Vitamin C and age spots: what to know

Age spots, also called sun spots, are flat areas of extra pigment that develop in skin exposed to ultraviolet light. A vitamin C product can help limit oxidative processes involved in pigment formation and may make surrounding tone look more even over time. Results depend on the formula, regular use, the depth of the pigment, and continued exposure to sunlight.

A dark mark should not automatically be treated as an age spot. A mark that becomes asymmetric, develops several colours, bleeds, crusts, or changes in size needs a clinician's review before cosmetic treatment.

Choose a well-labelled topical product and apply it to clean, dry skin as directed. Start gradually if your skin is reactive, and use moisturiser if dryness develops. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day and reapply as advised for outdoor exposure; this helps reduce new pigment and protects progress. Avoid putting vitamin C on broken skin or combining several irritating products at once.

If pigmentation remains bothersome, a dermatologist can discuss options such as a chemical peel, IPL photofacial, picosecond laser treatment, or cryotherapy (lesion removal), selected after examining the mark.

Arrange a skin examination promptly for a spot that changes noticeably, becomes painful or itchy, repeatedly bleeds, forms a persistent crust, or looks different from your other marks. Seek advice before using a pigment treatment if you are unsure whether the area is an age spot.

Could this mark be a sun spot or another condition? Which vitamin C formula suits my skin? Should I pause other active products? Would a procedure be appropriate, and what aftercare would it require?