Skin lightening and brightening are popular skincare goals. But, rather than reaching for harsh chemicals, you can benefit from using vitamins to lighten your skin and minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Keep reading to learn more about the best vitamins for skin lightening and how to incorporate vitamin-rich skincare products into your beauty regimen.
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Which Vitamin is Good for Skin Whitening?
When it comes to skin whitening, not all vitamins are made equal. Certain vitamins (namely vitamins C, E, B12, and glutathione) are more effective for achieving lighter, brighter skin.
Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Glutathione, and Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 works with other B vitamins to manage and adjust your melanin production [1]. This, along with vitamin B12’s role in tissue repair and red blood cell production, supports skin health.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help minimize dark spots and hyperpigmentation. In serum, oil, cream, or supplement form, vitamin E can help balance out your complexion with deep hydration and protection against UV rays.
- Glutathione
Glutathione is commonly used as a skin-whitening agent. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin and protecting cells from free radical damage [2].
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another potent antioxidant that’s widely used to treat pigmentation. Like glutathione, vitamin C hinders melanin synthesis.
How To Use Vitamins for Skin Lightening
When it comes to using vitamins for skin lightening, there are two approaches that you can take: oral or topical.
- Oral vitamin supplements
You can take oral vitamin supplements for skin lightening. Compared to a topical route, capsules may be more convenient for some, as you won’t have to add another step to your skincare regimen. Additionally, vitamins C and B12 are light-sensitive and become less effective when exposed to light in the topical form [3].
- Topical vitamin products
Generally, topical vitamin formulations are ideal for skin concerns, including skin lightening. This is due to the fact that you can apply the vitamin precisely where you need it.
RELATED: Porcelana Skin Lightening Cream Review
FAQ:
Q: What vitamins improve skin color?
For lighter skin color, vitamins C, E, B12, and glutathione are considered the most effective options. However, vitamin A is also considered vital for optimal skin health, as it helps protect against sun damage and signs of aging.
Q: Do vitamin C pills lighten skin?
Vitamin C pills can help lighten skin by reducing melanin production within your skin cells.
Q: Can we take vitamin C tablets for skin whitening?
Yes, it’s safe to take oral vitamin c tablets for skin whitening and related concerns, such as pigmentation.
Q: How long does it take vitamin C to lighten skin?
Typically, it takes 2 to 3 weeks for vitamin C to visibly lighten the skin, with more dramatic results appearing after 2 to 4 months [4].
Q: How much vitamin C should I take to lighten skin?
For oral vitamin C supplements, the recommended amount for skin lightening is 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day, split up into 500-milligram doses [5].
Q: How long does it take to lighten skin with vitamin E and C capsules?
If you’re taking a combination of vitamin E and C capsules for skin lightening, you’ll likely notice an improvement in your skin tone within 2 to 3 weeks.
Q: Does vitamin D deficiency cause skin darkening?
Vitamin D plays a large role in skin pigmentation. So, vitamin D deficiency doesn’t directly cause skin darkening but may contribute to skin conditions including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis [6].
Q: Does taking vitamin D supplements make your skin darker?
Vitamin D supports melanin production, which can lead to darker skin [7].
Q: Does vitamin E help with dark spots?
Yes, vitamin E can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Q: What are the best vitamins for African American skin?
Vitamins C, A, E, and B12 are among the best vitamins for maintaining bright, healthy skin as an African American.
Q: Should I use a vitamin serum or oral vitamins?
Vitamin serums are widely regarded as a more targeted strategy for improving the look of the skin when compared to oral vitamins. However, you can use both serum and oral vitamins as a powerful skin-lightening strategy.
Q: What are the best supplements for pigmentation?
Vitamins C, E, B12, A, and glutathione can help improve the appearance of pigmentation. While vitamins C, E, B12, and glutathione can lighten the skin, vitamin A works as an exfoliant to remove damaged skin cells.
Q: Are there vitamins that reduce melanin production?
Glutathione and vitamin C have been found to directly reduce melanin production, while vitamins E and B12 help regulate melanin levels.
Conclusion: The Benefits of Vitamins for Melasma Treatment, Hyperpigmentation, and Discoloration
Achieving lighter skin can give you a brighter, more youthful look. Vitamins are safe and effective to use for skin lightening, as well as hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment.
To add topical vitamins to your skincare routine, check out our review of the best skin lightening creams today. You can also consider adding both oral and topical vitamins to your beauty routine to make the most of these skin-lightening ingredients.
References:
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/475905-b12-and-hyperpigmentation-of-the-skin/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18670186/#:~:text=Glutathione%20inhibited%20the%20binding%20between,the%20function%20of%20L%2DDOPA.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030212007424
- https://dermcollective.com/vitamin-c-for-skin-lightening/#:~:text=of%20a%20problem.-,Results,difference%20after%208%2D12%20weeks.
- https://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/about-vitamins/vitamin-c-skin-lightening
- https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/485132
- https://clearifirx.com/blog/hyperpigmentation-vitamins
