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Should You Use Vitamin C Serum At Night

Morning Or Eveningwhen Is The Right Time To Use Vitamin C

Correct Order of Using Vitamin C Serum in Day & Night SkinCare Routine

It wasnt long ago that Vitamin C emerged as a new skincare ingredient that promised porcelain, age-defying skin. Soon enough, it became quite the hype among skincare buffs and Vitamin C-infused skincare products now rule the beauty markets. Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, Vitamin C can boost collagen, reduce free radical damage and give you clearer and brighter skin. However, theres one confusion that always revolves around this trending ingredientwhether to use it during the day or night.

Today, we are going to settle it once and for all. Not only that, we will tell you the right way and proportion of vitamin C you should be using on your skin. So, lets begin, shall we?

Whats The Difference Between Having Vitamin C In Your Diet And Putting It On Yourskin

While incorporating vitamin C into your diet isand will always begreat, consuming it orallyjust wont have the same effect as smoothing it straight onto your skin. Thats because when we eat or drinksomething containing vitamin C, our skin gets a very, very small portion of thebenefitsnot enough to impart a noticeable difference.

The best way to get the most from vitamin C is to apply it directly onto your skin, however if youretrying to do this with slices of citrusother than it becoming extremely stickyyou haveabsolutely no control over its quality or concentration . Only once the antioxidant has been extracted from our favourite fruitsand is thenpressed into a serumis our skin is able to absorb it efficiently. Lucky for you, we have a plethora of products that will do thetrick, and well at that.

Ready to bring on bright with a dose of vitamin C in your skincare routine? Discover and shop someof our favourites below, or find them here.

See more at MECCA LIVE our 24-hour beauty update of new products, what’s trending, video, lifestyle and more. Take a beauty breather and come say hi.

How To Use A Vitamin C Skin Serum

The first step you should never ignore is to do a patch test to determine whether using vitamin C serum will cause an allergic reaction.

You may wonder why your skin would react in the first place. After all, isnt topical vitamin C usually well-tolerated? Its because all skin products, in general, can cause side effects.

To conduct a patch test, select an area of your skin thats easy to conceal, such as your forearm, and apply a small amount of the product. Give it 24 hours, after which if nothing happens, you can go ahead and apply the product on your face. If, however, you develop a rash, redness, or hives, then discontinue use.

Read Also: Is There A Vitamin D

Dont Combine: Alpha And Beta Hydroxy Acids + Retinol

When it comes to skin care products, alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic, lactic and citric acid, while beta hydroxy acid generally refers to salicylic acid.

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are typically used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin and help improve color irregularities over time. Retinols are used to treat acne and to help improve brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, Chang told HuffPost.

When the two active ingredients are used together, they can cause excessive dryness, redness and irritation. Because of that, Chang recommended using them at different times of the day or different days of the week.

Similarly, Jaber said, If youre going to use an acid lactic or glycolic or any type of exfoliating acid I would typically recommend you do that in the morning and retinol cream at night.

Can I Mix Vit C And Hyaluronic Acid

Should you use Vitamin C serum in the morning or at night ...

Combining the two makes for a great all-in-one skin care step. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are commonly used together because they complement each other to hydrate, protect, and repair aging skin, says Zeichner. Hyaluronic acid is a great addition to vitamin C because it does not overwork the skin.

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Store In A Cool Dry Space

The chemistry of Vitamin C is similar to the reality show that Denise Richards had a while back: Its Complicated. And like more than a few of us, vitamin C is unstable.

In this case it means that vitamin C can interact with other oxidizing agents and break down, potentially rendering it useless, or worse, damaging to the skin. Similar to how a nail rusts in damp air, vitamin C also changes its chemistry and degrades in the face of certain elements.

Its important to first find a quality product formulated by experts, and then its up to you to minimize exposure to excessive heat, light, or oxygen.

Since Vitamin C can begin to denature at temperatures even as low as 86° farenheit, keeping it cool is mission critical. One way to do this is to store it in your refrigerator. That checks the box for being a cool place, and since that little light goes off as you close the door, its dark as well.

However, if thats not an option because you have roommates who like to share, or because it might be confused with that gourmet truffle oil and end up on someones plate, then be sure to keep it in a room that has a stable, cool temperature.

Unfortunately, bathrooms are really not the best since some of us like steamy showers or hot baths, which will cause the overall temperature to fluctuate. If you can, keep your Vitamin C serum in a different room, and just bring it into the bathroom for your application.

What Type Of Vitamin C Is The Best

Vitamin C comes in two forms: pure, and bound to minerals. The most common types of vitamin C supplements are ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate and other mineral ascorbates. Ascorbic acid is the purest form of Vitamin C, but for some, it is too acidic. The other types mentioned combine ascorbic acid with sodium, calcium and other minerals respectively. There is no one type that can be best for everyone, so choose what works best for your body. Vitamin C is available in the form of pills, tablets, chewable and powders, so take your pick.

