Do you want to learn how to use vitamin C serum on your face at night? This article is for you.
Vitamin C serum is a very popular product in the skincare world because of its strong antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
Apart from giving you clear glowing skin, vitamin C also helps you in overcoming skin damage caused by the sun and environmental pollution.
Let’s take a closer look at how to use vitamin C serum on the face at night.
How to use vitamin C serum on face at night
Step 1: Cleanse your face
Before applying the serum, you’ll want to cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. If you’re using an exfoliator, apply that now and let it sit on your skin for 5 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Step 2: Apply your toner
Wait until your skin is dry, then apply a small amount of toner to tighten your pores and remove any leftover cleanser or makeup.
Step 3: Apply your vitamin C serum
Squeeze 2-3 drops of vitamin C serum on clean, dry fingertips, then rub it into your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the vitamin C serum with distilled water (half water, half serum).
Step 4: Wait for absorption and apply moisturizer
Wait until the serum is completely absorbed before applying your favorite moisturizer or night cream to your skin. If you’re using other serums, apply them to your skin before applying your moisturizer (wait 15 minutes before each application).
Tips for using vitamin C serum effectively
Patch test first
If you’re new to vitamin C or have sensitive skin, it’s important to do a patch test before applying vitamin C serum to your face.
Apply a small amount on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. If there’s no irritation after 24 hours, go ahead and apply it to the rest of your face.
Make sure your skin is clean
Before applying vitamin C serum (or any topical skincare product), always make sure your skin is clean and dry. This ensures optimal absorption of the product’s ingredients, which means better results for you.
Start slow
When using vitamin C serum, experts recommend starting slow. This means applying it once a day or every other day for 2 weeks. If you do not experience any irritation, then you can increase usage to two times a day.
Store carefully
Light and heat can quickly break down vitamin C serums, so be mindful of where you store yours in your bathroom (we’re talking countertops or drawers). Even sunlight streaming through a window can damage your serum, especially if it’s packaged in a clear bottle or jar.
Apply it in the morning
Exposure to UV radiation during the day causes free radical damage that vitamin C can help neutralize. In addition, vitamin C can help fight against the damaging effects of pollution, so it makes sense to apply it in the morning.
What should you look for when choosing a vitamin C serum?
Look for L-ascorbic acid
When choosing your Vitamin C serum, it’s important to know what type of vitamin C is being used in the product. You want to choose a serum with L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) because it’s the most effective form of vitamin C.
Check the pH
Choose a serum with a pH level between 2.0 and 3.5: The lower the pH level, the more effective it will be. A low pH will also help the product penetrate deeper into your skin layers without any irritation.
Always check the concentration
Make sure to choose a serum that contains at least 10 percent vitamin C. A higher concentration is better, but don’t go above 20 percent because it can cause sensitivity or irritation.
Check the ingredient list
Another thing to consider when shopping for a vitamin C serum is whether it includes other beneficial ingredients that can increase its effects.
Look for a serum with ingredients like ferulic acid or vitamin E, which are both antioxidants that help repair skin damage. These ingredients will also help to firm and tighten your skin.
Hyaluronic acid for dry skin
If you have dry skin, look for a vitamin C serum that contains hyaluronic acid, which is an ingredient that helps keep your skin hydrated. This ingredient also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles while improving your skin’s texture.
Packaging is key
Vitamin C is extremely unstable and can oxidize quickly when exposed to air, light, and heat, rendering it ineffective.
Look for serums contained in air-restrictive pumps or opaque bottles that protect the serum from sunlight. Avoid products in clear bottles that are displayed on shelves near windows.
How can you get vitamin C from your diet?
Vitamin C is water-soluble and cannot be produced by the human body. This means that you need to obtain enough vitamin C from your diet to meet your daily requirements.
Foods high in vitamin C are citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach. One medium-sized orange contains around 70 mg of vitamin C, which is more than the daily requirement for this vitamin.
Other sources include kiwi fruit, grapefruit juice, strawberries, and bell peppers.
FAQs
When is the best time to apply vitamin C serum?
The best time to apply vitamin C serum is in the morning and at night after cleansing and toning. Follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen.
If you have sensitive skin, try diluting vitamin C serum with your moisturizer or apply it only at night to avoid irritation.
Can you use vitamin C serum with other active ingredients?
Yes, you can.
Vitamin C serum works well with other active ingredients, such as retinol or niacinamide. It also works well with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
If you choose to use them together, it’s important to alternate days. For example, you would use your vitamin C serum on Monday and Thursday and your other product on Tuesday and Friday. This prevents irritation to the skin.
What are the side effects of using vitamin C serum?
One of the most common side effects associated with vitamin C serum is skin irritation.
This product can also cause redness, stinging, and burning sensations on the skin.
To avoid these side effects, look for serums that contain a low concentration of vitamin C and always use sunscreen during the day.
Conclusion
While vitamin C serums are often used during the daytime, they can be just as beneficial at night. By using your vitamin C serum every night, you’ll achieve better results and see a difference, no matter how serious your condition is.
However, as with any new skincare product, if you are new to vitamin C serum, test a small amount of the product on a small area of your skin. Wait for at least 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction before applying it to your face.
Thanks for reading.
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