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.
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.
Laser treatment (procedure): One or two laser treatments can treat age spots quickly, and you'll likely have longer-lasting results than with a cream that can fade age spots.
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.
If you have light skin and spend a lot of time in the sun, you're more likely to develop age spots areas of increased pigmentation. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.
Aloe vera gel
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property-rich aloe vera might help you get rid of dark spots on your face. For usage, apply aloe vera juice or natural aloe vera gel directly to the hyperpigmented skin area. Allow 30 minutes to sit in the morning and evening. Use lukewarm water to wash your face.
Yes, Vitamin E can help lighten dark spots. In addition, vitamin E is a common treatment for scarring that might help lighten dark areas.
“The underlying hormone responsible for triggering the melanocytes is melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH).
When in doubt, you can ask your dermatologist for alternate ways to reduce or even completely remove age spots. Treatments such as prescription creams, laser therapy, cryotherapy, and chemical peels can help improve the appearance of age spots.
Vitamin A derivatives, also widely recognized as retinoids, are known to help clear acne by regulating skin cell turnover, which prevents pores from clogging. Retinoids also boost collagen production, which would help to improve the appearance of acne scarring.
"ACV contains malic acid, which decreases melanin production to help lighten brown spots and hyperpigmentation," says Gabriel.
Scientis CYSPERA Intensive Pigment Corrector
This product contains cysteamine, which is a “really powerful bleaching agent that's great for dark spot correction,” explains Dr. Lal, who says this formula is “really the best” product you could add to your dark spot correcting routine.
Our Top Picks: Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum, $108. Best Exfoliating: Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum, $83. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hyper Skin Fade & Glow AHA Mask, $48.
Dr. Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist, GetHarley Clinician concurs: “Toothpaste might sound like a simple solution to treat spots but it's likely to cause more harm than good. Toothpaste contains ingredients that can result in skin redness, itching, inflammation and burning," so approach with caution.
Age Spot Procedures
These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels. Keep in mind that procedures cost more than creams. They also come with more risks. Your doctor can help you weigh your options.
Age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped in the skin or is produced in high concentrations, such as when your skin is exposed to lots of UV light, Dr. Kassouf says.
The sun damages the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes), causing them to over-produce pigment in sun-exposed areas. The age spots may increase in size over time and sometimes join together to create larger spots.
Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.
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.
If you want to reduce the appearance of dark spots there are three types of food to steer clear of: sugary foods, fried foods, and foods that contain a lot of soy.