Vitamin C Usage Timing and Sun Protection

Question

Based on the information that Vitamin C, including the acidic ascorbic acid form, does not significantly thin the skin but may slightly increase cell turnover, please advise on the optimal usage timing (morning vs. evening) and whether Vitamin C products can be used before sun exposure.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Vitamin C Usage: Morning, Evening, and Sun Exposure

Vitamin C can generally be used both in the morning and in the evening as part of your skincare routine.

Morning Use: Using Vitamin C in the morning is highly recommended, especially when followed by sunscreen. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. It enhances the protection provided by sunscreen.
Evening Use: Applying Vitamin C in the evening can help with skin repair and regeneration processes that occur overnight.

Regarding sun exposure, while Vitamin C itself does not make your skin more sensitive to the sun (unlike some other ingredients), it is crucial to always use sunscreen during the day when using Vitamin C products. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays and also helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the Vitamin C product on your skin.

Different forms of Vitamin C have varying levels of stability, especially when exposed to light and air. Products like Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum, Perfect-C™ (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate), and Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G Stabilized Vitamin C) are formulated for better stability. However, regardless of the form, pairing Vitamin C with daily sunscreen is the best practice for maximizing its benefits and protecting your skin.