When to Use Vitamin C Serum: Things to Consider

The Vitamin C Serum Buzz

There are beauty products that have recently been in the limelight and Vitamin C serum is one of them. This isn’t just some new trend that people are going to be talking about for two weeks – this is a real, genuine all-star when it comes to skincare. However, as they say, with great power comes great responsibility, and understanding how and when to apply the vitamin C serum will change everything.

While the hype around vitamin C serum is all real. It is endorsed by scientific evidence and trends as well as hordes of proactive consumers who love their skin. But as any sharp instrument is, it is about the usage of it.

When to Use Vitamin C Serum: Day or Night?

When to use vitamin C serum in routine

Ah, the million-dollar question, when to use vitamin C serum day or night? Well, let’s check it out.

Morning Magic

And so, many skin professionals highly recommend taking vitamin C serum in the morning. Why? Because it will act like an armor protecting one from environmental stressors that one goes through during the day, be it pollution or UV rays. Plus, it gives your skin that fresh and bright look that is perfect for facing the world!

• Environmental Protection: Vitamin C acts like a strong antioxidant armor that shields one from the day-to-day assault of pollution and UV rays. Neutralizing free radicals helps avoid the early signs of aging.
• UV Defense Boost: Not to replace your sunscreen, but vitamin C amplifies the capacity of your skin to respond effectively against UV damage if applied beneath sunscreen. It's giving your SPF a helpful sidekick.
• Morning Brightness All Day: Vitamin C may instantly brighten your skin when applied in the morning, just perfect for embarking on your day in radiance. It energizes the skin, just as your morning coffee perks you up, allowing vitamin C to stimulate skin cells and lead to a more radiant and awake appearance.
• Makeup Prep: Vitamin C will even out and lighten your skin tone to provide a very smooth canvas for makeup application, probably reducing heavy coverage needs.

Nighttime Nurturing

All that said, vitamin C will work its magic when you're sleeping, too. Your skin at night does go into repair mode, so before bed, applying vitamin C serum can really enhance the natural process.

Your skin's cell turnover and renewal go into overtime during your sleep. Vitamin C applied at night can help in conjunction with your skin's natural regeneration processes. It can repair whatever damage it incurred during the day and work on those long-term benefits like collagen production and fading dark spots.

• Repair and Regenerate: Your skin's renewal process really picks up while you are sleeping. Vitamin C can reinforce this natural repair mode to help reverse the damage sustained during the day.
• Collagen Boost: Vitamin C is important for collagen production. Application at night allows your skin to be used all night to build and maintain skin structure.
• Better Absorption: Being out of environmental stressors, your skin might get a better chance to absorb and utilize vitamin C while sleeping night after night.
• Fades Dark Spots: Consistent use every night helps in gradually reducing the marks of hyperpigmentation as vitamin C forbids melanin production.

Honestly? It's up to you. Some use it twice a day, though many stick to it once. Your skin will tell you which way to go.

If you are just starting with this product, it would be best to use it once daily and gradually build up your skin. Others find that the application twice a day works even better for them, though one can prefer to alternate days between vitamin C and other activities. It is all about listening to your skin and working accordingly.

Dr. Saami Khalifian

Dr. Saami, a board-certified dermatologist and known as a leader, innovator, and talented cosmetic surgeon added, As an aesthetic dermatologist, I always recommend Vitamin C serum be used daily, both morning and night. In the morning, Vitamin C protects the skin from environmental damage like pollution and UV radiation. At night, it boosts collagen production and cell turnover while you sleep. Through over a decade of experience and thousands of anti-aging treatments, I've seen the power of evidence-based skincare like topical Vitamin C.

Is Vitamin C Serum Right for You?

Fortunately, vitamin C serum is generally good for all skin types. However, if your skin is sensitive, it's suggested to use a low concentration and work your way upwards. As far as age is concerned, there's not really such a thing as too early or too late.

For oily or acne-prone, vitamin C can actually help regulate sebum production and is anti-inflammatory, which might help with outbreaks. If one has dry skin, look for a vitamin C serum that also hydrates, containing hyaluronic acid.

This is true age-wise-the anti-aging benefits really start to make their presence known as the years wear but it's just as benevolent when the user is in the early 20s with brightening and protective qualities. It's never too early to prevent damage.

Look Out For Potential Side Effects

• Irritation: This is the most common side effect, especially if you're using a high concentration or have sensitive skin.
• Oxidation: If your serum turns yellow or brown, it's oxidized and lost its efficacy. Always check your product before applying.
• Dryness: Some people might experience dryness, especially with L-ascorbic acid formulations.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some people may be allergic to vitamin C or other ingredients in the serum.

If you experience any persistent irritation or unusual reactions, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

What to Look For in a Vitamin C Serum

What to Look For in a Vitamin C Serum

Not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Here is what you are looking for:

• Concentration: Opt for serums that fall between 10-20% vitamin C. For first-timers or those with sensitive skin, start a little slower with a more diluted formula at around 10%, then gradually increase as your skin can handle it.
• Vitamin C form: The strongest form is L-ascorbic acid; however, it can be too irritating for certain individuals. Other forms, such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, are more stable and gentle in action. Regarding packaging, dark or opaque bottles help to preserve the potency of the serum. Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air; hence, proper packaging plays an important role.
• Other Ingredients: Vitamin E and ferulic acid enhance the activity of vitamin C. These compounds have a synergistic action on each other.
• pH: The pH should be less than 3.5 for L-ascorbic acid to be active. Some brands indicate that on the packaging.
• Texture: A good vitamin C serum should absorb into the skin fast, without any greasy residue.

Playing Well with Others: How to Use Vitamin C Serum with Other Skincare Products

You must be thinking about when to use vitamin C serum in your skincare routine along with your other skincare products. Vitamin C is a bit of a team player but doesn't play nicely with everybody. It will work fabulously with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.

It won't necessarily be so nice to retinol or niacinamide. If you happen to use these products, that's just considered separate times of the day for each of them.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid: These antioxidants make vitamin C more stable and potent. Many of the top serums incorporate these elements.
• Hyaluronic Acid: It functions nicely with vitamin C; thus, it works well in balancing any drying action of vitamin C.
• Retinol: Though being two strong ingredients, their conjunction works irritatingly on your skin. Better to go with vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
• Niacinamide: this is a bit tricky because some studies indicate that niacinamide can reduce vitamin C's effectiveness. In this regard, be on the safer side and apply them at different times.
• AHAs and BHAs: these exfoliating acids may enhance vitamin C's irritation factor. If you use both, think about alternating days or using vitamin C in the morning and acids at night.

Always introduce new products singly, and give your skin time to get used to it before adding another active ingredient into your routine.