If you're wondering when to apply a vitamin C serum, the answer is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection.
Vitamin C serum is typically applied once or twice per day. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize. It can be safely used with other active ingredients, although using alongside niacinamide may make vitamin C less effective.
It'll also absorb into your skin most effectively after you've cleansed and exfoliated, so it makes sense to apply it during your nighttime routine. When you use your vitamin C serum during the night, you'll also avoid the risk of photosensitivity, which can occur in some cases with daytime use.
One study showed that daily use of a vitamin C formulation for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.
It's important to use up your L-ascorbic acid serum as soon as you open it, within three months. Keep it away from light and heat (you may even want to store it in the fridge) with the lid tightly closed, and throw it away as soon as it changes colour or smells "off."
Does Vitamin C really darken my skin? No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin. It is important to know the difference between staining and darkening the skin.
Vitamin C serum benefits
If you're wondering when to apply a vitamin C serum, the answer is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection.
Step 4: Apply a moisturizer (Yes, your moisturizer should come after your Vitamin C serum — remember the “thinnest to thickest” rule.) Step 5: Apply your favorite eye cream. (This list of the best anti-aging eye creams is a great resource.) Step 6: Apply a sunscreen.
Can Vitamin C Serums Cause Acne? No, vitamin C serums cannot cause acne.
"Because vitamin C serum helps protect your skin from free radicals, most dermatologists have recommended applying it in the morning to prevent damage during the day," says Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.
Vitamin C serum (leave to absorb for 1-2 minutes)
Dr Khan explains: “With vitamin C, you want to get the most out of the product by not diluting it. A couple of minutes should be an adequate time for the product to dry down before you go in with your next step.”
A Vitamin C serum should be used in your bedtime routine and a couple of drops of it should suffice. Tap it on your skin using your fingertips and leave it on overnight. Wash your face in the morning and apply SPF to avoid any skin irritation.
How Long Does Vitamin C Serum Take to Work? You will likely notice skin improvement 4-12 weeks after starting routine use of vitamin C serum.
A tell-tale sign of vitamin c over-use can be increased blackheads or a development of blackheads. General skin irritation and breakouts can also occur if you are using your vitamin c too much or too often. We recommend using your serum 1-2 times a day and 2-4 drops is all that is needed.
The maximum recommended amount, or upper limit, is 2,000mg per day for all adults. Taking more than the upper limit for vitamin C isn't life-threatening, but you may experience side effects like: abdominal pain. cramps.
If you use too much vitamin C on your skin, it may cause flakiness, so start with a small amount as you get used to the product. Finally, always wear sunscreen when using vitamin C in your skincare routine. Without an SPF50, the vitamin can actually cause more sun damage.
Pamper your pout with this conditioning lip serum that provides long-lasting moisture. The lip serum glides smoothly onto your lips and can be worn under lipstick as a primer or over for added gloss. Infused with antioxidant rich vitamin c for even lip colour.
That's why Vitamin C self tanners can make all the difference! They not only create a beautiful bronze, but they keep skin looking healthy and radiant – and, by extension, your tan looking even and flawless too.
When in the vitamin C is in high concentration, the serum will have a yellowish color; but as it oxidizes, it will turn brown/orange. Cosmetic vitamin C preparations that have discolored should be discarded as they have already oxidized and cannot provide skin benefits.