Ever really feel like your pores and skin’s taking part in a merciless sport of connect-the-dots? Darkish spots, pimples scars, solar injury – hyperpigmentation reveals up uninvited and sticks round longer than your nosy neighbor. In case you’ve been on the hunt for that one magical serum that truly fades these spots (with out making your face freak out), you’re in the proper place. Let’s speak about the perfect Korean vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation – as a result of let’s be trustworthy, no person does skincare just like the Koreans.
They’ve nailed the artwork of glowy, even-toned pores and skin prefer it’s a nationwide treasure, and their vitamin C serums are principally the holy grail of brightening. On this put up, we’re gonna break down what makes these serums so particular, how one can choose the proper one, and my prime picks that’ll make you wish to toss each different serum you personal. Able to stage up your glow sport? Let’s get into it!
Advantages Of Vitamin C
A strong antioxidant, Vitamin C is actually ascorbic acid, the identical stuff in your orange juice. However right here’s the factor: once you slap it in your face as an alternative of ingesting it, it truly does one thing helpful to your pores and skin. Your pores and skin can’t make vitamin C by itself (annoying, I do know), and consuming oranges all day isn’t gonna assist your darkish spots scenario.
That’s the place topical vitamin C is available in clutch. It delivers a concentrated hit of the good things on to your pores and skin cells. What makes vitamin C particular is that it doesn’t simply sit there trying fairly. It’s actively messing along with your pores and skin’s pigment manufacturing whereas additionally appearing like a bodyguard towards environmental injury. So that you’re getting prevention AND therapy in a single bottle.
Associated: The Complete Guide To Vitamin C In Skincare
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How Vitamin C Truly Will get Rid of Darkish Spots
Right here’s what occurs when your pores and skin freaks out from a breakout or an excessive amount of solar: it goes into overdrive making melanin. Melanin isn’t the dangerous man – it’s attempting to guard you. However typically your pores and skin will get slightly too enthusiastic and retains churning out pigment approach after the injury is completed. Enter vitamin C. It blocks tyrosinase, which is principally the enzyme that tells your pores and skin to make melanin. Much less tyrosinase exercise = much less melanin manufacturing = fewer darkish spots. It’s like turning down the quantity in your pores and skin’s pigment manufacturing unit.
However wait, there’s extra (and I promise this isn’t an infomercial). This potent antioxidant additionally quickens how briskly your pores and skin sheds useless cells, so these pigmented cells get pushed to the floor and bye-bye sooner. In the meantime, it’s telling your pores and skin to extend collagen manufacturing, which helps every thing look smoother and extra even. Plus, all these antioxidants are working time beyond regulation to neutralize the free radicals that might usually create extra pigmentation. It’s like having a bouncer to your pores and skin cells.
Not all vitamin C is created equal, and choosing the incorrect one might be the distinction between glowing pores and skin and searching like a tomato.
L-Ascorbic Acid: The Pure Type
That is pure, undiluted vitamin C – no modifications, no hand-holding. It’s received essentially the most analysis behind it and delivers the quickest outcomes when it’s completed proper. You don’t want a ton of it. Whereas some manufacturers wish to up the concentrations to twenty+%, research present L-Ascorbic Acid may be very efficient at 15% concentrations – particularly when paired with ferulic acid and vitamin E.
The catch? In excessive concentrations, L-Ascorbic Acid can sting and irritate delicate pores and skin. Plus, it’s unstable as hell. It goes dangerous rapidly, so don’t replenish in your serums. Purchase one, use it quick, after which get a brand new bottle. Ok-beauty manufacturers utilizing L-ascorbic acid often nail the packaging sport. Assume darkish bottles, airless pumps, typically even powder formulation you combine contemporary. They know these things is high-maintenance.
