How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to go away with vitamin C?

Author: Lori Mueller  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks.

How long does it take for vitamin C to lighten hyperpigmentation?

Brightening and Even Skin Tone (4-8 weeks): With continued use, you may start noticing a more noticeable improvement in your skin's brightness and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration.

How do you fade hyperpigmentation fast?

Topical Treatments For Hyperpigmentation
  1. A skin-lightening ingredient like hydroquinone or cysteamine hydrochloride. ...
  2. A brightening serum with vitamin C. ...
  3. A physical sunblock with at least SPF 30. ...
  4. A chemical exfoliant like salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid. ...
  5. Retinol.

How long does it take to reverse hyperpigmentation?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.

What really fades hyperpigmentation?

“Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation (Aging or Dark Spots)

Can you fade hyperpigmentation in 2 weeks?

Mild hyperpigmentation can begin to fade within 3-6 months with consistent treatment. More aggressive treatments, such as chemical peels, may show results sooner but often require multiple sessions. Severe cases of hyperpigmentation, such as deep melasma, can take a year or more to resolve.

Why is vitamin C darkening my skin?

In the absence of SPF, you may notice at times that your skin is easily tanned. Either tan or your skin may have turned into a funny orange or peach-ish color. It is because Vitamin C is extremely potent but it can easily react with the air, light and heat in the environment to only make your skin appear darker.

Why is my pigmentation not going?

You aren't wearing the right sunscreen

Using sunscreen regularly is very important. At the same time getting the right sunscreen is also important. Dermatologists recommend one with SPF 30 and more to prevent skin pigmentation.

Which vitamin is best for hyperpigmentation?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

Why does my hyperpigmentation look worse some days?

Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

Which serum is best for pigmentation?

  • 4.7|14. AD. RAS LUXURY OILS. Advanced Booster Serum - 10 ml. ...
  • 4.3|107. AD. FIXDERMA. ...
  • 4.3|186. The Derma co. Pigmentation Corrector Serum. ...
  • 4.4|5. Dermatouch. Bye Bye Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.4|77. AD. Hyphen. ...
  • 4.1|34. Dermatouch. Bye Bye Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.2|25. SUGANDA SKINCARE. Advanced Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.4|9.4k. AD. Ponds.

What percentage of vitamin C is effective for hyperpigmentation?

Skin Concerns: If your primary concern is brightening and reducing pigmentation, consider Ascorbyl Glucoside or MAP in concentrations around 5%. For anti-ageing and collagen-boosting benefits, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate at 3% to 5% might be the most effective.

Does vitamin C brighten skin immediately?

Brightens Skin:

This effect is generally only seen with long-term use of high-concentration products. However, most vitamin C products could lead to a more uniform skin tone and a brighter complexion over time.

What to pair vitamin C with for hyperpigmentation?

We recommend pairing your vitamin C serum with a facial moisturiser and our CeraVe Eye Repair Cream during the day. If you have dry skin, you can also layer this serum with our CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Does pigmentation get darker before it gets better?

Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.

What are the three types of hyperpigmentation?

Three common types of hyperpigmentation include: Sunspots, age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines. These are different names for spots that develop because of one thing—sun exposure. Sunspots are most likely to pop up on areas that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as your face and hands.

Will dark spots ever go away?

In many cases, hyperpigmentation on the face will fade on its own with time. OTC and prescription treatments can safely fade areas of discoloration. A dermatologist can advise a person on the best approaches depending on their skin type and tone and the underlying cause of their hyperpigmentation.

Can vitamin C make pigmentation worse?

Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks. After two months of use, users may experience significant fading of hyperpigmentation.

Is 10% vitamin C serum too much?

Between 5-20% concentration of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) is common, with 10-15% being a good middle ground for most people. Focus on your skin's sensitivity and choose a product formulated for your needs. Consulting a dermatologist can help you determine the right amount for you.

Which serum is best for skin whitening?

  • 4.1|18. LUVYH. Vitamin C & E Face Serum. ...
  • 4|24. LUVYH. Neck Whitening Cream 100gm. ...
  • 4.3|53. INTIMIFY. Vitamin C Serum-30ml. ...
  • LUVYH. Pack of 2 Whitening Face Gel. 349 998 ( 65 % OFF)
  • 3.6|5. INTIMIFY. Underarm Whitening Serum-10ml. ...
  • Color. Brown. Multi. ...
  • 4.4|414. Colorbar. Hydra White Intense Serum. ...
  • 3.8|6. Melalumin. Under Eye Serum - 15ml. 950.

What fades hyperpigmentation the fastest?

Three types of skincare treatments fade hyperpigmentation marks fast:
  • Physical exfoliants.
  • Chemical exfoliants.
  • Brightening actives such as vitamin C, kojic acid, liquorice extract.

Is retinol or vitamin C better for hyperpigmentation?

The choice should come down to what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.

How do you know if hyperpigmentation is permanent?

Whether or not post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is permanent depends on three things:
  1. How severe the trauma that caused the discolouration was.
  2. The skin colour of the person affected.
  3. How the skin is treated afterwards.

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