Can I use vitamin C with sunscreen?

What vitamin C adds

Topical vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which means it can help counter damage from free radicals, unstable molecules that can harm skin cells. Vitamin C products come as serums, creams and lotions, so one ingredient apparently needed wardrobe options. Applying vitamin C to skin is the way to get its skin care benefits; skin mostly misses out on vitamin C from food, drinks or supplements.1

Vitamin C may help improve the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. The evidence is promising but limited: only a handful of clinical trials have studied vitamin C, and more research is needed to confirm some effects. One study found that improvement in dark spots could fade after people stopped using vitamin C, so the result is not necessarily permanent.13

The label may list ascorbic acid or L ascorbic acid rather than vitamin C, because plain naming apparently lost a committee vote. Different vitamin C formulas can affect the ingredient's strength and its effects on skin, so the product form and label matter.13

How to layer vitamin C and sunscreen

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Apply a few drops of topical vitamin C to your face and neck.
3. 3Apply moisturizer if you use one, then put on sunscreen as the final skin care layer.
4. 4Choose broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that is water resistant. Apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours, sooner if you are swimming or sweating.

Morning is the preferred time because vitamin C can work alongside sunscreen, but vitamin C is also safe to use overnight. If you apply it at night, keep using sunscreen during the day; the time you use vitamin C does not change the need for sun protection.1

Does vitamin C boost sunscreen?

Studies suggest that vitamin C and sunscreen work together to provide better protection from the sun and sun related aging. Vitamin C's antioxidant action can help address damage from sunlight that gets through sunscreen. Treat this as added support, not a replacement: vitamin C does not take the place of sunscreen or sun protective clothing.13

What vitamin C product should you choose?

A 10% to 20% concentration is a useful range to look for. Lower concentrations may not provide the expected benefits, while formulas above 20% risk serious irritation. L ascorbic acid at a strength of 10% to 20% and a pH below 3.5 is the combination studied in clinical trials. A dark or tinted glass bottle matters because vitamin C is sensitive to sun, heat and light.13

How often should you use vitamin C, and what if your skin is sensitive?

Vitamin C can be used daily. If you have sensitive skin, start with a low concentration and apply it every other day; use it daily if your skin tolerates it. Mild tingling can happen, and dryness, itching or redness are possible side effects. Stop using vitamin C if you have substantial discomfort or irritation, and consult a doctor. If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient, consider a patch test or ask your doctor before use.13

Vitamin C has been studied in adults and is not recommended for children.3

How long does vitamin C take to show results?

Give vitamin C consistent use for about three months before judging its effect. Changes are gradual rather than immediate, and the visible improvement can fade if you stop using it. A monthly photo without makeup can make gradual changes easier to notice.13