Vitamin C is an effective skin lightener that has been described as a melanogenesis inhibitor due to its inhibition of tyrosinase and reduction of melanin and melanin intermediates, such as dopaquinone.
Vitamin C - Popularly known as ascorbic acid, vitamin c has properties that decrease melanin on the skin. Melanin synthesis is the reason for the increase in melanin levels on the skin, and ascorbic acid is responsible for inhibiting such synthesis through the downregulation of tyrosinase enzyme activity.
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.
How does vitamin c lighten skin? Vitamin C works explicitly to inhibit the production of Tyrosinase, thereby shedding light on pigmentation. So yes, when you apply it topically, it serves as a great skin-lightening warrior. It also works to prevent the skin from photodamage and dark spots caused by UV exposure.
Ascorbic acid oxidation
As you may already know, vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid (specifically L-ascorbic acid) oxidises easily. This is when it decomposes and turns into a number of other substances that likely have much less benefits for skin, and it gradually darkens in colour during this process.
Does Vitamin C really darken my skin? No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin.
Vitamin C doesn't seem to affect normal skin coloration – it will not, for example, fade away normal dark skin pigmentation, just the abnormal melanin deposits that are associated with sun damage.
That said, suggestions have been made that high doses of oral Vitamin C in the range of 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg may be needed to lighten skin.
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.
To reduce the excessive melanin deposits in your skin, your diet needs to be rich in antioxidants. Include healthy fruits and vegetables such as oranges, berries, tangerines, papaya, limes, kiwi, guava, lemons, mangoes, grapes, spinach, carrots, beetroot, broccoli, etc. in your diet regularly.
Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.
Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin.
Lime juice: The use of lemon juice is commonly recommended to reduce the skin pigment melanin. This may be due to the high concentration of Vitamin C in the fruit that lowers tyrosinase activity, thus, reducing or preventing melanin production.
In summary, high Melanocyte activity leads to higher levels of melanin, causing skin to darken, so suppression of that activity can help the complexion remain even. Zinc similarly inhibits Tyrosinase activity, again in effect reducing the production of melanin.
Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten 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 C products are packed with antioxidants that are known for providing a brightening and “glowy” effect on our skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Kathy Taghipour. “It naturally improves the appearance of skin by fighting signs of aging and UV exposure, along with hyperpigmentation and dark patches.”
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.
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A high intake of vitamin C helps to decrease dryness of skin and provides moisture to your skin. Ascorbic acid retains water in the skin and prevents it from becoming dry and oily.
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.
Dr. Chiu warns that because vitamin C is a skin-care “active”—meaning it's particularly potent—applying too much of it on your face can potentially lead to more breakouts or irritation. Keep it to a max of two applications a day when a formula that has no more than 10% vitamin C each time.