What Does Vitamin C Serum Do For The Skin
Vitamin C is helpful for those with mature skin or looking to reduce signs of aging. It is an excellent antioxidant because it protects against free radical damage and oxidative stress, Campbell noted.
Think of sun and pollution creating reactive oxygen species in the skin that are breaking up collagen and elastin, causing premature aging, sun damage and wrinkles, she explained. Antioxidants like vitamin C chew up these free radicals, which helps protect your skin from damage and makes your sunscreen work better.
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 and can calm rosacea, Campbell added. However, Zeichner advised those with acne-prone skin avoid vitamin C serums paired with vitamin E, a moisturizing ingredient that can cause breakouts. If you have dry or mature skin, vitamin E is a great ingredient to look out for in your vitamin C serum.
Foods To Prevent Dark Spots: Salmon
Enriched with the goodness of mega-3 fatty acids, salmon is an A1 choice to protect skin against dark spots! Jam-packed with vitamin B, potassium, selenium, protein and antioxidants, this delicious fish amps up healthy circulation, keeps skin hydrated and controls inflammation caused by the sun, etc. This trifecta of good works to prevent the formation of dark spots and discolouration.
Tip:Lightly sear it in olive oil in garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper saute. Its delicious and healthy!
Best Rated On Amazon: Eva Naturals Vitamin C+ Serum
With more than 26,000 five-star ratings, this dark spot-correcting serum by Eva Naturals is clearly a popular choice among Amazon shoppers. The powerful formula is packed with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol, which all come recommended by dermatologists for fading dark spots and evening out skin tone. In addition to its anti-aging properties, the serum also boasts hydrating hyaluronic acid and acne-fighting salicylic acid. “I was amazed by the fast results and I feel way more confident with my face and skin,” one customer wrote. “I even cut back on makeup because I don’t have blemishes and dark scars to cover anymore.”
Shop now: $15
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Home Remedies For Dark Spots On Face
1. Sunscreen Cream
Wearing sunscreen cream every time you go outside, even in colder months, can help prevent sun spots from forming on the skin. Put sunscreen cream generously on the face around 30 minutes before going outside so it has a chance to take effect. Also seek out brands that have zinc oxide and titanium oxide as they are more effective.
2. Vitamins
- Vitamin E. Applying vitamin E directly to dark spots before bed will provide the skin with plenty of antioxidants that can help to even the skin tone. Open a vitamin E capsule and dab the contents on any areas you wish to lighten.
- Vitamin C. Increasing your intake of vitamin C will help reduce the amount of melanin your skin produces. Eating strawberries, oranges and other foods known to have a lot of vitamin C will be effective.
3. Natural Dark Erasers
4. DIY Masks
- Sandalwood Powder Mixture. Create a paste of glycerin, sandalwood powder and rose water and apply it to your face to remove age spots or dark spots. Honey or milk can be used in place of rose water if necessary.
- Honey and Brown Sugar. Create a mixture of honey and brown sugar. Scrubbing the face with this every two weeks will remove the built up dead skin cells that can cause discoloration.
- Lemon Juice. Dabbing lemon juice on your dark spots for two weeks can make them fade. Combining lemon juice with cider vinegar, horseradish or honey can make this remedy more effective. This remedy is particularly effective on spots caused by acne.
Best With Spf: L’oral Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Anti
Using glycolic acid, vitamin C, and pro-retinol, L’Oréal’s brightening moisturizer will correct existing dark spots, while the SPF 30 will prevent more from popping up. Shoppers say their previously dull skin looks brighter and smoother after just a few applications. “After using this product for a week, I feel and see the difference,” said one customer. “Gone are the patchy dry spots around the eyebrow area and hello glowing skin.” While many skincare products with vitamin C can have an unpleasant scent, reviewers rave about this cream’s subtle citrus fragrance.
Shop now: $14
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How Does Vitamin A Benefit Your Skin
Retinoids are a form of Vitamin A that are widely used in anti-acne topical and oral medicines. They have anti-inflammatory properties that help improve acne symptoms .
Vitamin A is also good to reduce the appearance of signs of aging by interrupting the process of collagen damage. It prevents sun damage and can also prevent sunburn.
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum
I like Differin Gel, which contains a powerful retinoid to clear acne and prevent future ones as well as to prevent acne scarring, says Dr. Engelman. It is the first retinoid available over the counter and it is gentler compared to other retinoids.
