Should I put vitamin C all over my face?

Author: Dena Bahringer  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

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.

Should you put vitamin C on your whole face?

Vitamin C can both be used as spot treatment or all over your face (and body if you wish). I typically use two/three drops and spread them over my face, and that is enough.

Is it bad to use too much vitamin C on face?

Use the Right Amount

Using too much vitamin C serum can cause irritation and redness, while using too little can reduce its effectiveness.

What are the mistakes while using vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serums are notoriously sensitive to light, air, and heat. Exposure to these elements can cause the serum to degrade, leading to reduced effectiveness. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many people overlook.

What Cannot be paired with vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.

The RIGHT way to use Vitamin C (and mistakes to avoid!)

What are the disadvantages of vitamin C serum for face?

Vitamin C for skin can make the skin dry, so follow up with a moisturizer. Some people may face some allergic reaction to the ingredients present in the serum. If you have acne-prone skin you may experience breakouts after using Vitamin C serum. Always do a patch test before use.

What cancels out vitamin C serum?

In other cases, mixing can destabilize or cancel out the benefits of the antioxidant. Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.

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.

Does vitamin C clog pores on face?

Unfortunately not. Vitamin C truly is a great anti-ageing and brightening ingredient, and it plays a part in my own skincare routine. However, you do have to proceed with caution, particularly if you tend to suffer from blackheads, breakouts or oily skin… because Vitamin C can promote an increase in oil production!

Do you rub or pat vitamin C serum?

Apply vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin in the morning before sunscreen. Use a few drops and gently pat it onto your face, avoiding the eye area. Follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen to protect the skin.

Why am I getting pimples after using vitamin C serum?

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.

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.

What should you not put vitamin C on your face?

4 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid Mixing With Vitamin C
  • Retinol. Retinol and retinoids should not be mixed with vitamin C for a number of reasons. ...
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids. ...
  • Beta Hydroxy Acids. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide.

How to correctly apply vitamin C serum?

After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of vitamin C serum directly to your face, massaging it evenly over your skin. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for it to absorb before applying moisturiser to seal in the serum. Then, it this is your morning routine, apply a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen for further protection.

How long does it take for vitamin C serum to fade dark spots?

The skin changes seen with Vitamin C do not occur quickly. Vitamin C serum can take 12- 16 weeks to work on dark spots and 6 - 12 months to work on wrinkles. But it is a very good skin care ingredient and is worth the wait in most skin types.

What happens if you use vitamin C without sunscreen?

What happens if you use vitamin c without sunscreen. Wearing vitamin C without sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage, leading to premature aging, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Should vitamin C be applied to damp or dry skin?

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.

What Cannot be mixed with vitamin C?

Vitamin C should not be mixed with acids, which includes all AHAs and BHAs. Vitamin C plays a key role in strengthening the outer layer of our skin barrier, but when combined with an acid, it can enhance the potency of your vitamin C and cause severe irritation [5].

What are the negatives of vitamin C serum?

Most people don't experience any negative side effects from using vitamin C serum, but in rare case, you may have:
  • Dryness.
  • Itching.
  • Redness.

What method destroys vitamin C?

Vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light. High-heat cooking temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if the liquids are not eaten.

When should you not use vitamin C on your face?

While vitamin C serums can generally be used by anyone, make sure you avoid the product if you have sensitive skin or encounter an allergic reaction or redness from any vitamin C products.

Which vitamin C serum is the best for the face?

The vitamin-C formulation itself is patented, meaning that no matter what another brand's ingredients list says, it isn't the same. And dermatologists agree. Four of the dermatologists consulted recommended SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, calling it the gold-standard vitamin-C serum that's suitable for all skin types.

Previous article
How many squats a day to get bigger?
Next article
How long does turmeric and honey take to remove dark spots?