Vitamin C Derivatives: Gentler
If L-Ascorbic Acid feels like an excessive amount of work, derivatives are principally vitamin C that’s been modified to play nicer along with your pores and skin. Listed below are some frequent derivatives you’ll discover in Vitamin C formulation:
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP): Tremendous light, nice for delicate pores and skin, secure within the bottle. Takes longer to see outcomes however received’t make your face indignant.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP): Good center floor, plus it fights pimples micro organism. Two birds, one stone. When you have acne-prone pores and skin, that is the shape to make use of.
- Ascorbyl Glucoside: Converts to pure vitamin C as soon as it hits your pores and skin, however far more secure within the bottle. Intelligent, proper?
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: This one’s been getting lots of buzz currently. It’s oil-soluble, tremendous secure, and a few research counsel it is likely to be much more efficient at stopping melanin manufacturing than L-ascorbic acid. Plus it doesn’t want a low pH to work. However, it’s so new, the one proof it really works comes from the producer.
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: The flowery oil-soluble one which’s speculated to penetrate deeper than water-soluble varieties. It’s light, secure, and works effectively in heavier formulations. Excellent if you would like vitamin C advantages with none of the standard irritation.
WHICH TEAM SHOULD YOU PICK?
- Go for L-ascorbic acid if: You need quick outcomes, your pores and skin isn’t delicate, and also you don’t thoughts babying your merchandise a bit.
- Choose a spinoff if: You will have delicate pores and skin, you’re new to vitamin C, otherwise you simply need one thing that received’t doubtlessly irritate you.
Associated: The Complete Guide To All Forms Of Vitamin C In Skincare: Which One Is Right For You?
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What To Look For In A Vitamin C Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Looking for a vitamin C serum to assist with darkish spots? Good name. Vitamin C is a complete rockstar for brightening up hyperpigmentation. However not all serums are made the identical, so right here’s what to look out for earlier than you add one to your cart:
- Kind of Vitamin C: L-ascorbic acid is the heavy hitter, however it may be a bit intense. In case your pores and skin’s on the delicate aspect, search for ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate or sodium ascorbyl phosphate as an alternative.
- Energy: Go for no less than 10%-15% and even 20% is even higher in case your pores and skin can deal with it.
- Packaging: You need it in a darkish bottle or a pump so it doesn’t go dangerous too quick. Vitamin C is fussy about gentle and air.
- Boosters: Antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid assist your vitamin C do its job and last more.
- Hydration Helpers: Hyaluronic acid or different hydrating goodies can hold your pores and skin from drying out.
- Texture: A light-weight and fast-absorbing formulation is the way in which to go. Nobody desires a sticky mess.
A Fast Heads-Up About Korean Vitamin C Serums
Earlier than you drop your hard-earned money on a bottle, right here’s the deal: lots of Ok-beauty vitamin C serums declare to have 10-15% vitamin C, however in actuality? They typically hover nearer to five% pure L-ascorbic acid (and typically even much less)! The remainder is often made up of plant extracts or derivatives that, whereas good, don’t pack the identical punch with regards to fading darkish spots. (I can get on board with derivates after they’re scientifically confirmed to work, however plant extracts with Vitamin C? Do NOT waste your cash. You barely get any Vitamin C in any respect!).
Why’s that? As a result of increased percentages of pure ascorbic acid can irritate your pores and skin, particularly for those who’ve by no means used it earlier than or took an extended break. Even decrease concentrations (like 5%) can nonetheless provide you with that wholesome glow, however don’t count on them to fully fade out your darkish spots on their very own. In case your pores and skin’s not tremendous delicate and also you’ve dabbled with vitamin C earlier than, you is likely to be completely fantastic with a 10-15% serum. Simply maintain off on diving straight into the 20%+ membership till you realize your pores and skin can deal with it. Belief me, you don’t wish to be purple and stingy for days. At all times patch take a look at first, and take heed to your pores and skin (it’s smarter than you assume).
What’s The Greatest Korean Vitamin C Serum For Hypergmentation?