It contains 2 percent hydroquinone, which is an FDA-approved skin bleaching agent and it works by interfering with melanin production. Melanin is what gives skin the dark pigment. Hydroquinone is available in higher percentages via prescription from your dermatologist. Keep in mind that hydroquinone can have side effects for darker skin tones so always check with your dermatologist before using it.
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Dark Spot Serum Features
Active ingredients
When it comes to dark spot serums, the active ingredients are the most important elements to consider. There are many ingredients that can help fade hyperpigmentation, but some options may be a better fit for your skin than others. Some dark spot serums may contain two or more of these active ingredients, which can help you see results more quickly.
Packaging
The packaging for a dark spot serum is important because many of the commonly used active ingredients can degrade when exposed to light and/or air. A bottle with an airtight pump is usually the best option because the product isnt exposed to the elements until you squeeze out a dose. If you opt for a serum in a glass container, make sure its dark in color, so the serum isnt exposed to the light.
Scent
Dark spot serums that contain artificial fragrances are more likely to irritate the skin. For the best results, opt for a formula with no added fragrance, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Moisturizing Is Still Important Too
Moisture is another key factor when it comes to dark spots. “Adding moisture back into the skin with oils and lotions can reduce the appearance of existing dark spots and prevent new ones from forming,” explains Dr. Engelman.
But you don’t necessarily have to go to a dermatologist for a solve. Here are 28 dark spot correctors with the best, derm-approved ingredients.
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Foods To Prevent Dark Spots: Papaya
Rich in vitamin A, B, C, K magnesium, potassium and calcium, these foods provide just the right amount of vitamins and minerals to work its magic on the inside. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains an enzyme called papain that helps in getting rid of dead skin when applied to the face. Enriched with antioxidants it controls the growth of free radicals which can affect the skin by creating dark spots. It is best known for its skin lightening properties!
Tip:Eat it as is or make a quick a papaya halwa
Vitamins Are Essential For Skin Health
As vitamins are essential to your health and body functions, vitamin deficiencies can cause adverse effects on the skin. Since vitamins C and E play such important roles in protecting your skin from the sun, deficiencies in either vitamin can increase the risk of skin damage, including skin cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
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The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + Ha Spheres 2%
This serum from the Ordinary contains a high percentage of ascorbic acid with no water in the formula. The lack of water means the ascorbic acid remains stable for longer. As a trade-off for the lack of water and this serum felt a little gritty on my skin. The high level of vitamin C can be irritating to beginners so Id recommend this for those who are already used to ascorbic acid. At such a low price point this is a good value and is a great option for those with less sensitive skin.
Hormones In Men And Women
Hormones will affect men and women differently. Many of the changes in skin are directly tied to the production of sebum, the skins natural oil. The sebaceous glands are highly sensitive to changes in sex hormone levels, specifically testosterone. Increased testosterone often leads to the overproduction of sebum. During puberty, testosterone levels rise in both females and males. As men get older, testosterone levels even out. For women, testosterone levels increase right before the menstrual cycle. Changes in testosterone levels and increased production of sebum are the leading causes of acne.
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Best Patches: Peace Out Microneedling Dark Spot Brightening Dots
The brand loved for its pimple patches and pore strips also makes microneedling dots that are specially designed to fade dark spots. Each sticker contains niacinamide and licorice extract, which dermatologists say are two ingredients that actually help reduce discoloration. Even though they work best when left on overnight, customers love that they’re nearly invisible, so they can choose to wear them during the day, too. “These have been super helpful at lightening up my dark spots from picking at my acne. My skin looked really blotchy before using these, but now it’s looking much more even and soft,” wrote a shopper.
Shop now: $28
Soothe Skin And Reduce Spots With Almond Oil
Another skin-strengthening ingredient thats used both in the kitchen and on the complexion is sweet almond oil, which Engelman likes to use to treat discolorations in the skin. However, the almond oil commonly used to cook isnt quite the same as that used on the skin, which is often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. The presence of Vitamin E and niacin help with hyperpigmentation and improving skin tone, she says. Because sweet almond oil is generally viewed as non-comedogenic you can add it to your nightly routine as a makeup remover or moisturizer meant to help protect the skin barrier.
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What Is Vitamin C
Vitamin C, which also goes by ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that isnt actually produced by the body. Instead, the only way to get it is through supplements or your diet citrus fruits like oranges are famously rich in vitamin C. And it has vital functions throughout the body. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in tissue repair and the enzymatic production of various transmitters, says Dr. Patricia Wexler, a dermatologist in New York City.
While you can certainly eat your way to a healthy vitamin C intake, your skin in particular reaps the biggest benefits when its applied topically versus ingested via an oral supplement or your diet, no many how much grapefruit you eat. Topically, its 20 times more potent than the oral intake, says Wexler.
