How to apply vitamin C before makeup

  1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it.
  2. 2Apply a few drops of vitamin C serum to your face and neck. If you already use a toner, apply the toner before the serum.
  3. 3Apply moisturizer after the serum. A serum is not a replacement for this step.
  4. 4Apply sunscreen after your other skincare products. Choose broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher, and apply it 15 minutes before going outdoors.
  5. 5Apply makeup last, over your sunscreen.
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Serums are concentrated liquids designed to absorb quickly, whereas moisturizers serve a different role in your routine. A serum is not a moisturizer, despite the small bottle's obvious ambition. Keep moisturizer between your vitamin C serum and sunscreen rather than treating the serum as your whole skincare routine.6

Do you still need sunscreen?

Yes. Vitamin C works alongside sunscreen, not instead of it. Vitamin C is an antioxidant: it helps counter free radicals, unstable molecules that damage skin. Morning application makes sense because vitamin C complements your daytime sun protection. Even if your foundation, concealer or moisturizer contains SPF, use a separate facial sunscreen beneath makeup.245

Which vitamin C serum should you choose?

Choose a formula suited to your skin type and the concern you want to address. For L ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, concentrations of 10% to 20% are commonly recommended; sensitive skin calls for a lower concentration. Concentrations above 20% increase the risk of irritation. Look for dark or tinted packaging because vitamin C is sensitive to sunlight, heat and light.125

Serum performance depends on the ingredients, formulation and stability. Price is not a reliable measure of effectiveness, however seriously the bottle takes its own presentation. Read the ingredient list rather than choosing by price alone, and check for ingredients you already know your skin cannot tolerate.26

How often should you use it, and when will you see results?

Start every other day, then move to daily application if your skin tolerates the serum. Vitamin C can support collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and dark spots, but visible changes take time. Allow about three months of consistent use for a noticeable improvement. To track changes, take a photo without makeup before starting, then another once a month.125

What if your skin is sensitive or you use other treatments?

Introduce the serum as your only new product. For sensitive skin, test a pea sized amount behind your ear along the jawline, and wait a day or two before applying it to your whole face. Mild tingling can occur. Stop using vitamin C and contact your doctor if you develop substantial discomfort or irritation; dryness, itching and redness are possible side effects.245

Be careful about combining vitamin C with other acid containing products or retinol, because the combination can irritate skin. Morning vitamin C and bedtime retinoid use fit the usual application guidance. If you use a prescription skin treatment, ask your dermatologist how to fit the serum around it rather than adding several treatments at once.136

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Dermatologist-recommended skin care for your 20saad.org
  2. 2Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health?health.harvard.edu
  3. 3Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?aad.org
  4. 4Facebookhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  5. 5Vitamin C Serum: Benefits, How to Applyhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  6. 6Skin serum: What it can and can’t dohealth.harvard.edu