Melasma is a fairly common skin condition that causes dark, discolored patches on the skin. These patches typically form on the face and are more prevalent in women as melasma often occurs due to hormonal changes.
The other factors that may lead to the development of melasma on the skin include extensive sun exposure and sometimes even genetics. Melasma itself isn’t even dangerous but you may be recommended melasma treatment in Singapore if the condition begins to impact your self-esteem or cause emotional distress.
When seeking melasma treatment, one of the options you may have come across is vitamin C serum. So, we created this guide to answer the question; is vitamin C serum good for melasma? Read on!
Is Vitamin C Serum Good for Melasma?
When it comes to melasma treatment in Singapore, there are so many options that may be available for you or that you may want to try. If vitamin C serum is one of the options at your disposal you may wonder; is vitamin C serum good for melasma? Here’s a simple answer;
Vitamin C serum is good for melasma due to its depigmenting properties and ability to regulate collagen production. Studies like this one suggest that it can effectively treat uneven skin tone and wrinkles.
But to be able to achieve noticeable results, you may want to use vitamin C serum for an extended duration. Your cosmetic doctor may recommend combining vitamin C with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser protocols to enhance its effects.
How long does it take for Vitamin C to Work on Melasma?
To begin with, vitamin C is known for its skin-lightening properties. So, it can help with melasma but is not the most effective treatment.
Typically, it works by exfoliating the skin and inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. However, it’s not typically the first choice for treating melasma due to its mild effects. That’s why many people who contemplate using for melasma treatment in Singapore frequently ask; how long does it take vitamin C to work on melasma?
If you’re using vitamin C serum for melasma treatment, it may take at least 12 weeks for you to see any noticeable change. And this is if you’re using the serum on a daily basis. Also, keep in mind that some melasma can be stubborn.
So the vitamin C serum alone may just not be enough to clear it. That’s why for many people, vitamin C is better suited for maintaining skin health and preventing melasma rather than treating an existing condition.
That said, if you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to melasma treatment in Singapore, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic doctor. They will assess your skin plus your cosmetic goals and help you understand if vitamin C serum can help. Depending on your needs, they may recommend including other ingredients or procedures in your treatment plan for better and faster results.
How can I make Vitamin C Work Faster?
Though known for its skin-brightening and antioxidant properties, vitamin C can be quite slow when it comes to melasma treatment. If you’re using vitamin C serum for melasma treatment in Singapore and wish to make it work faster and more effectively, try these five tips;
· Choose a High-Quality Vitamin C Serum
First things first, not all Vitamin C serums are created equal. So, you will want to look for a serum that contains L-ascorbic acid.
This is the most effective form of Vitamin C for skincare. Also, be sure to check the concentration. A 10-20% concentration is ideal for visible results. Importantly, opt for a serum that is formulated with stabilizing ingredients like ferulic acid or vitamin E to ensure that Vitamin C remains potent and active.
· Prep Your Skin with a Low pH Cleanser
Before applying your Vitamin C serum, use a gentle cleanser with a low pH (around 5.5). A low-pH cleanser helps to balance the skin’s natural pH.
It is key for creating an optimal environment for Vitamin C to penetrate and work effectively. Be sure to avoid harsh cleansers that can strip the skin and disrupt its barrier, as this can hinder the absorption of Vitamin C.
· Combine Vitamin C with Other Tyrosinase Inhibitors
Tyrosinase is an enzyme involved in the production of melanin. Melanin as you probably, already know is the pigment responsible for dark spots and melasma.
Combining Vitamin C with other tyrosinase inhibitors can enhance its skin-brightening effects. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, kojic acid, and arbutin, which can complement Vitamin C and help fade hyperpigmentation more effectively.
· Apply Vitamin C Correctly
To ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness, see to it that you apply your Vitamin C serum correctly. After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of the serum to your fingertips and then gently massage it into your skin.
Allow it to fully absorb before applying other skincare products. Incidentally, vitamin C is best used in the morning, as it can help protect the skin from environmental damage during the day.
· Be Consistent and Patient
Even with the fast-acting treatments, a perfect skin isn’t always achieved in one day. This is especially true for melasma which can sometimes be quite stubborn.
So, when using vitamin C for your melasma treatment in Singapore, consistency is key. It may actually help to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine and be patient as it can take several weeks to see noticeable results.
Remember, skincare is a marathon and not a sprint. By sticking to your routine, you should be able to reap the benefits in the end.
But if it doesn’t help, a good cosmetic doctor or dermatologist should help you get a proper plan for melasma treatment in Singapore. Usually, the best approach is tailoring the treatments to meet your unique goals and needs provided that the goals are realistic.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin C serum is good for melasma. However, the results may not appear so soon which means that you may need to stick to a routine for quite some time before seeing the desired effects you hoped for.
For the best treatment outcomes, find yourself a skilled cosmetic doctor or dermatologist for a tailored treatment. They cannot only help you diminish those patches that melasma has left on your skin but also help you prevent a recurrence.
If you’re in Singapore, we recommend an appointment with the specialists at One Face Clinical Skincare;
One Face Clinical Skincare
1 Tras Link #02-03 Orchid Hotel,
Singapore 078867
+65 6222 2262
