Blemishes that appeared after summer—what should I do in fall?
The effects of sun exposure throughout the summer often show up as blemishes or melasma in the fall. What skincare products can do is help even out your skin toneandprevent it from getting darker.
There are ingredients recognized in Korea as "functional whitening" ingredients. Niacinamide, arbutin, and vitamin C derivatives are some of the most common. However, the common conclusion is that it’s hard to see results with any ingredient if you don’t use sun protection.
Ingredients often used for tone care
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How are you managing fall blemishes right now?
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In fall, rather than adding several new brightening ingredients, it’s best to start by using sun protection consistently every day. Even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors, if you’re going outside during the day, apply plenty of SPF 30 or higher and around PA+++, and reapply if you’ll be outdoors for a long time. A hat or parasol is also a pretty practical aid.
After that, choose just one ingredient and use it consistently for about 6–8 weeks. Niacinamide or arbutin is a relatively gentle place to start, while vitamin C derivatives vary in form and potential for irritation from product to product. When trying a new product, start with 2–3 times a week, and it’s safer to stop if stinging or redness continues. It’s difficult to tell from skincare products alone whether a blemish is melasma or another kind of pigmentation, and you should have a spot checked by a dermatologist if it suddenly gets darker or changes shape.
I’m curious about the poll already up, too— even if you vote for sunscreen, it might help to share which ingredients you’re using these days and whether they’re irritating your skin.
Should I use vitamin C and niacinamide in the morning or at night?
You can use either in the morning or at night. Using vitamin C in the morning can pair well with daytime sun protection, but it is not a substitute for sunscreen. If you use it in the morning, apply vitamin C after cleansing, then moisturizer, then sunscreen. Niacinamide is fine to use in the morning or at night.
If you’re new to these ingredients, it’s recommended to try just one of them first, starting 2–3 times a week. It’s generally possible to include both in the same routine, but it depends on the product formulations and how your skin reacts, so adding the second one once you’re used to the first makes it easier to monitor your skin. Stop using them if stinging or redness continues.