I'm left with pigmentation spots after summer and looking for a way to get rid of them. My husband suggests a cream with vitamin C, my friend says a serum works faster. What's actually more effective?
Did you actually check if these products contain stabilized vitamin C? That's more important than the format. Serum or cream is secondary if the ingredient has already oxidized in the bottle and doesn't work.
As for "serum penetrates deeper" - that's partly a myth. Yeah, it's lighter than cream and absorbs faster, but penetration depth depends on the molecular weight of vitamin C and other components, not on whether the consistency is liquid. In a good cream, vitamin C can work just as well. It's just that cream sits on your skin longer, and you can use it for a longer time - that's also a plus for results.
My advice: start with a serum during the day (it dries faster under makeup) and cream at night. That way you're giving your skin vitamin C twice a day - that's what'll give you results. Spots don't disappear in a week, so be prepared for at least a month of consistent use. Plus sunscreen is mandatory, otherwise new spots will keep popping up.
Both options can work, but serum is usually more effective. The thing is, it has a lighter texture and penetrates deeper into the skin, where vitamin C can work better on melanin. Cream mostly works on the surface and also contains more oils, which can clog the spots. But the concentration of the active ingredient matters here - look for at least 10-15% vitamin C on the label, otherwise the effect will be weak. I checked several brands myself when I got spots on my back after a vacation in the Maldives.
The main thing is that vitamin C is unstable, oxidizes quickly and loses its properties. Cheap serums are often already ineffective at the moment of purchase. I recommend getting tested options from well-known brands and paying attention to the release date. You need to store it in a dark place, preferably in the fridge. Apply it better in the morning or evening on clean skin, then definitely SPF during the day - without this the spots can darken even more.
If you want faster results, combine the serum with a cream - apply the serum first, let it absorb for about five minutes, then the cream. Results are usually visible after two or three months of regular use. But if the spots are deep, you might need a dermatologist consultation or even laser resurfacing.
I've tried both and noticed the results depend on your skin type - I applied the serum in the morning before sunscreen, and I could see the effect within two to three months.
but the main thing that a lot of people forget: vitamin C oxidizes in light and air, so if your serum or cream has been open for half a year, it basically doesn't work anymore. buy them in dark packaging and seal them tightly, otherwise you're just throwing money away.
personally, I go for it paired with lactobionic acid now - they complement each other better than vitamin C alone.
Log into answer.
