Can Vitamin C Serum Fade Hyperpigmentation & Even Out Your Skin Tone?

Hyperpigmentation or dark spots are a tricky business. Apart from needing several months (sometimes a few years) to fade, they can also get worse over time or even recur after successful treatment. There are also cases where they do not lighten at all, resulting in dullness or uneven skin complexion.

Vitamin C serum is one product that claims to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Does it actually work and visibly target dark spots? Continue reading as we learn more about the use of Vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation and how the right formula can elevate your skincare routine. 

The basics of hyperpigmentation 

In a nutshell, hyperpigmentation appears as darkened skin patches that vary in size and color. It commonly shows up on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, shoulder, and back of hands. There are also three different types of hyperpigmentation, including:

• Sun spots or age spots – caused (and exacerbated) by sun exposure and show up as small, darkened patches in the skin. 
• Melasma – also called the “mask of pregnancy” and is believed to be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, which is common among pregnant women.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – caused by trauma or injury to the skin, like acne, that heals and leaves the affected area discolored. 

Having a darker complexion makes you more susceptible in having hyperpigmentation or dark spots because of higher melanin content in the skin. It occurs with excess or overproduction of melanin or the skin pigment and can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Acne
• Overexposure to the sun 
• Injury or trauma to the skin 
• Hormonal changes (melasma, which is common in pregnancy) 

Can vitamin C fade hyperpigmentation?

The use of a high-quality vitamin C serum can bring a host of benefits, including skin brightening and anti-aging. It helps boost the skin’s regeneration process, which is beneficial in repairing damaged skin cells. It can also help protect the skin against environmental stressors and slow down the aging process. 

Just do take note that vitamin C serums come in different formulations. If you’re in the market for a new one, we recommend Dr. Sylvia Skin Care’s 20% Vitamin C, B, E, and Ferulic Acid. It features potent antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients that can even out skin tone and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

This vitamin C serum also contains vitamins B and E that can hydrate and nourish the skin. It also has Ferulic Acid that can stabilize Vitamin C and E and is a powerful antioxidant that can also soothe the skin. Dr. Sylvia’s vitamin C, furthermore, improves overall skin texture, leaving it more radiant and youthful.

Benefits include: 

• Evens out skin tone/brightens complexion
• Improves the look of lines and wrinkles
• Protects the skin from environmental damage
• Reduces redness and soothes the skin
• Hydrates and nourishes the skin
• Helps improve skin elasticity and firmness

Applying Vitamin C serum to target hyperpigmentation

Here are a few things to keep in mind when integrating Vitamin C serum into your skincare routine.

When to apply: After cleansing (and applying toner, if you do so), apply vitamin C serum and seal it using a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin.  You can use it at night, but many skincare experts recommend applying it in the morning to take advantage of its antioxidant properties and protect your skin from pollutants and free radicals.

Always use SPF: Just be sure to team it up with sunscreen when using it in the morning. Choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher. Pairing it with a good sunscreen can help neutralize free radicals and further protect your skin from UV rays and other environmental stressors. 

Be patient and consistent: Just like most topical skincare products, the results are not immediate. It can take about three months or more before you notice positive changes, such as a reduction in dark spots, brighter complexion, and plumper skin. You may be able to see improvements in about three to four weeks and you have to use the product consistently over a certain period of time. 

For further reading: Here’s How You Can Get the Most Out of Your Vitamin C Serum

Make vitamin C serum a part of your daily routine. Visit drsylviaskincare.com to avail our own formulation or contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore for aesthetic treatment that can effectively lighten hyperpigmentation. Book a consultation with one of your aesthetic doctors and take on that journey toward healthier and more vibrant skin.