When to Use Vitamin C in Skincare Routine – Vitamin C is probably one of the most well-known and beloved skincare ingredients. It’s an antioxidant powerhouse that helps brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, boost collagen production, and even protect the skin from UV lights. Dermatologists also find vitamin C to be beneficial in skin firming.
However, if you’re not careful when using vitamin C, you could be harming your skin. You may experience skin irritation, redness, stinging, and even breakouts. This is why timing and how you apply vitamin C in your skincare routine is really important. Follow this simple guide to learn when to use vitamin C in your skincare routine for the best results, and get your glow on!
Can Vitamin C Be Used Twice A Day?
The simple answer is yes. But, it all depends on how well your skin can tolerate the ingredient. If you’re just starting to use vitamin C in your skincare routine or have sensitive skin, then it’s best to avoid using it twice a day. Using high concentrations of vitamin C twice daily, or applying it on sensitive skin, can increase the risk of skin irritation, dryness, redness, and increased skin sensitivity.
Always start with a low concentration and use it only once a day to observe how your skin reacts. If your skin shows no signs of irritation, dryness, or redness, then you’re safe to increase the frequency to twice a day.
Should You Use Vitamin C in the Morning or at Night?
Even though you can use vitamin C twice a day, dermatologists suggest that the best time to use vitamin C is during the day. So, if you decide to use vitamin C only once a day, then the best way to use it is as part of your morning skincare routine. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from UV damage and other environmental damage.
If you’re using other serums like retinol, then using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night is recommended. Don’t try to mix vitamin C with retinol or AHAs/BHAs to avoid irritating the skin.
Should You Use Vitamin C After Cleansing?
Yes, vitamin C serums should be used after cleansing, or after toning if toner is part of your skincare routine. If you’re not layering vitamin C with other active ingredients, then you can just apply moisturizer and sunscreen afterwards. If you don’t have dry skin, then it’s okay to skip straight to sunscreen, especially if your vitamin C serum already has hydrating ingredients in it.
Even though vitamin C helps to protect your skin from sun damage, it’s still important to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Vitamin C is not an adequate replacement for sunscreen.
How Often Can You Use Vitamin C?
The more consistent you are with using vitamin C in your skincare routine, the faster you can see results. It’s best to use it daily once your skin has adapted. But, if you’re just starting out, use it only 3-4 times a week to avoid irritation. Then, you can gradually increase the frequency to once a day, and even twice a day.
Think of vitamin C as your skin’s daily armor and glow booster. Using it in the morning allows vitamin C to fight off free radicals caused by sun exposure and pollution, working alongside your sunscreen to keep your skin bright and healthy. Just make sure to layer it correctly, pair it with SPF, and let vitamin C help your skin glow all day long!
Sources:
- https://www.glamour.com/story/when-to-use-vitamin-c-serum.
- https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/vitamin-c-guide-skin-benefits-concentration-absorption.
- https://skindeva.com/can-you-use-vitamin-c-serum-twice-a-day/?srsltid=AfmBOorfVtGOwfGUb4oWEYnTDU7Ng8RW29mOm4kjsmmM_0jiwvwHoEgV.
