3 skin brightening products to get your skin out of the doldrums

If your spring fever has set in but your, well, kinda dull complexion has yet to catch up, there are a few skin saviours that can help. The beauty ingredient everyone has on their lips this time of year is vitamin C. Aside from fighting against free radical damage, this powerhouse antioxidant helps to boost skin's collagen, lessen the appearance of dark spots and may even have anti-inflammatory benefits — basically things everyone looks for in a skincare staple. Here are two vit-C products that are super noteworthy, as well as an at-home, micro-needling-inspired patch, to help skin keep up with the brighter days ahead.

C it to believe it

When we think of vitamin C, it's often associated with citrus fruit, but strawberries are also an excellent source. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe's purported beauty hack of rubbing strawberries on her skin, the just-launched Strawberry-C Brightening Serum from Volition Beauty contains strawberry extract, sea water, sodium hyaluronate and Kakadu plum, a fruit native to Australia that also contains a high concentration of vitamin C.

Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum, $60, sephora.com

Skin prep & pep

Studies show that smelling citrus can help fend off negative emotions, which seems like a fab way to start the day! British brand This Works' 'Morning Expert' line includes this mood-lifting ingredient. The standout from this five-product line is the Vitamin C Power Mask. The mask has a balm texture, contains nourishing jojoba and sweet almond oils, and is designed to both brighten and soften skin. The brand recommends applying the product onto dry skin, massaging it in with wet fingers for one minute and then rinsing well; if you're looking for a more intense complexion refresher, the mask can be left on for 10 minutes instead.

This Works Morning Expert Vitamin C Power Mask, $60, sephora.com

Patch work

Micro-needling is the trend du jour, popular for its ability to reduce the appearance of scars, promote collagen production and possibly stimulate hair growth. NeoStrata has come up a product inspired by the in-office treatment to target fine lines and wrinkles. Patches created with micro-cones full of hyaluronic acid, and nothing else, trigger a tiny pricking sensation when first applied. The cones dissolve overnight, delivering the skin-plumping ingredient directly into crow's feet, laugh lines, forehead creases and furrow lines. And best of all, there's no downtime required.

NeoStrata Hyaluronic Acid Micro Infusion Patches, $24.99, well.ca