May 11, 2021 

“Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, skin dullness, or dark marks seeking out the best vitamin C serum is likely important to you. I look at vitamin C as that little black dress in your closet. It’s definitely one of those things you must have. It works to boost circulation, amplify the skin’s complexion, and stimulate collagen production,” Samantha Mims, founder of Dermasaa, told Vogue.

For consumers ready to reduce the visibility of pesky dark spots on the facial skin, a vitamin C serum is an effective, supercharged solution.

Dark spots on the facial skin are one of the most common skincare issues because such a wide variety of factors can lead to darkened patches of skin. 

However, the commonality between all dark spots? The overproduction of melanin, the dark brown to black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye, that is produced by melanocytes.

A few of the top causes of dark spots, or melanin overproduction, include:

• Sun exposure
• Aging
• Acne, acne scars

Unfortunately for consumers, regardless of the cause, dark spots can be hard to avoid and even harder to treat.  

A vitamin C serum is considered one of the ultimate weapons by dermatologists to help fade dark spots because it works to inhibit melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of skin.

“Vitamin C is essential for a number of processes in human skin, such as dermal collagen synthesis, antiaging, and antioxidation. It is a weak acid and is only slightly stronger than vinegar. The acidification of MCs by Vitamin C could inhibit the catalytic activity of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme required for melanin biosynthesis. Vitamin C and its derivatives inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin content in a dose-dependent manner.” – The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation – A systematic review, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

By actively working to inhibit the production of melanin, a vitamin C serum may help to tame hyperpigmentation and reduce the darkness of spots over time.

Additionally, vitamin C serums offer another important benefit to consumers tackling dark spots. Protection. 

The facial skin is very delicate, but undergoes near constant stress thanks to damage from UV rays, smoke, smog, pollution, and harsh chemicals.

However, as a high-powered antioxidant, vitamin C is superior at protecting against these environmental stressors and damage from free radicals.

Since it is a water soluble molecule, vitamin C works inside and outside skin cells to neutralize free radicals and reduce damage. For consumers, this makes regular use of a vitamin C serum one of the top choices for protecting against dark spots forming in the first place.

“Think of sun and pollution (stressors) creating reactive oxygen species (tiny particles bouncing around) in the skin that are breaking up collagen and elastin, causing premature aging, sun damage and wrinkles. Antioxidants like vitamin C chew up these free radicals, which helps protect your skin from damage and makes your sunscreen (the ultimate anti-aging protector) work better,” board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD., told NBC.

Bottom line? A vitamin C serum, when applied daily, is an excellent formulation for protecting the skin from new dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Dark spots on the facial skin often bother consumers seeking evenly toned complexions. 

But, with the help of a high-powered liquid vitamin C serum, consumers can work to reduce hyperpigmentation, fade dark spots, and protect the skin with a single formulation.

Take advantage of our new anti-aging guide, featuring the most innovative, highest-quality ingredients in the personal care industry.