The Ultimate Guide to Applying Vitamin C before or after Moisturizer

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is gaining more and more attention in the skincare world. It promotes collagen synthesis, brightens the skin, and fights against harmful environmental factors that can damage and age your skin. While the benefits of Vitamin C are hard to ignore, the specific way it should be used and applied still confuses many people. One particular question that many people have is whether to apply Vitamin C before or after their moisturizer. In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with some key insights.

The Case for Applying Vitamin C Before Moisturizer

If you’ve been doing some research on Vitamin C, you might have read that it is best applied before your moisturizer. The reason for this is that Vitamin C serums typically have a lower pH level than moisturizers. When something with a higher pH, like a moisturizer, is applied first, it can raise the pH levels of your skin and affect the potency and effectiveness of the Vitamin C serum.

When this happens, the high pH level can further irritate or damage already sensitive or dry skin. As a result, Vitamin C should be applied first, so it can fully penetrate into the skin layers and do its job properly. Once the Vitamin C has fully absorbed, you can hydate your skin with your favorite moisturizer.

The Case for Applying Vitamin C After Moisturizer

On the other hand, some skincare experts argue that it is okay to apply Vitamin C after your moisturizer. They believe that this approach can help with ingredient penetration and reduce the risk of skin irritation or sensitivity.

This approach is especially useful for people with drier skin types, as a moisturizer can help to soften and hydrate the skin, which allows the Vitamin C serum to be more easily absorbed. By doing this, your skin has already been moisturized before applying the Vitamin C serum, and you won’t have to worry about any irritation or dryness.

The Bottom Line: It Depends on Your Skin Type and the Product You’re Using

The truth is that it ultimately depends on your skin type and the product you’re using. Everyone’s skin is different, and while one technique may work wonders for someone with oily skin, it may not work as well for someone with dry skin.

When choosing which approach to take, you should also consider the specific vitamin C product you’re using. Some vitamin C products have a low pH level and will work better when applied directly to the skin. Other products may be designed to be used after other serums or moisturizers.

To get the most of your Vitamin C, try both approaches and see how your skin reacts. Observe whether one technique yields better results than the other.

Conclusion

Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that can work wonders for your skin. It promotes collagen synthesis, brightens your complexion, and fights against harmful environmental factors. However, how you should apply it can be confusing. Ultimately, it will depend on your skin type and the specific product you’re using. Experiment with applying Vitamin C before and after your moisturizer and see which approach works best for you.