Vitamin C for Dark Spots

“This. Hydroquinone is the gold standard followed by tretinoin. Using the compound is very effective and HQ users are highly encouraged to be under the care of a medical professional. Vitamin C is difficult to formulate with, needs to be at a low pH and oxidizes in the skin. It’s also very irritating and irritation can lead to PIH. Azaleic acid is more effective better at lifting pigment than vitamin c and is a recommended melasma treatment.”

“The only thing that was able to wipe out my dark spots was a compound cream with hydroquinone and tretinoin. Vitamin C did nothing for my hyperpigmentation. A prescription strength Azelaic acid really helped to maintain my skin.”

“It depends on your skin sensitivity. I've used COSRX for a while (daily for about 2 years) both C13 and C23. I opted for the higher concentration. Loved that it was effective with dark spots, absorbed quickly, and cost effective. Hate that it had a smell - on the bad days it smelled like warm hotdog water and good days it smelled like bitter coffee. Another brand that I've used is TruSkin. Lower concentration, no nasty scent (faint orange). Effective but slower for results. Thicker serum. More expensive.”