When it comes to skincare, your morning and evening routines may be different: while morning skincare is all about preparing for the day by cleansing, priming, and applying sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage, your evening skincare routine will focus on deep cleansing and applying richer moisturizers and thicker creams to nourish, repair, and regenerate your skin while you sleep.
Considering all this, many skin care enthusiasts are still wondering when is the best time to incorporate Vitamin C into their routine. Is it best to apply it in the morning, or can it also be incorporated into your nighttime skin care routine? To find out all about it, the OnlyMyHealth team Dr Swapna Priya, Consultant Dermatologist and Trichologist, CARE Hospital, Hitec City, Hyderabad.
Read also: Skin Care Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin: What to Look for When Choosing a Cleanser, Serum, and Moisturizer
Vitamin C for Skin Health
According to Dr Priya, Vitamin C is becoming increasingly popular among many skincare enthusiasts.
This is mainly because Vitamin C offers many benefits to skin health.
Experts say that vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can lighten dark spots on the skin, boost collagen production, and help with anti-aging and wrinkle reduction.
She adds that the water-soluble nutrients also help firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, and because they’re rich in antioxidants, they also help prevent sun damage.
Is there a best time to apply it?
“Various sources say that vitamin C is best applied in the morning,” says Dr. Priya, because the antioxidants in it help protect your skin from damage throughout the day. Applying it in the morning after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer and sunscreen, reportedly provides an extra layer of protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays.
However, research suggests that Vitamin C can also be used in your evening or nighttime skincare routine. In fact, a 2013 study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal stated that Vitamin C breaks down when exposed to light, and since exposure to sunlight occurs primarily during the day, it may be best to apply it at night to minimize this breakdown.
Should you incorporate Vitamin C into your nighttime routine?
Dr Priya also recommends incorporating vitamin C into your nighttime skincare routine.
“Leaving it on overnight may help it absorb better into the skin,” she says.
However, doctors warn against reapplication if you have sensitive skin, and say that applying it once a day is sufficient.
Read also: Explained: Can sunscreen prevent skin cancer?
How to apply Vitamin C correctly?
Whether you use vitamin C at night or during the day depends on your skin goals, says Dr. Priya, who lists the steps to using vitamin C properly. Here are the steps:
step 1: First, cleanse your skin with your favorite facial cleanser.
Step 2: After washing your face, use a toner that helps remove dirt and impurities that are stuck in your pores.
Step 3: Apply Vitamin C after toner and before moisturizer. Put 2-3 drops of the serum into your hands, rub them between your palms, then gently apply to your face.
Step 4: Protect your skin with a moisturizer.
Step 5: Apply a high-potency sunscreen to give your skin SPF protection.
Conclusion
Vitamin C brightens the skin and helps produce collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and youthful. While most dermatologists recommend applying Vitamin C in the morning, experts also recommend adding it to your nighttime skincare routine. However, be careful not to overuse this product, especially if you have sensitive skin, as it can cause irritation and redness. It is best to consult a dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare products or routine.
