Vitamin C serum (leave to absorb for 1-2 minutes) Every expert we spoke to agreed that vitamin C should ideally be left from a little while before going in with the next step, but the recommended times varied dramatically. The average time suggested was somewhere between 1-2 minutes.
After applying a vitamin C serum, it's generally recommended to wait about 1 to 2 minutes before applying moisturizer. This allows the serum to fully absorb into the skin and lets the vitamin C work effectively on the skin.
In a Vitamin C skincare routine, it's important to apply the moisturizer after the application of the serum. This is because the serum helps the moisturizer gets absorbed better, and the moisturizer helps seal the serum's nutrients within the skin so they can work all day.
Vitamin C serum takes approximately one to two minutes to properly absorb into your skin. Allowing this time to pass before you apply additional layers or skincare products will help ensure you're getting maximum benefits from your serum.
There is no wait time required between applying your serum and moisturizer. You can even choose to mix them together in the palm of your hand before applying. (Exception: a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen shouldn't be mixed into other formulas since doing so could hinder the level of protection).
You see, while some experts insist you should leave anywhere between 30 seconds and 15 minutes between layers, others argue it's far more important to just get the product on. “If you don't have the time, it won't harm the skin by applying products directly after each other.
If you decide to use both serum and moisturizer, you should always apply the serum first (lighter products go before heavier ones). After applying, wait a minute or two to allow the product to absorb into your skin. Then, apply moisturizer. Also, pay attention to the type of serum and moisturizer you're using.
You'll want to apply your vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin. “As far as active ingredients go, vitamin C is quite unstable, and it's easily affected by outside elements such as air, light and moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Purging may take as long as six weeks to clear up, although it's much faster for most people. In case your skin doesn't clear up even after six weeks, it's likely your skin isn't purging and you should consider consulting a dermatologist.
Not using sunscreen:
Vitamin C serum can make the skin even more sensitive to the sun, making it especially important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin from UV damage.
What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.
Generally, waiting for about 5 to 10 minutes allows the moisturiser to absorb into the skin, ensuring that the sunscreen can form a protective barrier. This waiting period also helps prevent any potential interference between the moisturiser and sunscreen.
The last step of your night-time vitamin C skincare routine is to hydrate your skin and lock in the goodness of all the other vitamin C skincare products that you used so far. A rich and nourishing moisturiser locks moisture in your skin and rejuvenates your skin overnight.
Don't mix: Vitamin C should not be used with retinol products as this can cause irritation. Additionally, vitamin C should not be mixed with niacinamide since the effectiveness of vitamin C will be decreased. As mentioned above vitamin C should not be mixed with AHAs or BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide products.
Best known for its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid works to retain optimal moisture levels in the skin so it appears well-hydrated, plump, and youthful. Pairing hyaluronic acid with vitamin C can further improve the skin's texture and overall appearance to camouflage the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Appearance. Acne purging and breakouts can look similar at first glance, with increased red bumps and pimples. However, purging tends to cause uniform congestion, affecting the entire area where you applied the new treatment. Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots.
Acids, vitamin C serums and retinoids can all cause purging. Purging is an initial acne breakout that can occur when you're starting a new active skincare product—one that causes your skin cells to turn over more quickly.
Apply to Damp Skin
Compared to dry skin, damp skin is more receptive to skincare ingredients, so make sure you apply serum to damp skin after cleansing or mist skin with an soothing, alcohol-free toner for better and quicker absorption. Press serum into skin with an open palm, patting it on then smoothing it out.
As a general rule, Vitamin C serums should be applied before moisturizer, while Vitamin C creams should be applied after. However, it's always best to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed. Remember, the most important thing is to use products that are right for your skin type and concerns.
Vitamin C serum up to 20% concentration can be applied twice daily both morning (AM) and night (PM) right after cleansing and hydration or toning. Take 2-3 drops of Vitamin C serum on your fingertips and gently apply them in your face and neck in circular motions.
It typically depends on whether it's oil- or gel-based, but most serums start absorbing immediately. Some skincare formulas can take up to 30 minutes to fully absorb — but that doesn't mean you have to wait that long between skincare steps. Most skincare products are designed to begin absorbing right away.
Dermatologists recommend you apply vitamin C serum before you apply moisturiser and sunscreen. The steps for application are [2]: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup or free radicals from your skin. Apply a few drops of vitamin C serum to your face and neck, and gently rub it in.