Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks.
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.
“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.
In case you didn't already know, vitamin C works wonders on dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It inhibits the production of excess melanin which works to fade post-acne dark spots, scars, and even melasma.
4 weeks is usually the golden rule for beginning to see changes - it's allowed your skin to go through at least one renewal cycle with this skin-changing ingredient. At this point, your skin should have a subtle change in radiance, which is something you'll notice will stick around as long as you keep using Vitamin C.
You should also avoid over application of your vitamin C serum. Start by applying every second day, and as your skin becomes more tolerant, progress to using it daily. Some users may choose to use a vitamin C product both morning and evening, although this doesn't suit everyone.
What happens if you use vitamin c without sunscreen. Wearing vitamin C without sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage, leading to premature aging, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
It could actually be causing inflammation that leads to even more pigmentation. Vitamin C is also notorious for causing irritation in sensitive skin types, particularly when mixed in your skincare routine with other active ingredients such as AHA's and retinoids.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, from pregnancy hormones and birth control pills to acne and sun exposure. Depending upon the cause of your hyperpigmentation, it may eventually go away on its own, but melasma—the type that's caused by hormones—is the most stubborn.
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.
Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.
Signs your vitamin C supplements are working
Therefore, if you notice higher energy levels, brighter or healthier skin, and/or an overall improved mood after a short course of as little as two weeks, your vitamin C supplements are probably working.
Does Vitamin C really darken my skin? No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin.
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has multiple benefits that address various skin concerns. A few key benefits you may note when using the retinol serum daily: Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-blemish dark spots. Promotes the cell renewal process, helping skin look brighter.
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.
Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks.
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.
Vitamin C serums are notoriously sensitive to light, air, and heat. Exposure to these elements can cause the serum to degrade, leading to reduced effectiveness. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many people overlook.
Vitamin C enhances the effectiveness of sunscreen, making it a great pairing for daytime skincare routines. That said, night use is also beneficial, especially for those looking to repair the skin overnight, as Vitamin C supports collagen production and skin regeneration.
Vitamin C is more powerful for collagen production and minimising wrinkles and sagging skin. However, vitamin E better prevents future collagen breakdown by neutralising free radicals in cell membranes and skin lipids.