For best results, Dr. Lee suggests exfoliating your skin before using vitamin C. Try using glycolic acid at night (to minimize its photosensitizing tendencies), followed by vitamin C in the morning (to maximize its antioxidant potential).
Put the chemical exfoliant first and wait till it's fully absorbed and then apply your vitamin c!
Layering BHAs and vitamin C together
As noted above, if you decide to put one on top of the other, you should apply your BHA skincare first. This is because the BHA is an exfoliant, and you don't want to smooth on your vitamin C serum, only to remove it immediately afterward with a swipe of your BHA.
Thus, it is never advised to use chemical exfoliators and Vitamin C as it will lead irritating and damaged skin. One is advised to use exfoliators at night and Vit C followed by good sunscreen even if staying indoors.
Generally speaking, the best time to apply vitamin C serum is in the morning, after cleansing and toning your complexion, and before moisturizer and SPF. If you want to maximize the perks, and don't have overly sensitive skin, you can apply it in the morning and evening.
After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.
It's generally recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours after using a strong chemical exfoliant like AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) or BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) before applying a Vitamin C serum. This waiting period allows your skin to recover from the exfoliation process.
But they don't always play nice together. Layering retinol on top of AHA/BHAs can lead to redness, flaking, dryness, sensitivity and irritation. But the good news is that this is not always the case, and you can in fact use both retinol and exfoliating acids.
Order of Application: Apply products from lowest to highest pH. Typically, this means applying your AHA or BHA product first, followed by Vitamin C. However, if your Vitamin C product has a lower pH or if the acid product has a thicker texture, reverse this order.
Beta Hydroxy Acids
So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.
Combining BHA with Vitamin C can benefit the skin in a positive way. Vitamin C can act more effectively and penetrate the skin deeper when BHA helps exfoliate the face and clear clogged pores. Contrarily, vitamin C can help calm the skin and lessen irritation brought on by BHA.
Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.
Don't mix: AHAs and BHAs should not be used with retinol products as this can cause irritation. Additionally, these ingredients should not be mixed with vitamin C products as this can also irritate your skin.
It's generally recommended to wait until your vitamin C serum absorbs before using other products like sunscreens or moisturizers. Then, in the evening, you can use your salicylic acid product.
For best results, Dr. Lee suggests exfoliating your skin before using vitamin C. Try using glycolic acid at night (to minimize its photosensitizing tendencies), followed by vitamin C in the morning (to maximize its antioxidant potential).
There isn't a definitive answer to whether it's better to use BHA in the morning or at night, as it largely depends on your skin type, skincare routine, and personal preference.
Simply apply a chemical body exfoliant after cleansing and follow with a moisturizer (with SPF, during the day).
It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier.
The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.
Micellar water lifts light makeup, oil, and impurities from skin with the swipe of a cotton pad. A versatile multi-tasker, it can be used as a cleanser, light makeup remover and toner. It combines gentle cleansing care with skin-balancing and hydrating benefits.