28. Can Topical Vitamin C Serum Lighten My Dark Spots?
The answer is yes. When used as part of a conscientious skin care regimen, vitamin C will work to even out skin tone, lighten and fade away dark spots on the skin.
Dark spots on your skin can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. With so many products on the market that promise to banish dark spots and brighten the skin, the choices can feel confusing. We single out vitamin C serum to discover if it can lighten dark spots.
What Are Dark Spots?
Hyperpigmentation is the term used for patches of skin that appear darker than the surrounding area. These dark patches can look like freckles, liver spots, age spots, sunspots or blotchy skin. Hyperpigmentation can occur in small patches, can cover larger areas of skin and can also affect the whole body.
How Are Dark Spots Formed?
Hyperpigmentation is the body producing an excess of melanin, a natural pigment made by cells called melanocytes. The more melanin these cells produce, the darker an individual’s skin, eye and hair color. Melanin protects the skin from sun damage by absorbing and scattering UV radiation. When the skin is exposed to the sun, the cells produce more melanin, which is why people with light complexions become tanned from sunbathing.
When these cells become unhealthy or damaged, the production of melanin can be affected, producing more melanin in localized areas, forming melanin deposits, dark patches. Melanocyte levels are affected by hormonal changes, certain medications, pregnancy, injury to the skin and excessive sun exposure.
How Does Topical Vitamin C Lighten Dark Spots?
Vitamin C blocks tyrosinase, an enzyme essential in the production of melanin. Applying vitamin C serum topically to the affected areas will regulate the production of melanin within the cells and slowly fade the deposits built up in the skin. With continued use, dark spots will fade and skin will appear brighter.
Preventing Hyperpigmentation
Using topical vitamin C products as part of a good skin care regimen will regulate the production of melanin, inhibiting dark spots from forming and helping to fade existing hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even skin tone and brighter complexion.
To keep skin cells healthy, use sunscreen to protect from damage caused by the sun. The combination of sunscreen and topical vitamin C can offer increased protection.
How to Use
For optimal results, layer it with other topical vitamin C products. The OrangeDaily seven-step system creates a reservoir of vitamin C in the skin. Each product primes the skin for the next, encouraging better absorption of ingredients.
The OrangeDaily system begins with the cleanser to wash away dirt and impurities. The next step is the alcohol-free toner, which provides nutrients, moisture and adjusts the PH levels of the skin. The third step is the 10% Vitamin C Serum, delivering concentrated amounts of topical vitamin C. The Moisturizing Cream is next. Age-Defying Eye Complex follows to benefit cells around the eyes. Next apply Age-Defying Tri-Retinol Complex. The last step is the Dual-Action Brightening Cream as needed to lighten dark spots and even out skin tones.
Other Benefits
Topical vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients in skin care. Other than lightening dark spots, topical vitamin C delivers a host of benefits to the skin as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing damage caused by free radicals, pollution, environmental elements and sun rays. It is photoprotective, guarding the skin from UVA and UVB exposure. It hydrates and moisturizes the skin and assists in reducing under-eye bags and circles. It stimulates collagen production, promoting elasticity, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and leaving the skin looking smooth, firm and youthful. Vitamin C is an ingredient everyone should include in their skin care regimen, both men and women. Learn more about this super ingredient and find more in this series of articles and blogs.
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