How long does vitamin C take to reduce hyperpigmentation?

Author: Prof. Michelle Gutmann  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 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 for vitamin C to clear hyperpigmentation?

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

How quickly can I fade 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.

How many days does it take vitamin C to lighten skin?

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.

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.

Everything you need to know about anti-aging powerhouse Niacinamide!

Does vitamin C 1000mg lighten the skin?

Vitamin C aids in the whitening process by priming the skin cells and making them more susceptible to the effects of Glutathione. ✔ Citrus Bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants that reverse damage, resulting in visible signs of healthy, more vibrant skin.

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.

Can hyperpigmentation go away 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can too much vitamin C cause pigmentation?

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.

What permanently lightens hyperpigmentation?

CO2 Laser Resurfacing is the most effective non-surgical method to improve the appearance of your skin overall and hyperpigmentation specifically. It uses highly specialized lasers to remove dead and damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production.

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.

Does retinol work on hyperpigmentation?

Retinoids are useful in the treatment of hyperpigmentation because they reduce epidermal melanin by blocking the transcription of tyrosinase, induce desquamation, disperse keratinocyte pigment granules and enhance epidermal cell turnover via epidermopoiesis.

What worsens hyperpigmentation?

As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.

What vitamin C serum is best for hyperpigmentation?

Our winning pick is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, a formula that I've personally used for at least three years now. Though I've tried dozens of vitamin C serums, I always come back to this one—even if it is on the pricier side—for its brightening effects.

How can I speed up the healing of hyperpigmentation?

Areas of hyperpigmentation might also fade on their own without treatment. To help speed up the process, there are several different types of topical medication that can reduce PIH skin spots: Skin lighteners such as hydroquinone and azelaic acid to help reduce melanin production.

How long does vitamin C take to brighten dark spots?

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.

What happens to your skin when you take vitamin C everyday?

In addition to vitamin C's ability to promote collagen synthesis [73,79], there is evidence to suggest that vitamin C increases proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts [78,82,102], functions vital for effective wound healing, although the underlying mechanisms driving this activity are not yet known [78].

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