Everyone dreams of bright, healthy, glowing skin. And yet, so many of us get lost in trends. We buy what’s viral. We follow what influencers recommend. We layer product after product, hoping for miracles.
But skin… it doesn’t work that way.
According to Dr. Abelina Dini Fitria, an aesthetic doctor and beauty influencer, one of the most powerful yet misunderstood ingredients in skincare is Vitamin C. Many avoid it because they are afraid of irritation. Redness. Breakouts. Stinging sensations.
However, the problem is rarely the ingredient itself. More often, it is the way we use it.
So today, let’s slow down. Let’s understand. And most importantly—let’s learn how to treat dull skin and fine wrinkles with the right use of Vitamin C.
Why Dull Skin & Fine Wrinkles Appear in the First Place
Dull skin does not appear overnight. Fine lines do not suddenly show up without warning. They are quiet results of:
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Sun exposure
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Pollution
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Poor skin barrier
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Dehydration
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Lack of collagen
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Overuse of harsh active ingredients
In other words, your skin becomes tired.
Vitamin C, when used correctly, works like a gentle morning light. It brightens. It stimulates collagen. It protects from environmental damage. It helps reduce pigmentation. And yes—it softens fine wrinkles over time.
However, here is where many people go wrong.
They combine Vitamin C with too many active ingredients at once.
They use high concentrations without preparation.
They apply it randomly—morning one day, night the next—without strategy.
As Dr. Abelina explained during the launch of the Trueve New Vita C Glow Series in Senopati, South Jakarta (February 11, 2026), irritation often happens not because Vitamin C is “bad,” but because users don’t understand formulation and layering.
For example:
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Mixing Vitamin C with retinol in the same routine
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Combining it with strong exfoliants
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Using oil-soluble and water-soluble actives without balance
As a result, the skin barrier becomes damaged. Redness appears. Breakouts happen. And then people say, “Vitamin C doesn’t suit me.”
But maybe… it was never the enemy.
The Right Way to Use Vitamin C (Without Irritation)
Because glowing skin is not about luck. It is about method.
1. Start Slow and Simple
First of all, try one product at a time.
If you are new to Vitamin C, begin with:
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A low to moderate concentration serum
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Or a Vitamin C facial spray for sensitive skin
Use it in the morning. Why? Because Vitamin C works beautifully as an antioxidant shield against UV rays and pollution.
However, always follow with sunscreen. Always.
2. Do Not Combine with Retinol or Exfoliants
This is crucial.
Dr. Abelina emphasized: do not combine Vitamin C with retinol or strong exfoliating acids in the same routine.
Instead:
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Morning: Vitamin C
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Night: Retinol or exfoliant
This separation allows your skin to benefit from both without overwhelming it.
3. Acne-Prone Skin? Don’t Be Afraid
Interestingly, many people with acne-prone skin avoid Vitamin C.
But according to Dr. Abelina, Vitamin C can actually help prevent acne when layered correctly.
For oily and acne-prone skin:
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Use Vitamin C spray or serum
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Follow with anti-acne skincare
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You may layer with salicylic acid (if tolerated and not at the same exact time as a strong acid peel)
The key is balance.
In other words, stop following trends blindly. Stop buying everything viral. Instead, build a routine that serves your skin’s real needs.
And if you’re unsure? Consulting an aesthetic doctor can save you months of trial and error—and unnecessary irritation.
Choosing the Right Vitamin C Product for Brighter, Younger-Looking Skin
Which Vitamin C product should you choose?
Because not all Vitamin C formulations are created equal.
Look for:
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Stable forms of Vitamin C (such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate or Ascorbyl Glucoside if you are sensitive)
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Transparent ingredient lists
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Formulas without excessive harsh actives combined together
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Packaging that protects from light and air
Furthermore, consistency matters more than intensity.
You don’t need the highest percentage. You need the right percentage for your skin type.
If your goal is:
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Brightening dull skin → choose a daily antioxidant serum
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Reducing fine wrinkles → combine Vitamin C (morning) with collagen-supporting night care
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Preventing early aging → stay consistent for at least 8–12 weeks
Vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen production. And collagen is the quiet architect of firm, smooth skin. When collagen levels improve, fine lines gradually soften. The skin reflects light better. It looks alive again.
And here is the truth many forget:
Skincare is not an instant transformation. It is a commitment.
So if your skin feels tired… if your mirror reflects dullness… if fine wrinkles begin to whisper at the corners of your eyes…
Do not panic.
Instead, choose wisely. Use Vitamin C correctly. Separate strong actives. Protect your barrier.
And if you truly want results faster and safer, consider professional guidance. An aesthetic consultation can personalize your routine based on your skin type, concerns, and tolerance level—saving you money, time, and frustration.
Because bright skin is not about trends.
It is about understanding.
It is about patience.
And above all—it is about using the right ingredients, in the right way, at the right time.
And perhaps… that is where your glow truly begins. ✨