How long does vitamin C take to lighten dark spots?

Author: Mr. Roscoe Mayert III  |  Last update: Saturday, June 14, 2025

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 long does it take vitamin C to clear dark spots?

The skin changes seen with Vitamin C do not occur quickly. Vitamin C serum can take 12- 16 weeks to work on dark spots and 6 - 12 months to work on wrinkles. But it is a very good skin care ingredient and is worth the wait in most skin types.

Does vitamin C serum actually get rid of dark spots?

Yes, incorporating Vitamin C serum into your skincare routine can be beneficial for treating dark spots on the face. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, help lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.

How long after taking vitamin C will I see results?

Vitamin C also contributes to supporting skin health, mood regulation, and iron absorption. 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.

What happens if I apply vitamin C on my face every day?

Hi, yes, using a vitamin C product daily can be safe and beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin. Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation, fades acne scars, and promotes collagen production. You can choose a non-comedogenic, oil-free formulation to avoid clogging pores and further breakouts.

HOW Vitamin C PREVENTS Hyperpigmentation

What is the disadvantage of vitamin C on face?

While Vitamin C serum is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience skin irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin. Symptoms of irritation can include redness, itching, and a burning sensation.

Should I apply vitamin C at night or morning?

While you can work your vitamin C serum into either your morning or evening skincare routine, most dermatologists recommend the morning [2]. This keeps your skin protected from free radicals as you go about your day, and can work especially well with your sunscreen to keep you safe from UV radiation.

How to know if vitamin C is working?

However, the best way to know, according to Dr Kiran, is to notice the difference in your skin. “If you use the serum for a month and find your skin to be bright, clear, less sensitive to the sun, and you are feeling fresher, then vitamin C is definitely working,” she said.

What happens if you use vitamin C without sunscreen?

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.

What happens to your body when you start taking vitamin C?

Vitamin C is necessary to form collagen, a vital part of connective tissue, which helps mend wounds. Additionally, vitamin C promotes absorption of iron —especially non-heme, the type of iron found in plants, per a 2021 review in Nutrients.

Can too much vitamin C cause dark spots?

Well, not permanently. Instead, vitamin C can cause temporary skin staining (also known as hyperpigmentation), which happens when l-ascorbic acid (the most common form of vitamin C and one that is less shelf-stable) oxidizes and turns into erythrulose (a key ingredient in many self-tanner products).

Does CeraVe clear dark spots?

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.

Does retinol or vitamin C fade dark spots?

Vitamin C can help lighten dark spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol slows the breakdown of collagen and increases elasticity, giving you skin that looks firmer and plumper. The combination can help even out the texture and tone of your skin.

Which vitamin fades dark spots?

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 is my skin getting darker after using vitamin C serum?

4) Why does my skin look darker after using Vitamin C? If you are applying Vitamin C without sunscreen, it is likely that the Vitamin C degrades into Erythrulose, which is an ingredient you will find in many self-tanners. So please make sure you apply sunscreen always after applying Vitamin C.

How long does it take vitamin C to repair skin?

You may choose to begin applying it every other day, and if tolerated you may apply it daily. It may take up to three months of consistent use to see a noticeable improvement. If you experience substantial discomfort or irritation, please stop using vitamin C and consult with your physician.

What are the mistakes while using vitamin C serum?

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.

Which is better for your face vitamin C or vitamin E?

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.

How to use vitamin C for dark spots?

If using a vitamin C serum, apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning and before moisturising. A concentration of 10% to 20% vitamin C is usual in a serum for effective reduction of hyperpigmentation.

How many days does it take for vitamin C to show results?

You will usually notice a reduction in dark spots within two weeks of using this product. After one month of usage, your skin will experience increased collagen production and also stay protected against sun damage. Also read: Does Vitamin C Serum Cause Acne?

What is the best vitamin C serum for dark spots?

Best Brightening Vitamin C Serum: Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe

Medik8's is excellent for this: powered by potent, 14% stabilized vitamin C (specifically, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), this helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and illuminate the complexion in just a few weeks of consistent use.

How can I make vitamin C work faster?

Vitamin C is best consumed in a raw state. The best way to consume vitamin C for optimum absorption is to supplement it together with iron. This is why it is commonplace to drink orange juice with your cereal. The iron in the cereal helps you to better absorb the vitamin C in the orange juice.

Can I leave vitamin C serum overnight?

Benefits of applying vitamin C serum at night

There are several benefits of using this product at night; some of the common ones are, It repairs skin damage overnight. Helps in dealing with fine lines and wrinkles. Lightens the dark spots.

Should vitamin C be applied to damp or dry skin?

You'll want to apply your vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin. “As far as active ingredients go, vitamin C is quite unstable, and it's easily affected by outside elements such as air, light and moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Previous article
Should you pull out ingrown hairs?
Next article
What is the fat but fit paradox?