Dark Spots & Pigmentation

Acne marks: two to three months with consistent use. Sun spots: longer, often six months. Melasma: managed rather than cured, and it usually returns each summer.

Niacinamide if your skin is sensitive or you're also dealing with breakouts. Vitamin C if your main complaint is dullness rather than specific spots. Using both is fine — most people just don't need to start with both.

No, and they're not meant to. These products even out tone by reducing excess pigment in specific areas. Anything promising to change your overall skin colour is a different and far less trustworthy category of product.

That pattern usually points to melasma. It's hormonal and UV-triggered, and it needs consistent sun protection year-round plus, in most cases, a dermatologist rather than a serum alone.