I can’t share only one! Listed below are just a few choices from South Korea to your distinctive pores and skin kind and wishes:
CosRx’s The Vitamin C 23 Serum ($25.00/£28.00)
CosRx’s The Vitamin C 23 Serum is a brightening booster that packs a critical punch. With 23% pure vitamin C (yep, that’s sturdy), it goes after darkish spots and uneven tone like a boss. The formulation’s received some additional love too – tocotrienols (like vitamin E on steroids) for additional antioxidant energy, plus hyaluronic acid and allantoin to maintain issues hydrated and completely satisfied.
Texture-wise, it’s tremendous light-weight and soaks in quick – no greasy movie. It does have a little bit of a chew at first (that tingle’s regular, particularly with high-strength vitamin C). Pop it within the fridge to maintain it contemporary, and for those who’re new to vitamin C, perhaps begin gradual. FYI, nobody wants this a lot Vitamin C. However for those who’re critical about brightening up these darkish spots and your pores and skin isn’t delicate, this one’s value a glance.
Obtainable at: Asos, Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Stylevana, Ulta, and Yes Style
Energetic Elements: 23% L-Ascorbic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Allantoin
Advantages: Excessive focus of Vitamin C, brightens pores and skin and fades away darkish spots
Cons: This a lot Vitamin C could cause pores and skin irritation in delicate pores and skin
Pores and skin varieties: All pores and skin varieties bar delicate
Perfume-free: Sure
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Darkish Spot Serum ($45.00/£41.00)
Glow Recipe’s Guava Vitamin C Darkish Spot Serum is sort of a light brightening buddy that’s excellent for delicate pores and skin that wants outcomes with out the sting. It’s full of 5 completely different types of vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), plus ferulic acid for additional antioxidant energy. There’s additionally tranexamic acid within the combine to assist fade cussed spots and hold the formulation secure. It’s received a silky, light-weight texture that soaks proper in – no sticky mess-and performs good with make-up or different skincare. It doesn’t have a robust odor, only a trace of pure guava (kinda candy). In case you’re after a serum that tackles darkish spots however nonetheless feels light sufficient for every day use, this one’s a winner. Simply be warned: it really works slower than L-Ascorbic Acid.
Obtainable at: Cult Beauty, Glow Recipe and Sephora
Energetic Elements: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), ferulic acid and tranexamic acid
Advantages: Brightens uneven and uninteresting pores and skin and fights free radicals
Cons: Works extra slowly than L-Ascorbic Acid
Pores and skin varieties: Dry and delicate pores and skin
Perfume-free: Sure
TIRTIR’s Pure Vitamin C24 Serum ($25.00/£25.00)
TIRTIR’s Pure Vitamin C 24% Face Serum is for the intense brightening followers. Assume darkish spots, dullness, and uneven pores and skin tone. It’s received a whopping 24% pure ascorbic acid, which is about as sturdy because it will get. Which means actual leads to fading darkish spots, but additionally a heads-up: for those who’ve received delicate pores and skin, it’d tingle a bit (or loads). The feel is on the oily aspect, so it’s higher for nighttime use until you’re cool with a dewy end. It’s fragrance-free, however may odor a bit metallic. Completely regular with high-strength vitamin C. Skip the collagen hype (it doesn’t actually do a lot topically), however the serum’s principal job – brightening and fading spots – positively delivers. Oh, and it has 7 types of centella asiatica to appease irritations. Preserve this brightening serum within the fridge and use it inside a pair months so it doesn’t lose its punch.
Obtainable at: Asos, Beauty Bay, Stylevana, and Yes Style
Energetic Elements: 24% Ascorbic Acid and centella asiatica
Advantages: Brightens the looks of darkish spots and soothes pores and skin
Cons: Could cause irritation in delicate pores and skin varieties
Pores and skin varieties: Greatest for greasy, regular, and mixture pores and skin
Perfume-free: Sure
Peach & Lily’s Transparen-C Professional Spot Remedy (£41.00/$45.00)
Peach & Lily’s Transparen-C Professional Spot Remedy is a darkish spot zapper that truly will get outcomes with out irritating your pores and skin. It’s received 20% ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (a secure type of vitamin C that soaks in deep and works on brightening with out the sting). There’s additionally ferulic acid and vitamin E for additional antioxidant oomph, plus hyaluronic acid to maintain your pores and skin feeling plump and hydrated. Texture-wise, it’s a light-weight oil that sinks in quick, so you should use it morning or night time. No greasy mess. It’s not as efficient as L-Ascorbic Acid, nevertheless it’s light sufficient for delicate pores and skin. After a few weeks, you’ll in all probability discover your darkish spots trying much less apparent and your general glow sport leveling up.
