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-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. But experts say it will take more research to confirm how well vitamin C creams work.
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They increase the turnover of new skin cells, which can fade dark spots over time. Doctors may prescribe a professional-strength retinoid, such as tretinoin, for severe hyperpigmentation. These products can take 3–6 months to work.
Vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of current dark spots caused by this process. While over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products typically can't truly fade dark spots, especially the deep ones, they can significantly improve the appearance of said dark spots.
What It Does: This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading dark spots. When Youll See Results: Once you add vitamin C to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in three weeks. It can help significantly fade hyperpigmentation in about two months.
Vitamin C is great for all skin types, especially people who experience hyperpigmentation. Because it is unstable, it is typically paired with vitamin E when creating topical skincare formulations. This combination of vitamin C and vitamin E limits chronic UV damage.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
It is the gold standard when it comes to serums, and here's why. Vitamin C is used in the formula at 15% potency, to combat hyperpigmentation while encouraging a youthful glow. Many of the dark spots developed over time are due to excess sun exposure.
Many women complain of skin darkening after applying Vitamin C serum. It is probably because they fail to layer it with a hydrating moisturizer. Leaving the serum alone on the face allows it to react with the oxygen present in the air.
While most people can tolerate daily use of vitamin C serum, some people may experience redness, irritation, or even breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, it's important to start slowly when using a vitamin C serum. Begin by using it every other day, and gradually increase to daily use if your skin can tolerate it.
Azelaic acid is the gold standard when it comes to fighting acne. It's antibacterial to subside current breakouts and has anti-inflammatory properties to calm inflammation, redness and rosacea. It's also a proven skin brightener that fades hyperpigmentation—perfect for post-acne dark spots.
Laser and intense pulsed light.
Some laser and intense pulsed light therapies destroy melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin's surface. These approaches typically require two to three sessions. Wounding (ablative) lasers remove the top layer of skin (epidermis).
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
Yes, Vitamin E can help lighten dark spots. In addition, vitamin E is a common treatment for scarring that might help lighten dark areas.
If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine. Using both of these products together can work significantly fast in improving your skin and its texture.
In the morning, Carqueville recommends first cleansing your face, then putting on any product with an active dark spot correcting ingredient (such as vitamin C, kojic acid or azelaic acid), then your moisturizer, then sunscreen and finally, your makeup.
Does Vitamin C really darken my skin? No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin. It is important to know the difference between staining and darkening the skin.
— because vitamin C inhibits the over-production of melanin, the substance in your body that produces pigmentation in your hair, eyes, and skin. Some areas of the skin will create too much melanin which is what leads to hyperpigmentation. This often manifests as darkened skin discoloration, says Dr.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.
First, vitamin C works to help improve the look of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Then, retinol steps in to help improve skin's elasticity. The result is that retinol and other retinoids may help improve skin's texture while helping to minimize the look of fine lines.
Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) is especially fantastic at treating age spots on the face because it depigments or reduces melanin on the skin—thereby removing dark spots.
1. Kaya Pigmentation Reducing Complex, with Azelaic & Phytic Acid for all skin types. Nothing beats an effective formula developed by dermatologists to target dark spots and brighten your visage. Meet: Kaya Pigmentation Reducing Complex, with Azelaic & Phytic Acid.
Increasing consumption of vitamin A, D, zinc, and vitamin E can help fight acne and lead to clearer skin. For more tips on acne treatment and supplements, consult a dermatologist or pharmacist for more information.