Best Time to Use Vitamin C Serum – Day or Night?

Once, you have figured out which brand to go with for Vitamin C serum, now is the time to know when should it be applied and the reason as well.

Maximize your skincare routine with the right Vitamin C application timing.

If you're not sure if vitamin C is right for you, it might help to take a look at how you're using it. Ask yourself: Are you applying it the right way? What concentration are you using? Do you put on the serum in the morning or at night? Even though vitamin C can affect everyone differently, it might still be a good fit if you're using it properly.

Often, people make mistakes with vitamin C because they use the serum at the wrong time. Did you know that many serums, not just vitamin C, have an optimal time for application? Why is timing so crucial?

The straightforward answer is the Sun, which is why you should avoid using vitamin C during the daytime. You might have seen TikTok and Instagram reels where influencers recommend applying vitamin C serum during the day, but based on my experience and research, it's a definite no.

Let's begin by understanding - What is Vitamin C ?

Vitamin C is a powerful, science-backed antioxidant that helps protect and repair your skin from environmental damage, such as UV rays, pollution, and free radicals. It’s widely used in serums and creams for its ability to brighten skin, fade dark spots, and boost collagen production, making your skin appear firmer and more radiant.

However, Vitamin C is also highly reactive, meaning it can easily break down or oxidize when exposed to light, air, or heat. This is why Vitamin C serums are usually packaged in dark or airtight containers, to prevent degradation. When oxidized, Vitamin C can lose its effectiveness and may even irritate the skin, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.

We don’t necessarily need to avoid applying Vitamin C serum during the daytime,

in fact, many dermatologists recommend using Vitamin C in the morning because it helps neutralize free radicals from sun exposure and pollution, boosting your sunscreen's effectiveness.

However, here are a few reasons some people avoid daytime use of Vitamin C serum:

1. Photosensitivity Risk: Although Vitamin C itself isn't photosensitive, it can oxidize when exposed to light and air, potentially irritating sensitive skin.

   
   

2. Skin Sensitivity: Some users with reactive or acne-prone skin may experience redness or stinging when exposed to sunlight after applying Vitamin C.

   
   

3. Oxidation Concerns: If not stabilized properly, Vitamin C serum can degrade in sunlight, making it less effective or even irritating.

   
   

4. Layering Issues: It may not pair well with other daytime skincare products, especially if your routine includes actives like AHAs or retinoids.

   
   

Disclaimer: The content shared in this post is based on personal experience and research for informational purposes only. Individual skin types and sensitivities may vary, so results with Weleda Skin Food Cream can differ from person to person. Always perform a patch test before using any new skincare product, and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns. This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.