Obtainable at: Peach & Lily and Ulta
Energetic Elements: 20% ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid.
Advantages: Brightens and hydrates pores and skin, light formulation
Cons: Doesn’t work as quick as L-Ascorbic Acid
Pores and skin varieties: Delicate and dry pores and skin
Perfume-free: Sure
SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Vitamin C Serum ($28.00/£20.66)
SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Vitamin C Serum is a pleasant choose for those who’ve received acne-prone pores and skin and wish one thing that truly helps with darkish spots. It’s received 20% vitamin C (the sodium ascorbyl phosphate kind-way much less irritating than the hardcore stuff) that brightens and may help with breakouts too. It’s gentle and sinks in quick. No greasy feeling or pore-clogging drama. There’s a lightweight citrusy vibe, nevertheless it’s fairly delicate and doesn’t stick round. In case your pores and skin’s trying a bit uneven otherwise you’ve received leftover marks from pimples, this may help even issues out and provide you with a little bit of a glow.
Obtainable at: Shein
Energetic Elements: 20% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica.
Advantages: Brightens, hydrates, and helps battle pimples.
Cons: Doesn’t work as quick as L-Ascorbic Acid.
Pores and skin varieties: Oily and acne-prone.
Perfume-free: Technically, sure. But it surely has slightly little bit of citrus oil that offers it a delicate citrus scent.
Associated: Can Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Help Treat Acne?
FAQs About Korean Vitamin C Serums
Can I exploit vitamin C every single day?
Yep, completely. Most individuals can deal with it every day, but when your pores and skin’s new to the social gathering, begin each different day and see the way it goes. No want to leap straight into the deep finish. Child steps, babe.
Can I exploit vitamin C at night time?
For certain! Vitamin C doesn’t care what time it’s. It’s not Cinderella. Some folks (like me!), favor to layer it below sunscreen within the morning for that additional free radical safety, however utilizing it in your skincare routine at night time? Additionally an excellent transfer. Choose what works greatest for you.
Can vitamin C and niacinamide be used collectively?
Heck sure. That outdated fable about them cancelling one another out? That’s historical historical past. They really make a killer group: vitamin C brightens, niacinamide helps calm issues down and retains your pores and skin barrier completely satisfied. Tag group for the win. The one exception? If this combo makes your pores and skin purple. It’s simply not appropriate for you.
Is it okay for vitamin C to tingle?
A lil’ tingle’s regular, particularly for those who’re utilizing a stronger one or in case your pores and skin’s new to it. It’s your pores and skin saying, “Hey, I’m engaged on it.” But when it’s burning or stinging like loopy? Wash it off. Your pores and skin’s principally begging you for a break.
The Backside Line on Greatest Korean Vitamin C Serums
There you have got it, the perfect Korean vitamin C serum to your pores and skin kind and wishes. Vitamin C merchandise are an superior strategy to deal with hyperpigmentation and supplying you with that glow you’ve been chasing. Simply bear in mind, not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Search for the sort that matches your pores and skin (L-ascorbic acid if you would like quick outcomes and may deal with it, or a gentler spinoff in case your pores and skin’s extra on the delicate aspect). Be affected person. It’s not gonna zap these darkish spots in a single day, however with constant use, you’ll begin to see your pores and skin trying brighter, smoother, and all-around happier.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your greatest pores and skin day ever – every single day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that can assist you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the perfect skincare routine to your distinctive wants.
