How to Use Vitamin C for Hyperpigmentation

You’ve probably heard vitamin C and hyperpigmentation in the same sentence a good hundred times from Instagram, friends and beauty experts. But does vitamin C actually help with pigmentation? We’re here to detail the science behind the potent power of this hero skincare ingredient, renowned for visibly targeting dark spots and redness, so you can feel confident about tailoring products for your own complexion. We’ll be walking you through accessible and effective skincare products from Garnier, and answering questions like, ‘how to use vitamin C for dark spots’, and ‘does vitamin C help acne dark spots’ below.

What is hyperpigmentation? 

Does Vitamin C fade pigmentation? First, it’s important to understand what this skin concern entails, so you know you’re targeting it with the right ingredients. Hyperpigmentation has three main manifestations on the face — age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Things like sun exposure, ageing, hormonal fluctuations and various skin concerns can all influence the skin’s colouring. Luckily, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is lauded for its targeted support of hyperpigmentation. 

Does Vitamin C help with pigmentation? 

There are a myriad of benefits to applying Vitamin C on your skin, especially when it comes to supporting and protecting your visage. But does Vitamin C fade hyperpigmentation with at-home, topical application? Vitamin C is an efficacious ingredient, integral to Garnier’s brightening skincare range. Its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to target melanin formation are the keys to visible results. Vitamin C’s antioxidant levels also help in neutralising the free radicals formed by exposure to UV rays and pollution, protecting your skin from these oxidative stresses by neutralising them. This helps to prevent the damage they’re known to cause, including hyperpigmentation.

Integrating Vitamin C into your skincare regime 

Now that we’ve established vitamin C for hyperpigmentation is an essential skincare ingredient to help reduce dark spots and post-acne marks, it’s time to decode the types of products that contain this powerhouse acid. See below to find a comprehensive step by step regime for your skin pigmentation concerns from the Garnier range. 

Cleansers

More even-looking skin is within reach with our Vitamin C Cleansing Water in your daily rotation. This enriched cleansing solution doubles up as a gentle makeup remover while cleansing skin of dirt and impurities. Better yet, dull skin is visibly brightened and uneven skin tone is reduced with the inclusion of vitamin Cg. 

Pair this skin saviour with our Pinea-C Brightening Gel Cleanser for a deeper, scrub-free gel wash that cleanses skin of impurities and smooths skin texture to reveal radiant looking skin. Formulated with vitamin C and pineapple extract to wash away dullness, your skin will look brighter by morning. 

Serums

Our Vitamin C Brightening Serum 30ml has been crafted with powerful dermatological actives, made to reduce the appearance of dark spots and boost your skin’s glow, including vitamin C (antioxidant), niacinamide (a versatile superstar) and salicylic acid (a gentle exfoliator). For how to use vitamin c for dark spots, simply dispense one full dropper from our applicator on clean and dry skin, and gently massage into skin's surface until evenly distributed on your face. Just be sure to avoid the eye area. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly.

Sheet Masks

Hyperpigmentation will meet its match with our Vitamin C Anti-Fatigue Ampoule Face Sheet Mask in your skincare cabinet. These high-performing masks contain our highest concentration of 1% vitamin C, to reduce signs of dullness and brighten skin in just five minutes.

Tips on how to apply Vitamin C for hyperpigmentation 

After establishing vitamin C’s superpowers for pigmentation concerns, and what products you can use to reap its rewards, we need to discuss the most effective ways to integrate it into your AM and PM skincare routines.

  • If you’re taking makeup off after a long day, first go in with our Micellar Vitamin C Cleansing Water to gently dissolve makeup. Follow up with our Pinea-C Brightening Gel Cleanser to banish impurities and smooth skin texture. Lock it all in with the Pinea-C Brightening Serum Cream to wake up to a bright and even complexion the next morning.
  • Another piece of advice is to avoid mixing vitamin C and retinol. Retinol is well-known to increase skin sensitivity to the sun, so it’s best to save that one for night-time application. A general rule of thumb: vitamin C in the AM, retinol or other actives for PM routines if using concurrently.
  • And may we remind you to always use SPF to protect the face from sun exposure and risks of skin damage or hyperpigmentation, otherwise the cycle only repeats itself.

Now that you know how to use vitamin C for dark spots, explore 5 ways to get glowing skin next.