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.

You may also enjoy reading:

Rejuvenating Matcha and Rose Face Mask
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