How Do Vitamins For Skin Work
Vitamins are essential nutrients used in the body for various functions. One of the functions is to ensure cellular health. When your body has the right vitamins in the right quantities, this can promote cell health, especially skin cells. Studies have also shown that applying vitamins directly to the skin can have positive effects on the skin. That is because the skin absorbs the vitamins, making the nutrients immediately bioavailable for your skin cells to use. Such a targeted application helps improve the health of your skin cells rapidly, resulting in healthier, brighter, and more glowing skin.
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How Does Vitamin C Benefit Your Skin
Vitamin C enhances collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein fibre that gives your skin strength and keeps it firm. As you age, the production of collagen reduces naturally. Years of sun exposure can also break down this protein in your skin.
Topically applied Vitamin C can increase the production of this protein, reducing the appearance of fine lines . It also lightens pigmentation spots and reduces tan by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin .
Vitamin C consumed orally may enhance the efficacy of your sunscreen. It speeds up the bodys healing process by reducing cell damage.
Niacinamide Or Vitamin C For Dark Spots
Visibly reduce dark spots with a concentrated serum consisting of 4% Niacinamide and 1% Vitamin C. Smoothes the complexion in just 8 weeks. Apply 45 drops to clean skin morning and evening after cleansing with fingertips. Apply the serum all over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
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Best Face Wash: La Roche
With this brightening cleanser from La Roche-Posay, you can target dark spots in nearly every step of your skincare routine. Using a derivative of salicylic acid called lipo-hydroxy acid, the foaming face wash will gently exfoliate and even out skin tone. “You can definitely tell the brightening effect this has on skin,” said a customer. “I have some dark spots from a chemical burn and repetitive use of this has really faded them. Not to mention it makes your face feel very clean without feeling too dry.”
Shop now: $25
Shield Yourself From The Sun
Since sun damage is one of the top causes of dark spots – including age spots – preventing exposure to UV rays is essential to preventing hyperpigmentation. This means staying out the sun, wearing a hat outdoors and slathering on the sunscreen. By avoiding or blocking UV rays that stimulate the production of melanin, dodging the sun is one of the best ways to prevent dark spots.
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Keep Skin Healthy With Vitamin C
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, vitamin C is one of the more effective natural ingredients that you can count on to lighten existing spots, and potentially prevent new ones from forming.
For a dark mark scar, look for AHA peels or retinol that will help promote cellular turnover to remove the top layers of the skin, Engelman suggests. To fade hyperpigmentation, look for brightening ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, phytic acid, and L-ascorbic acid. The latter is a mighty skincare ingredient, which is also found naturally in vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and spinach. While some people prefer to lighten dark spots with lemon juice, others find the high acidic content too intense for the skin and opt to ingest their vitamin C, reaping the benefits from within. You can also try niacinamide, arbutin, and bearberry, as well as resorcinol and tranexamic acid.
Use Vitamin C Regularly
Experts advise that a topical antioxidant like a Vitamin C serum helps with the look of dark spots when applied on a regular basis. Because Vitamin C interferes with melanin production , keeping a bottle of this antioxidant-rich skin care product on hand is another essential step for preventing hyperpigmentation.
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How Does Vitamin B3 Benefit Your Body
This ingredient is a powerhouse in itself. Vitamin B3 in its niacinamide form helps the skin restore its moisture content, improving texture and smoothness. It contributes to glowing, healthy skin in many ways. Studies suggest that topical forms of Vitamin B3 can help reduce the appearance of signs of aging .
Vitamin B3 has also proved to be effective in reducing non-inflammatory acne symptoms .
When applied topically, it can improve skin barrier functions by repairing your skins protective layer and locking-in moisture. This allows your skin to stay hydrated, soft and supple .
Niacinamide is also a free radical scavenger, preventing these molecules from creating havoc and damaging your skin.
What Is The Best Vitamin C Serum
The best vitamin C serum of 2019 is Formulyst Active Serum – Vitamins B, C, E, Ferul + Niacinamide. A few drops of this powerful serum help protect the skin and give it a healthy glow. Formulyst Supercharged Serum protects the skin from environmental damage and contains a blend of antioxidants and vitamins.
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The Wait And See Approach
In some cases, no treatment may be the best option, as the spots could go away over time.
For example, this may be the case for some types of hyperpigmentation that occur during pregnancy or those that appear after an acne pimple goes away.
In the meantime, the use of sun protection can help prevent the spots from getting darker.