Recommended Reading: What Vitamin Is Good For Speeding Up Your Metabolism

How Do Retinol And Vitamin C Work Together

A lot of uncertainty has existed around the use of Retinol and Vitamin C together. This misconceived uncertainty lies in their contrasting pH levels.

Your skin requires a low pH level to absorb Vitamin C, while Retinol requires a higher pH level .When you mix Vitamin C and Retinol, the pH of vitamin C increases and the pH of Retinol decreases hence why its believed that the two ingredients render each other ineffective. Contrary to that outdated belief,Retinol and Vitamin C work fabulously together: studies have shown theRetinol + Vitamin C combined are highly effective in reversing both natural aging and photoaging. In addition, Vitamin C is known to stabilize Retinol, increasing its effectiveness. The two ingredients combined form a barrier that protects the skin from the harmful environmental factors that cause skin damage and rapid aging.

It Helps Reduce Redness And Even Out Your Skin Tone

USE This DIY Vitamin C Serum Every Night For Glowing Skin

Vitamin C has also been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent through its antioxidant capacity, according to a . This means it soothes your skin and reduces puffiness, letting your face shine through.

Vitamin Cs anti-inflammatory action

  • neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage
  • optimize the immune system to discourage inflammatory immune response

The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C can also help reduce redness, which in turn can create a more even complexion. The combined reduction of dark spots, redness, and irritation make for a clear, smooth skin tone.

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Does Vitamin C Work With Your Other Skin Care Actives

Vitamin C is a true skin care staple. But if youre only just starting to dip your toe into the world of Vitamin C, it can be hard to figure out where it sits alongside your other skin care favourites. Enter: This very useful guide to help you do just that.

Vitamin C and NiacinamideThere has been plenty of confusion about whether or not these two play nicely together but Dermal Therapist and All Round Skin Wizard, Yadira Cauchi, dispelled that myth for us explaining that Niacinamide can honestly be used with almost everything and anything. Its a brilliant all-rounder tolerated by most skin types. Yadira goes on to explain that in spite of the long-standing myth about Vitamin C and Niacinamide not working together, recent research has shown this to not be accurate.

Use them in your routine like this: Find a serum that combines the two for turbocharged brightening or feel free to layer the two. While Vitamin C is typically seen as an AM serum, you can certainly use it both morning and night if you choose to.

Vitamin C and RetinoidsWhile these two certainly both have a place within your routine, its best to keep your application separate. If you try to layer Vitamin C and Retinoids, the pH level of Vitamin C increases and the pH level of retinoid decreases which will prevent them from working as well as they could.

Use them in your routine like this: Save your Vitamin C for mornings only on the nights you plan to use your retinoids.

How To Use Vitamin C Serum At Night

To get the most from your vitamin C serum at night, make sure your skin is clean before application. When youre ready to use the serum, take about 2-3 drops of product in your fingers and gently rub it into your skin for about 15 seconds.

When using vitamin C serum, apply it in an upward motion starting at the center of your face then moving towards the outline. This will help the product absorb into your skin quicker and more easily than if you just rub it all over your face in a downward motion.

Its also important not to apply any other products to your face at least 10 minutes after using this serum. This will allow it to absorb into your skin without being blocked by anything else.

If youre new to using vitamin C serum, start off by applying the serum just once a week. Wait one or two weeks before adding an extra application. You can then gradually increase it to every night if it doesnt irritate your skin too much.

SEE: Can You Use Niacinamide With Vitamin C Serum? Is It Safe? Get Your Answer

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S To Use Vitamin C Serum On Face At Night

At night, you should use Vitamin C serum with your skincare routine in little quantity so that it absorbs quickly in your skin. Here are the steps to use Vitamin C serum.

  • Wash your face with lukewarm water and use a face cleanser or toner to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from your face. You can also use your regular face wash or face soap. A face cleanser will help penetration of serum quickly.
  • Wipe your face with a soft and clean towel gently.
  • Take few drops of vitamin C serum on your hands and then apply them to your face with tapping.
  • The next step is to massage the serum gently till it gets absorbed into your skin. Make sure to concentrate on the challenging skin areas for better results.
  • Leave the serum on your face and go to sleep.
  • Wash your face with lukewarm water and apply SPF to avoid irritation in the morning. Well, irritation is a rare situation unless you have very sensitive skin.
  • And its done! It is that easy to get perfect skin using Vitamin C serum. But how much and how many times a week or month should we use Vitamin C serum at night? Lets see.

