Might Lighten Dark Spots
Vitamin C-based skin care products may lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly cut down on these spots.
Moreover, face serums address specific skin issues the best possible way. These serums are rich in retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and many others. All these ingredients help in lessening wrinkles, fine lines, acne, dark spots, and much more.
Recommended skin-brightening serums include: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate. CeraVe Vitamin C Skin Renewing Serum. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.
Best Classic: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter. The intense antioxidant properties in this formula noticeably reduce acne spots and scars in 12 weeks (according to the brand), and it's gentle enough for daily use.
While Green says that retin-a (tretinoin) or retinoids are best, retinol is the next best bet without a prescription. “Retinol is a weaker over-the-counter formula of retinoids and can provide similar benefits in reducing the appearance of dark spots, although it will typically take much longer,” Green explains.
Turmeric works amazingly well to treat dark spots and patches. Combined with other potent skin lightening ingredients, it can work really fast to fade acne scars and dark spots. Interestingly, an extract from turmeric, called tetrahydrocurcumin, is now a main ingredient in dark spot clearing creams.
Aloe vera can help to fade dark spots
“A compound called aloesin, found in the aloe vera plant, could help to fade dark spots,” Dr. Frieling says. “According to one study, when applied four times per day for 15 days, aloesin was found to be effective in treating UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation.”
Research suggests that vitamin C may help protect the skin from many issues, including sunburn, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and an uneven skin tone. Anyone dealing with these skin issues may want to consider adding a vitamin C serum to their skin-care regimen.
It may sound bizarre but the humble aloo can actually help reduce dark spots, remove tan, lighten the appearance of dark circles and add a healthy glow to your face. This is because potatoes are extremely rich in vitamin C which is known to heal sun damage, remove dead skin cells, and diminish fine lines.
Protecting from discoloration: If you are prone to dark spots or hyperpigmentation, mixing vitamin E into your skincare routine could be beneficial. "The anti-oxidative effects of vitamin E can be preventative to darkening of the skin due to sun exposure," Burgess says.
Vitamin C serum benefits
If you're wondering when to apply a vitamin C serum, the answer is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection.
Janet Prystowsky explains, “The concentrations in serums are meant to penetrate the skin faster and easier than creams because they're not diluted with moisturizer.” As an example, serums with ingredients like vitamin C work to remove a layer of your skin, unveiling a smoother, more youthful appearance after just a few ...
“I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It's a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Waldman.
Serums are thinner and lighter than moisturizers and have a greater variety of functions. A serum usually has smaller molecules combined with a high concentration of ingredients designed to penetrate, improve and/or nourish the skin in some way. A moisturizer's job is to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss.
Most face serums are safe to be applied twice daily – once in the morning on a cleansed face, before the rest of your makeup, and once at night before bed.