Dark spots on the face, also known as hyperpigmentation, result from the overproduction of melanin, a natural skin pigment we all have that makes skin darker. The collection or overproduction of melanin that causes dark spots can happen at any age, though they tend to appear as you get older or have spent a little too much time basking in the sun. Sun exposure (as well as hormonal changes) is the main culprit behind age spots—which is where vitamin C comes in.
How Does Vitamin C Treat Age Spots on the Face?
Besides sunscreen and staying in the shade, vitamin C has long been one of the best defenders against sun damage because it's rich in antioxidants that unarm destructive free radicals, boost the efficacy of sunscreen, and protect skin from UV damage. (Read more about the skin benefits of vitamin C).
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. To effectively treat and remove hyperpigmentation, this superstar antioxidant works by inhibiting the copper-containing enzyme tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin.
Fighting Age Spots with a Vitamin C Serum
Brightening, antioxidant-rich vitamin C serums are one of the best at-home treatments you can do for treating age spots because they pack a potent punch of skincare actives and ingredients that fade hyperpigmentation. But vitamin C is notoriously tricky to formulate, which is why you don't want to just pick up any ol' serum. Instead, go for the gold.
Introducing IMAGE MD restoring power-C serum, our highest performing vitamin C serum to date. The sophisticated vitamin C facial serum is packed with a 20% concentration of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a super-concentrated, highly stable, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that sinks quickly into the skin to support collagen production, defend with antioxidants, and (you guessed it) fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots.
Why It Works
Like we said, vitamin C isn't the easiest ingredient on your skincare shelf to formulate. It's super sensitive by nature, meaning it tends to oxidize when exposed to air, light, and heat. That's why our restoring power-C serum utilizes clinically proven tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate as its main brightening and age-defying tonic. And don't let the fancy name fool you; it really just is an ultra-stable and effective form of vitamin C that can benefit all skin types craving a glow-boost or wanting to tackle signs of premature aging like dark spots.
80% of participants agreed skin appeared brighter in just one week. *
We've supported superstar vitamin C with additional proven brightening and skin-benefiting ingredients like ferulic acid, an antioxidant that not only defends against the damaging effects of sun exposure and environmental stressors but also boosts the efficacy of other antioxidants, like vitamin C. You'll also find antioxidant acetyl zingerone in our restoring power-C serum. Derived from zingy ginger, this super-antioxidant is beloved for its ability to reduce visible signs of photoaging, including age spots on the face.
This age-defying serum also includes hydrating ingredients like glycerin and a hyaluronic acid complex that locks in hydration to restore firmness and smoothness and give skin a healthy, youthful bounce.
How Long Does It Take to See the Results of Vitamin C?
You may notice immediate brightening effects from your vitamin C serum. But for treating age spots and other skin concerns like elasticity, it can take anywhere from two weeks to two months to see more drastic improvements.
The key with any skincare active, even those as powerful as vitamin C, is to stay patient. Because the real results and skincare magic come from a diligent routine. Which, in this case, means applying your vitamin C serum and daytime SPF religiously each morning, even if you're staying inside all day.
Get the Most Out of Your Mornings with a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serums are best used in the morning time to defend skin against UV rays and oxidative stress. Plus, they pair perfectly with sunscreen.
How to Use It
In the morning, give your restoring power-C serum a gentle shake. Then, apply three to five drops onto freshly cleansed skin, pressing the product in gently and bringing any excess down onto the neck.
Protect skin even further from premature aging and treat age spots on the face by pairing your vitamin C facial serum with a nourishing sunscreen. Our PREVENTION+ daily ultimate protection moisturizer SPF 50 makes the perfect daytime moisturizer and sun protectant, defending skin with a broad-spectrum shield against UVA and UVB rays.
Or, for those who want a bit of coverage, apply your vitamin C serum, then layer PREVENTION+ daily tinted moisturizer SPF 30 on top to even skin tone, boost glow, and protect against damaging sun rays. What more could you want?
In conclusion, vitamin C is one of the most clinically proven effective skincare ingredients on the market for brightening uneven skin tone, improving skin firmness and elasticity, and treating pesky age spots. Get the most out of your daytime routine with an efficacious, stable vitamin C serum that protects skin against aging and photodamage.
Discover IMAGE MD restoring power-C serum on its product page or shop our entire Vital C collection and see which age-defying product most tickles your fancy. You can also get more skincare knowledge and product insights over on our blog.
*Based on in-vitro testing results performed by the ingredient supplier.
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Written by Vanessa Gibson.
Vanessa is a freelance writer and creator specializing in beauty, skincare, health, and wellness content. She's passionate about educating, ingredient knowledge bombs, and helping others get the best skin of their life.