So, you’ve purchased a vitamin C serum, and you want to know if you can use it at night.
The answer is yes. It is safe to use your vitamin C serum at night. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals and it can help with everything from hyperpigmentation to wrinkles.
This article discusses the benefits of using vitamin C serum at night, how to use it, and some extra tips to help you get the most out of your vitamin C serum routine.
What Is Vitamin C Serum?
Vitamin C serum, also known as L-ascorbic acid serum, is a skincare product that contains a high concentration of pure vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects our skin from environmental damage, leaving it smoother and visibly brighter. It’s also required for the synthesis of collagen, a major structural protein in our skin.
Collagen is important for achieving smooth, firm skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition to supporting collagen formation, vitamin C also helps to brighten skin and treat hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production.
You can use your vitamin C serum in the morning or evening, but you must apply it to freshly cleansed skin to be effective. You should also leave the product on your skin for 10-15 minutes before applying other products such as moisturizer.
Can You Use Vitamin C Serum at Night?
“Yes, you can,’’ says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist. According to him, nighttime use of vitamin C serum is ideal because it allows your skin to repair itself while you sleep.
By using vitamin C serum at night, you are allowing it to work alongside your body’s natural system to boost collagen production and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
A common misconception is that vitamin C causes your skin to age faster when used at night; in reality, this could not be further from the truth.
When you apply it at night, vitamin C serum absorbs into your skin cells and starts working immediately. You will wake up looking refreshed and younger than before.
Additionally, when you use your vitamin C serum at night, it does not have to compete with UV rays from the sun for absorption. Your skin will absorb all the vitamin C that you apply, leaving it nourished and rejuvenated.
What Are the Benefits of Using Vitamin C Serum at Night?
1. Treat hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C serum helps even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation such as freckles dark spots, acne scars, and sunspots.
While you can use it during the day, it’s most effective at night because your skin isn’t exposed to harmful UV rays. That way, you see the best results possible.
2. Reduce aging signs
Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production in your body. Collagen is an important protein that keeps your skin firm, thereby reducing aging signs like fine lines and sagging skin.
3. Reduce breakouts
Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. Nighttime use allows you to get these benefits without exposing yourself to harsh ultraviolet rays.
4. Improve overall complexion
The antioxidants in vitamin C serum help improve the overall appearance of your skin by fighting free radicals in your body.
Although this is great for daytime wear, it’s even more effective at night when you’re resting, allowing the ingredients to work their magic all over your skin.
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 you’re 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 and then moving toward 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.
It’s 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 you’re 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 doesn’t irritate your skin too much.
Can You Use Vitamin C Serum in the Morning?
The short answer is yes, you can use vitamin C serum in the morning. But you also want to ask your dermatologist about the strength of your product, and if it’s ideal for daytime use.
According to Dr. Amy Wechsler, a New York based board-dermatologist, “vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants for skin health and an excellent natural exfoliant.”
She also says, “when used correctly in the morning (with sun protection) vitamin C can improve skin tone and texture.”
So if you do decide to use your vitamin C serum in the morning, make sure to use it with sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF protection.
But if you have sensitive skin, you will want to use this product at night so it has a chance to work on your skin undisturbed. Vitamin C serum also increases skin sensitivity, so ensure the serum you’re using is gentle enough to avoid any irritation.
Can You Use Vitamin C Serum in the Morning and at Night?
Yes, you can. In Dr. Camp’s words, it’s also important to note that there isn’t a specific time of day you have to use vitamin C serum.
Many people find that using vitamin C serum in the morning helps prevent their skin from becoming excessively dull throughout the day. Some people also find that using this serum at night helps maximize the benefits of the product.
So if you experience better results by using your vitamin C serum in the morning and at night, do what works best for your skin. And if that doesn’t seem to work for you, try changing how often or when you use it.
Can You Use Vitamin C Serum With Moisturizer?
Yes, you can. The best way to use vitamin C serum is with moisturizer, so you can get the full effect of its antioxidant properties.
But before applying moisturizer, you need to wait for 10-15 minutes for the vitamin C serum to fully absorb into your skin. Otherwise, you’re just going to wash away your hard work.
All that being said, it’s also important to properly protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen. You can also use a moisturizer that contains SPF, just make sure it’s one with SPF 30 — or higher.
How Should You Store Your Vitamin C Serum?
Storing your vitamin C serum properly will help increase its shelf life. Here are some tips for properly storing your vitamin C serum:
Storage temperature
Vitamin C serums work best in a cool environment, preferably under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re going to be storing your serum for a long time, it is best to keep it in a cool, dark place and out of direct sunlight.
Tightly sealed
Once you open a bottle of vitamin C serum, you should use it within three months. To prevent bacteria from growing inside the bottle, make sure you tightly seal the cap after each use.
Keep it out of light
Exposure to light can also cause vitamin C to break down more quickly. That’s why you should keep your serum in a dark place, like a cabinet or drawer, rather than on top of your bathroom countertop, if possible.
Wash your hands
Finally, wash your hands before and after handling vitamin C products. This will keep any bacteria from getting into the product and causing it to break down prematurely.
FAQs
When is the best time to use vitamin C serum?
After cleansing. This makes sure that your pores are open and helps reduce irritation while still allowing the ingredients in your serum to absorb into your skin.
To get the most out of your vitamin C serum, ensure to use it in the morning before going out and at night before bedtime. This way, your skin will have plenty of time to absorb the ingredients in your serum.
Can you use vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid together?
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.
Can you use vitamin C serum in the morning and retinol at night?
Yes, you can. Taken together, these two ingredients can help brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, help protect against free radicals, and stimulate collagen production.
Vitamin C serum can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so ensure to wear sunscreen in the morning before heading out. You’ll get the most benefits from both products if you follow this simple tip.
Conclusion
Whether you should use your vitamin C serum at night or in the morning depends on your schedule and goals.
For example, if you’re going to be very busy during the day, it’s ideal to apply your vitamin C serum at night. This is because you want to let the product absorb into your skin while it’s nice and fresh (i.e. not stressed out).
But, if you are free in the morning, you can also use this serum before going out for the day. Just be sure to use sunscreen. That way, you will be able to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
Thanks for reading.
Visit Serum101 if you would like to learn more about vitamin C serums.
