What happens if I use vitamin C serum after microneedling?

Author: Kian Kassulke  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Because microneedling works by creating tears in your skin, it makes your skin more prone to irritation in the first few days afterwards. Using ingredients like glycolic acid, retinol and vitamin C too soon after microneedling can irritate your skin and prolong the healing process.

What happens if you use vitamin C after microneedling?

Vitamin C serum after microneedling helps your skin to recover from the treatment and increases your collagen production. Unfortunately not all vitamin C serums are created equal. I recommend my own serum because it is not acidic and will not irritate your skin.

Can I use vitamin A serum after microneedling?

Vitamin A products are optimal and suggested (low dose). As microneedling serves to stimulate the production of collagen, the skin needs higher amounts of collagen than normal to recover optimally. Collagen Stimulating Peptides assist in that process, further aiding in the stimulation of collagen production.

Can I use vitamin C serum after facial treatment?

These two ingredients will help to hydrate and plum the skin cells to aid in recovery. Vitamin C directly into these channels could cause irritation. Vitamin C is a natural skin brightener and free radical fighter best to be used a few days after treatment.

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.

Microneedling Aftercare Do's and Don'ts & Recommended Skincare Ingredients

When should you not use vitamin C serum?

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.

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.

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.

How long to wait after vitamin C serum to apply moisturizer?

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.

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.

What serum is best after microneedling?

Hyaluronic acid serums are the best and most commonly used type for microneedling because of their hydrating properties. Other great alternatives include peptides, ceramides, and EGF. Just make sure to avoid retinoids, Vitamin C, and other serums that contain acids (AHA, BHA, and lactic acid).

What products can I not use after microneedling?

Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products

Patients should avoid using makeup or skincare products for the first 2 days following microneedling treatment. This includes cleaners, toners, exfoliants. The treated skin requires time to heal and each of the aforementioned products can cause irritation and lead to further damage.

What does your face look like 2 days after microneedling?

Skin that is pink and a bit sandy-looking is common for some clients in days 2 – 4 after the treatment. Just like any time you're kick-starting cell turnover with a treatment or skin exfoliation, your skin will be sensitive to UV rays.

How do you remove dead skin after microneedling?

1. Exfoliation. The most common technique used at DFA is to remove the dead skin from the face by exfoliation after you treat your skin following microneedling. It's advisable to limit exfoliation to just a few times weekly, ensuring you give your skin ample time to heal before exfoliating again.

How long to stop vitamin C before microneedling?

Before Treatment

1 WEEK BEFORE Discontinue all topical products containing Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Vitamin C, or any anti-aging products. 1 WEEK BEFORE treatment, do not ingest blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve.

Can I use vitamin C after Microblading?

In the initial weeks following a microblading session, it might be wise to give Vitamin C a mini-break, at least around the brow area. As the brows heal and the pigment settles, reintroduce Vit C serum slowly, always monitoring how your brows react. Furthermore, consult with your microblading artist and dermatologist.

What happens if you 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.

Should I apply vitamin C at night or morning?

Nearly across the board, dermatologists recommend incorporating vitamin C serum into your morning routine as opposed to using it at night.

What does vitamin C purging look like?

Skin purging can show itself as red bumps, whiteheads and blackheads on the face. In addition, it causes dead skin cells to surface, which results in flakiness and dryness. These signs can also indicate your skin is getting accustomed to a product.

How to know if vitamin C serum is working?

However, the best way to know, according to Dr Kiran, is to notice the difference in your skin. “If you use the serum for a month and find your skin to be bright, clear, less sensitive to the sun, and you are feeling fresher, then vitamin C is definitely working,” she said.

Which serum is best for acne and dark spots?

Acne Scars
  • 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc PCA - 30ml. ...
  • 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid - 30ml. ...
  • 0.3% Retinol Serum - 30ml. ...
  • 3% Kojic Acid Dark Spot Corrector Gel with Azelaic & Tranexamic Acid - 30g. ...
  • 3% Niacinamide Foaming Face Wash - 100ml. ...
  • 0.1% Retinol Serum - 30ml.

What cancels out vitamin C?

Vitamin C + Niacinamide

However, when you combine niacinamide with Vitamin C, they'll cancel each other out chemically, making both formulas ineffective on your skin. Niacinamide takes out all the good properties of Vitamin C and makes it into a substance that can cause redness and trigger breakouts.

What reacts badly with vitamin C?

Possible interactions include: Aluminum. Taking vitamin C can increase your absorption of aluminum from medications containing aluminum, such as phosphate binders. This can be harmful for people with kidney problems.

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