easy and very effective. Mash up 3 - 5 strawberries and apply to your face, leaving on for 10 -15 minutes, Rinse or wipe off with natural floral water. Strawberries are high in Vitamin C and have slightly acidic properties so will leave your skin cleansed and glowing
Carol Nolan says
How long will a batch of this brightening mask last ?
Tash says
Hi Carol!
About 7 days. However, if you add essential oils to it, you can get a few more days worth especially if you keep it refrigerated.