How to Apply Vitamin C Serum for Facial Skin Care

Co-authored by Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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If your skin is looking a little dull or you want to mix up your skincare routine, add vitamin C serum. To get radiant looking skin, wash your face and then rub a few drops of the serum into your skin. The antioxidants in vitamin C can reduce inflammation and help your skin repair itself. Remember to apply a moisturizer next and enjoy your glowing skin!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Serum Effectively

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1
Do a patch test to check for an allergic reaction. Rub 1 drop of the vitamin C serum onto a small patch of your inner wrist. Since the skin is sensitive here, you're more likely to notice a reaction to the vitamin C. Wait 24 hours to see if your skin is irritated or breaks out in a rash. If it doesn't, you can use vitamin C on your face.^{[1]
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- If you do have a reaction to the vitamin C, don't use it as part of your daily skincare routine and mention it to your doctor or dermatologist.
- If you also use AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids, wait a few minutes before applying the vitamin C serum or you'll risk irritating your skin.
Because your skin can only absorb so much vitamin C in a day, you only need to apply it once a day. Decide if you'd like to make it part of your morning skincare routine and remember to apply sunscreen after using the serum. If you prefer, apply the serum in the evening before you apply your nighttime moisturizer.^{[2]
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Tip: If your nighttime moisturizer contains retinoids, you can use it with the serum as long as it doesn't irritate your skin. Research has shown that vitamin C with retinol actually improved the appearance of aging skin.

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Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Splash cool water over your face and rub a coin-sized amount of cleanser evenly across your face. Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin for about 30 seconds. Then, use water to rinse the cleanser off of your face.^{[4]
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- Use a cleanser that's designed for your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, use a fragrance-free cleanser that doesn't contain alcohol.
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Dry your skin and pat toner across your face. Blot your face dry with a clean cloth and then soak a cotton ball in facial toner. Brush the cotton ball evenly across your face, but avoid getting toner around your eyes. Then, let the toner dry before you apply the vitamin C serum.^{[5]
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- If you have oily skin and use a toner that contains benzoyl peroxide, wait at least 5 minutes before using the serum. Mixing the benzoyl peroxide with vitamin C could prevent the serum from working effectively.
Use the dropper in the bottle of serum to squeeze 2 to 3 drops of vitamin C serum into an open palm. Then, rub the fingers of your other hand into the oil and dab some of it onto your cheeks and forehead. Massage the oil evenly across the rest of your face.^{[6]
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6
Wait 5 to 10 minutes before applying moisturizer. Give the vitamin C serum a chance to soak into your skin before you put another skincare product on. Once your skin feels like it's absorbed the serum, gently massage moisturizer across your face.^{[7]
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- If you're doing the facial in the morning, consider using a daytime moisturizer that contains SPF to protect your skin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Treating Skin Issues with Vitamin C Serum

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Apply vitamin C with zinc to reduce inflammation that causes acne. Use vitamin C serum that also contains zinc once a day to fight bacteria that causes some types of acne. Since vitamin C also has an anti-inflammatory effect, it can soothe your irritated skin.^{[8]
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- For severe facial acne, talk with your dermatologist about microneedling with vitamin C.
Did You Know? If you're using a topical acne treatment that contains vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, it might make the vitamin C serum less effective.
2
Protect your skin from sun damage by applying vitamin C and E serum. If you'd like to protect your skin from damaging UV rays, always put sunscreen on your face before going out. Once you're back inside for the day, wash your face and apply vitamin C serum that also contains vitamin E.^{[9]
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- The vitamins help your skin repair itself from sun exposure, which is why you should apply it after being exposed to UV rays.
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Add the serum as part of a skincare anti-aging routine. You've probably seen anti-aging skincare products that claim to increase collagen. Researchers found that applying vitamin C once a day can actually increase collagen production, a protein which helps your skin repair itself and minimalize wrinkles.^{[10]
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- You'll need to use the vitamin C for at least a few months before you can expect to see an improvement in your skin's appearance.
4
Use vitamin C serum to reduce hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure or pregnancy can cause noticeable dark patches to appear on your face. Apply vitamin C serum once a day to reduce the pigment that causes the dark patches to appear.^{[11]
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- Keep in mind that you'll need to use the serum for at least 3 or 4 months before you might notice an improvement.

Should You Exfoliate in the Morning or At Night?

Expert Q&A

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Question

Is this going to clear up my skin?

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist

Expert Answer

So it won't hurt anything, we know that. But there is some debate in the dermatological field over the degree to which these kind of creams and treatments do anything. Vitamin C releases antioxidants, which helps to neutralize free radicals in your body. That helps clear up your skin. But we don't actually know if putting it directly on your skin has much of an impact. My feelings are that it isn't going to solve anything, but it isn't like it's going to harm your skin.

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Tips

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for applying the serum.

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Purchase a high-quality vitamin C serum from beauty supply stores, natural markets, or online. You could also make your own at home!

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Store your bottle of serum out of direct sunlight. If you notice that the serum has turned brown, discard it and buy a new bottle that hasn't expired.

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Warnings

Vitamin C serum can make your skin dry, irritated, or flaky, especially if you have sensitive skin. Consider using a serum with a lower concentration of vitamin C or apply a smaller amount of serum.

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If you develop a rash or hives, stop using the vitamin C serum. You may want to let your doctor or dermatologist know that you suspect an allergy.

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