Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after vitamin C serum at night?

Author: Prof. Suzanne Jenkins IV  |  Last update: Monday, May 26, 2025

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.

Can I use vitamin C serum at night without moisturizer?

There are many different types of skin care products that can be applied after Vitamin C serum. Most people apply moisturizer and sunscreen after Vitamin C serum but it is not necessary. Moisturizer is not always needed after Vitamin C serum as the Vitamin C will first penetrate the epidermis.

What happens if you don't use moisturizer after vitamin C serum?

Any serum should be applied before you use a moisturiser. Typically a Vitamin C serum is water based so it gets absorbed quickly into your skin. Applying a moisturiser will create a barrier on your skin and the serum will be hard to absorb into your skin.

Is it important to apply moisturizer after vitamin C serum at night?

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.

Do I need moisturizer over vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serums are typically light, water-based products that should be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing.

Should I be using Vitamin C in the day or at night?

Why avoid taking vitamin C at night?

Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, it doesn't require food or specific timing to work effectively. However, some people may want to avoid taking it before bed: If you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach – Vitamin C, especially in high doses, can increase stomach acidity, and lead to mild heartburn or nausea.

Is vitamin C serum moisturizing or drying?

While it's true that vitamin C can be slightly drying on its own, the benefits it offers for dry skin outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Can I skip moisturizer after serum at night?

You can also use serum alone without added moisturizer, but this may reduce the power of the serum's active ingredients. Serums contain active ingredients such as oat oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that pull moisture into the skin for deep hydration.

Is it OK to sleep with vitamin C serum?

Your cells regenerate overnight and repair daytime damage while you're fast asleep. So, if you want to wake up feeling fresh and radiant, and not like a zombie, consider using vitamin C at night.

Why is my skin getting darker after using vitamin C serum?

4) Why does my skin look darker after using Vitamin C? If you are applying Vitamin C without sunscreen, it is likely that the Vitamin C degrades into Erythrulose, which is an ingredient you will find in many self-tanners. So please make sure you apply sunscreen always after applying Vitamin C.

Is it mandatory to use moisturizer after serum?

Yes! Your skin can benefit from both serum and moisturizer, and it's recommended to use both of these products. However, it's not strictly necessary when you are using a moisturizing face serum. You can adjust your skincare routine to suit your individual skincare needs, concerns, and goals.

What should you not do after applying vitamin C serum?

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.

Is it okay to skip moisturizer?

But if you do not moisturise your body for as long as a month, the barrier function of the skin will be compromised, especially if you are staying in a dry place, in winter or if your skin is naturally dry. This leaves you susceptible to infections, inflammations, and a variety of skin issues," says Dr.

What happens if we don't apply moisturizer after vitamin C serum?

A few people may experience irritation, redness, or tingling when using Vitamin C serum. This is more likely if you have sensitive skin or are new to using active ingredients. If not followed by a moisturizer, Vitamin C serum can cause dryness, especially in those with already dry or sensitive skin.

Is it okay to use vitamin C serum every night?

Turns out, it's not a totally pointless move. If you apply vitamin C at night, you'll still reap some of its rewards, Dr. Hu tells SELF—namely, its ability to help reduce hyperpigmentation and increase the production of collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and minimizes wrinkles.

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin?

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.

Is it compulsory to apply moisturizer after vitamin C serum at night?

Several people have a persistent query: can I use Vitamin C serum at night without moisturiser? No, you should not; ending the routine with a moisturiser (best if it is blended with vitamin C) will give the skin a wholesome treatment.

How many drops of vitamin C serum should I use?

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.

What are the side effects of vitamin C serum?

Generally, using Vitamin C serum doesn't result in adverse effects. But in some cases, you might experience dryness, redness, and irritation. You are likely to face these symptoms if you have sensitive skin. To lessen the risk of these side effects, start with a low concentration of this ingredient.

What happens if you don't use moisturizer at night?

When the moisture barrier is disrupted, it can lead to all sorts of issues, including redness, tightness, itchiness, flaking, and atopic dermatitis. A good nighttime moisturizer can provide much-needed moisture to support the barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

What is the best night moisturizer?

Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

How long should you wait to put moisturizer on after serum?

It's recommended to wait about one to two minutes after applying serum before moving on to your moisturiser. This brief waiting period allows the serum to fully penetrate your skin, delivering its active ingredients directly to the target areas.

Can I use vitamin C serum at night without sunscreen?

A: Yes, you can use vitamin C serum at night without sunscreen. But make sure to use sunscreen in the morning before you step out.

What happens if you use too much vitamin C serum?

One of the most common side effects of using a Vitamin C serum is skin irritation. This can include redness, itching, and burning. This is often caused by the high concentration of Vitamin C in the serum, which can be too strong for some people's skin.

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