Is it OK to sleep with vitamin C serum?

Author: Ludie Ward  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Your body undergoes its natural repair process while you're asleep, and the vitamin C will make its strongest impact on your skin during this time. 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.

Can I leave vitamin C serum overnight?

Benefits of applying vitamin C serum at night

There are several benefits of using this product at night; some of the common ones are, It repairs skin damage overnight. Helps in dealing with fine lines and wrinkles. Lightens the dark spots.

Should you 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 can't I use vitamin C at night?

Low intake of Vitamin C has been connected to shorter sleep amounts but avoid taking vitamin C before you go to bed because the pills may become lodged in the esophagus and cause an esophageal ulcer. Vitamin C is water soluble and best taken prior to eating or few hours after.

Is vitamin C ok before bed?

Yes, vitamin C can be taken at night. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body, so any excess is excreted in the urine. It is safe to take at any time of the day, including at night.

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

Can vitamin C interfere with sleep?

After adjusting for all potential confounders(model 4), the negative association between vitamin C and trouble sleeping was still significant(OR = 0.816; 95% CI:0.669 ~ 0.995), suggesting that for every unit increase in vitamin C, the risk of trouble sleeping decreased by 18.4%.

Can I use vitamin C serum every day?

While it is safe to use products with vitamin C serum for face twice a day, we recommend keeping your skin type and concerns in mind before you start. Ensure that you check the directions mentioned on the packaging to get the most out of your products.

What if I 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.

What serum should I use at night?

"When searching for a night serum, look for ingredients that address anti-aging concerns and help skin recover," he says. For example, retinol, bakuchiol, and peptides are great for anyone who wants to address anti-aging concerns. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, and ceramides can aid in skin repair.

What are the side effects of using vitamin C on your face?

Skin Irritation

Symptoms of irritation can include redness, itching, and a burning sensation. It is advisable to perform a patch test before applying the serum to the entire face to ensure compatibility.

What not to do with vitamin C serum?

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Vitamin C Serum
  1. Using Too Many Products with Vitamin C. ...
  2. Buying Poorly Packaged Vitamin C Products. ...
  3. Layering Vitamin C with the Wrong Ingredients. ...
  4. Using Expired Vitamin C Serum. ...
  5. Choosing a Serum with Ineffective Vitamin C. ...
  6. Apply it at the Right Time. ...
  7. Store it Properly. ...
  8. Use the Right Amount.

What to apply on face at night?

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: NIGHT-TIME SKINCARE ROUTINE
  • Cleanse. Whether you need to remove a face full of make-up or just the dirt, grime, oil and pollution that settles on your skin during the day, cleansing is one of the most important parts of your night-time skincare routine. ...
  • Tone. ...
  • Apply eye cream. ...
  • Use a serum. ...
  • Moisturise.

Is 1000mg of vitamin C too much?

If you're an adult, limit yourself to no more than 2,000 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day. The recommended upper limit for children varies by age.

Can I sleep with serum on my face?

Ingredients in serums are fine to use day or night, except those that can make your skin sensitive to the sun such as AHAs and retinol. ¹⁷ But if you're looking to keep your serum usage as stress-free as possible, stick to using them at night and let them do their work while you sleep. Use the right amount.

Can you overdo vitamin C serum?

3. Using too much or too little: ‍Too much vitamin C serum can cause skin irritation and too little may not provide the desired results.

Should I wash off vitamin C serum?

No, you typically don't need to wash off serum. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before applying other products. If it's a leave-on serum, leaving it overnight may enhance its benefits. Always check product instructions for specific guidance based on the serum's formulation.

Can vitamin C serum be used at night?

Not only in the morning, you can apply vitamin C serum at night as well. The reason is that your skin and body undergo a natural recovering process at night, and vitamin C products (when applied before bed) can make a significant impact on the skin physiology.

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.

What's the best anti-aging serum?

  • Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum. ...
  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum. ...
  • SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. ...
  • Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum. ...
  • TruSkin Rejuvenation Longevity Serum. ...
  • Skinceuticals SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense Serum. ...
  • La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne 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.

Can I leave serum overnight without moisturizer?

Well, it depends. If you don't have dry skin and aren't in a dry environment or climate, it's easily possible to use just serum without moisturizer. However, using both may harness the most benefits for your skin. When you use a serum, it delivers active ingredients deep into the skin.

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.

How many days does vitamin C serum take to work?

Within one week of starting to use this product, your skin will get better hydration, and your complexion will brighten. Even for hyperpigmentation, Vitamin C serum before and after changes are pretty evident. You will usually notice a reduction in dark spots within two weeks of using this product.

What is the best drugstore vitamin C serum?

Our favorite drugstore vitamin C serum is the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum, thanks to the nongreasy texture and how well it smooths and brightens the skin. If you have acne-prone skin, we recommend the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum since it helps lighten post-acne marks.

What to avoid with vitamin C serum?

Beta Hydroxy Acids

Similar to the points made about AHAs, beta hydroxy acids (or BHAs) “will destabilize vitamin C, making the active ingredients nearly useless,” share Salakai and de Sadeleer. So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum.

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