    So Should You Use Vitamin C In The Morning Or Night

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    While its all down to your skin , most prefer to apply vitamin C serums in the morning because of its antioxidant properties, as it helps defend against pollutants and free radicals. However, never forget to follow with SPF to protect your skin against sun damage.

    If your skin tends to verge on the sensitive side, then using vitamin C at nighttime is advisable. During sleep, the skin repair process is at its most optimal so therefore nighttime use of vitamin C is preferable as it will have the biggest impact on your skin.

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    The Benefits And How To Use Vitamin C In The Daytime

    Vitamin C can be used during the day under your moisturizer or sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. It is also an excellent antioxidant that helps to prevent and reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, age spots and hyper-pigmentation. Vitamin C is popular for treating acne since it reduces inflammation, brightens the complexion and increases collagen productioncollagen being a substance in our body that gives structure to our skin.

    This protects against aging because as we age, our natural source of collagen diminishes. You should start using vitamin C once your cleanser has been absorbed into your skin so that it doesnt interfere with its absorption process.

    Benefits of Using Vitamin C Serum daily:

    Helps fight signs of aging and hyper-pigmentation

    Helps reduce and prevent acne breakouts

    Reduces fine lines, wrinkles and age spots

    Helps boost collagen production which is important for healthy skin

    Age Spots Fine Lines Hyper-Pigmentation Acne Breakout Reduction Collagen Boost

    Potential Side Effects And Risks

    Although irritation is unlikely, you should always do a patch test before full application. This is the only way to determine how your skin will react to the serum.

    If your skin is especially sensitive, avoid products with L-ascorbic acid. Products with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate may be less likely to cause irritation.

    Serum stability is affected by two things: product formulation and packaging.

    The following vitamin C derivatives are designed to retain potency for longer:

    • L-ascorbic acid
    • ascorbyl palmitate
    • magnesium ascorbyl phosphate

    You should also ensure that the product has a water-free formulation. And the bottle should be opaque and airtight.

    Popular vitamin C serums include:

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    The Dynamic Duo: Vitamin C And Retin

    If I could only offer 2 options at my Atlanta medical spa to help patients keep their skin looking youthful and healthy, Id choose Vitamin C and Retin-A without hesitation. These 2 antioxidants provide potent and effective anti-aging benefits that are virtually unmatched by other skin care product ingredients. Keep in mind that over the counter products do not have active ingredients, so for optimal results, we advise that patients make sure their Retin-A and Vitamin C products are prescription strength and purchased at a physicians office, not online.

    What is it about vitamin C and Retin-A that makes them such powerful anti-aging tools? Below, Ill explain the benefits of each and why its important to consult with a skincare expert before purchasing products for your personal skincare regimen.

    Can You Use Vitamin C Serum And Hyaluronic Acid Together

    Vitamin C -How To Use On The Skin At Night

    Yes, you can. Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid are both anti-aging products that can help your skin look its best when you use them together.

    However, ensure to do a patch test with both products individually and together before using them on your face. If you get a reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice if needed.

    Read Also: What Foods Have Vitamin C And Zinc

    Most Potent Vitamin C Serum

    CE Ferulic is arguably the best-known vitamin C serum on the market a dermatologist-recommended combination of effective ingredients in the right formulation. It contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, a pretty strong dose of vitamin C, as well as nourishing vitamin E and ferulic acid for the antioxidant triple threat.

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    Its Safe For Most Skin Types

    Vitamin C has an excellent . Most people can use topical vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions.

    In rare cases , people who have hypersensitive skin may experience minor irritation.

    Vitamin C is also safe to use with other skin care actives, including alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and SPF.

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    How Often To Use Vitamin C Serum

    Vitamin C serum can work well to clean the pollutants off your skin and protect it from UV radiations. You should use vitamin C serum before applying any toner or cleanser on your face during your daily routine. You can use it twice a day for better outcomes if your skin allows it.

    Using a vitamin C serum combined with your sunblock in the morning and moisturizer at night wont harm your skin. In fact, it will keep your skin well protected from antioxidants and will also help in improving your skin tone. In addition to that, your skin will brighten up and make your skin look young. Vitamin C can serve well as an exfoliant and promotes the production of collagen.

    Recommended Reading: Which Vitamin C Serum Is Best

    Vitamin C Serum & Sunscreen Love The Morning :

    Basic Skin Care Tips That Everyone Should Be Using

    If you add one serum to your anti-ageing regime, consider a product containing Vitamin C. A powerhouse antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage caused by environmental aggressors, Vitamin C has been proven to enhance the protective benefits of sunscreen.

    Various studies have also shown Vitamin Cs ability to prevent photodamage is further enhanced when combined with Vitamin E as in the La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum.

    So, for younger looking skin longer, try pairing a Vitamin C serum with a high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+, every single day.

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