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.
Further, vitamin C can reduce the appearance of dark spots by blocking the production of pigment in our skin.
How Long Does Vitamin C Serum Take to Work? You will likely notice skin improvement 4-12 weeks after starting routine use of vitamin C serum.
One of the best ways to use vitamin C for dark spots is to add it to an evening moisturizer. That's when our Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Ultra Riche Treatment comes in! This velvety-smooth cream offers a luxe level of moisture for softer, more youthful skin when you wake up.
Vitamin C is also a “great ingredient” for anyone with acne-prone skin for several reasons, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist: It can help neutralize inflation and prevent breakouts, brighten dark spots left behind when pimples heal — it can also treat melasma (dark patches on the 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.
One of its functions is to block the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is essential for the formation of the pigment melanin. Application of large amounts of vitamin C to the skin will slowly fade away deposits of hyperpigmentation as long as the skin is also protected from sunlight with sunscreen or a hat.
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.
The most common side effects of using a vitamin C serum include skin irritation like tingling upon application, redness, and itching, but this mostly happens to “sensitive or reactive skin,” Dr. Chiu says. Always patch test an area of skin before you try any new product, especially a potent one like a serum.
However, the best way to know, according to Dr Kiran, is to notice the difference in your skin. “If you use the serum for a month and find your skin to be bright, clear, less sensitive to the sun, and you are feeling fresher, then vitamin C is definitely working,” she said.
Even at high doses, vitamin C is not known to be toxic or to cause any serious adverse effects. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and other gastrointestinal issues ( 3 ).
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.
You are NOT storing your Vitamin C serum properly.
Exposure to heat and sunlight causes oxidation, which can then affect the serum's potency. You'll know it when the product changes color, from clear to brown, or has a rancid smell. If you notice this with the one you're using, it is time to throw it away.
It's brightening
Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color. By inhibiting melanin production, vitamin C can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It may also help brighten your skin's appearance.
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.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.
Also, keep in mind that it can take two to four weeks of daily usage to see results, so keep a close watch on your skin. If it starts looking brighter, that's a sure sign your vitamin C products are working.
Vitamin C serum (leave to absorb for 1-2 minutes)
Dr Khan explains: “With vitamin C, you want to get the most out of the product by not diluting it. A couple of minutes should be an adequate time for the product to dry down before you go in with your next step.”
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do? Vitamin C serum is a gel-like liquid that contains a potent concentration of this key ingredient. Applied topically, its rich formula provides skin with a fast-absorbing dose of Vitamin C to instantly improve tone and texture.
Urban Skin Rx's Even Tone Cleansing Bar is our best overall pick for its dermatologist recommended formula that contains azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide—all actives that have been proven to fade spots.