Understanding the Role of Vitamin C Serum in Skincare

Vitamin C serum is known for its power to brighten and even out skin tone, diminish fine lines, and protect against environmental stressors. But to get the best results, timing and proper integration into your skincare routine are key.

This potent antioxidant works at a cellular level to stimulate collagen production, improve texture, and defend against oxidative stress caused by pollution and UV exposure. It's a versatile addition for most skin types and can be layered with other skincare steps when done correctly.

When to Apply Vitamin C Serum in Your Daily Routine

Vitamin C serum should be applied after cleansing but before moisturizing. It's best used on clean, dry skin to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.

Incorporating vitamin C in your morning routine provides your skin with an antioxidant shield throughout the day. After your cleanser and toner, apply a few drops of serum and allow it to absorb before following up with a moisturizer and SPF. If you're introducing it into your evening routine, it’s still essential to apply on freshly cleansed skin prior to night creams or heavier treatments.

For the best cleansing base to prepare your skin, opt for something gentle yet effective like the OAT MILK FACE CLEANSER. It purifies without stripping natural moisture, making it the perfect prep step before your serum.

How Often Should You Use Vitamin C Serum?

Daily application of vitamin C serum helps maintain consistent antioxidant protection and skin cell regeneration. Most skin types tolerate daily use well, especially when paired with calming or hydrating products.

If you’re new to vitamin C or have sensitive skin, begin applying it every other day to see how your skin reacts. Over time, as your skin builds tolerance, you can increase the frequency. Consistency is vital—much like with any skincare product—to notice long-term improvements in brightness and texture.

Consider combining this step with products like the PRO AGE+ SUPER FACE MOISTURISER that deeply hydrates and locks in the benefits of vitamin C serum for extended impact throughout the day.

The Ideal Time of Day to Use Vitamin C Serum

While vitamin C can be used morning or night, morning application tends to be more beneficial thanks to its antioxidant properties. It safeguards your skin from daily exposure to environmental aggressors.

During the day, it partners well with SPF to reduce the risk of photodamage and premature aging. At night, vitamin C works alongside your body’s natural repair process to improve skin texture and tone. You can even apply it twice daily, depending on your skin's resilience and hydration needs. What matters is consistency and ensuring your skin is well-moisturized afterwards to prevent any dryness or irritation.

Combining Vitamin C Serum with Other Skincare Treatments

Vitamin C pairs well with several skincare ingredients, but thoughtful layering is essential to avoid irritation. It works harmoniously with niacinamide, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to provide comprehensive skincare support.

However, you should be cautious when using vitamin C alongside exfoliating acids or retinols, especially if you have sensitive skin. It's best to apply them at different times of the day or rotate usage to avoid overloading your skin. For example, use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. For those who want to deep-cleanse before applying vitamin C, consider incorporating the PORE REFINING FACE SCRUB into your weekly routine to remove dead cells and improve serum penetration without irritation.