Post-summer hyperpigmentation: what does science have to say about vitamin C and sun protection?

Why do spots appear after summer?

When summer returns, the complexion sometimes seems less even. Certain areas become darker, and spots that were previously discreet become more visible. This is not a sudden phenomenon. It's the result of a cumulative stimulation of melanocytes by ultraviolet radiation.

Repeated UV exposure activates melanin production, the skin's natural defense mechanism. When this stimulation becomes excessive or irregular, pigment distribution becomes unbalanced and areas of hyperpigmentation appear.

What exactly is the role of UV in hyperpigmentation?

UVB triggers local inflammation and directly stimulates melanin synthesis. UVA rays, which are more penetrating, contribute to oxidative stress and photoaging.

Oxidative stress plays a central role. The reactive oxygen species generated by UV activate certain enzymatic pathways involved in melanogenesis. Prevention therefore relies not only on sun filtering, but also on the neutralization of free radicals.

Vitamin C: what does the research really say?

Vitamin C is one of the most studied topical active ingredients for improving skin radiance and evenness. It acts as an antioxidant and helps regulate the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin production.

Vitamin C Serum 10% PERS should be used in the morning to support the skin in the face of daily oxidative stress, and to gradually help improve skin evenness.

Regular use is essential. Vitamin C works over time, provided the skin is simultaneously protected from the sun's harmful rays.

Why is sun protection essential after the summer?

Even after the summer period, UVA remains present all year round. Skin with areas of hyperpigmentation remains sensitive to light stimulation.

PERS Protection SPF50+ offers broad-spectrum protection for daily use. It helps prevent the darkening of existing spots and limit pigmentary stimulation.

Vitamin C and sun protection work in synergy: one neutralizes oxidative stress, the other blocks UV stimulation.

Maintain skin balance to limit recurrence

Respectful cleansing removes oxidizing particles accumulated during the day without weakening the skin barrier.

Cleansing Balm followed by Cleansing Gel are part of this logic of protection and stability.

Preserving the skin barrier reduces reactivity and helps limit pigmentary imbalances.

Key facts

Post-summer hyperpigmentation results from the cumulative stimulation of melanocytes by UV rays and oxidative stress.

A coherent strategy is based on three principles: daily protection, neutralizing oxidation and preserving skin balance.

Vitamin C combined with broad-spectrum sun protection is today's most scientifically-documented approach to supporting the return to a more even complexion.

Scientific sources

• Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 2017. PubMed
• Young AR. Photoprotection. European Journal of Dermatology, 2002. PubMed
• Pillai S, Oresajo C, Hayward J. Ultraviolet radiation and skin aging. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, 2005. PubMed