Vitamin Care

It is an aesthetic treatment that delivers vitamin C into the skin to help manage dull tone and pigmentation. Vitamin C that is only applied to the skin does not pass through the stratum corneum well. That is why dermatology clinics generally help absorption with methods such as iontophoresis. We explain the method and products used at DM Dermatology during your consultation.

Vitamin C slows melanin production and neutralizes free radicals, so it helps with tone care. In one study, 29 women with melasma had vitamin C iontophoresis on one half of the face and distilled-water iontophoresis on the other half. After 12 weeks, colorimeter readings (a device that measures skin color) improved significantly only on the vitamin C side. However, the participants themselves did not clearly notice a difference between the two sides. That is why melasma is generally not treated with Vitamin Care alone; lasers, medication, and sun protection are planned together.

A vitamin C serum is a product you apply at home every day, and how well it absorbs depends heavily on its pH and concentration. Vitamin Care at a dermatology clinic helps vitamin C pass through the stratum corneum with methods such as electric current or ultrasound. Rather than replacing each other, the two can be used together. We discuss which products to use at home during your consultation.

It depends on your skin condition and goals. In a Korean study of people with melasma, participants had vitamin C iontophoresis once a week for 12 weeks. If you have it together with laser treatment, the schedule follows the laser treatment interval. DM Dermatology tells you the recommended number of sessions after an examination.

DM Dermatology's Triple Toning is a program in which you have Vitamin Care after Laser Toning and Cell-toning. Skin is sensitive right after a laser, so the heat is generally calmed first, and then vitamin C is delivered. There is also a study in which vitamin C was delivered by ultrasound after Laser Toning and a cold pack.

With methods that use electric current, you may feel stinging or tingling during the session. How much you feel varies from person to person, and you may feel it more right after a laser. If it is uncomfortable, tell us during the session. We will adjust the intensity.

If you had Vitamin Care alone, you can usually wash your face and wear makeup as usual. If redness remains, it is better to wait until it settles before wearing makeup. If you also had a laser or Aqua Glow Injection, follow the instructions for that treatment.

Care that uses electric current is not given, or is decided with caution, if you are pregnant, have an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker, or have metal implants in the treatment area. If any of these apply to you, be sure to tell our medical staff before the session. During your consultation, we check together whether another type of care that does not use current is right for you.

No. Vitamin C does not absorb UV light, so it cannot replace sunscreen. Vitamin C is a supporting ingredient used together with sunscreen. During your course of care, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.

DM Dermatology is at 4F, 158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a 2-minute walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5. Our medical director, a board-certified dermatologist, checks your skin condition in an examination, then decides whether you will have Vitamin Care alone or as part of a whitening program.