When it comes to skincare, your morning and night routines may differ. While morning skincare is all about preparing for the day, which includes cleansing, priming, and applying SPF-rich sunscreens to protect against sun damage, a nighttime skincare routine focuses more on repairing and renewing the skin by using a deep cleanse and applying richer moisturisers and thicker creams to replenish and nourish your skin as you sleep. Amid all these considerations, many skincare enthusiasts still wonder when it is a good time to include vitamin C in their routine. Is it best when applied in the morning, or can it also be included in the nighttime skincare routine? To know all about it, the OnlyMyHealth team got in touch with Dr Swapna Priya, a Consultant Dermatologist and Trichologist at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad. Also Read: Skincare Ingredients For Acne-Prone Skin: Here’s What To Look For In A Face Wash, Serum, And Moisturiser Vitamin C For Skin Health Vitamin C has been gaining popularity among many skincare enthusiasts, says Dr Priya. This is mainly because of the many benefits vitamin C provides for skin health. According to the expert, vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can brighten dark spots on the skin and can also produce more collagen, which is great for anti-ageing and wrinkle-reducing purposes. She adds that the water-soluble nutrient also makes the skin more firm while smoothing the fine lines. Moreover, since it is rich in antioxidants, it helps prevent sun damage. Is There A Best Time To Apply It? “According to various sources, vitamin C is best suited to be applied in the morning,” says Dr Priya. This is because of the antioxidants in vitamin C that help protect the skin from damage throughout the day. Reportedly, when applied in the morning, after cleansing and toning, and before using a moisturiser and SPF, it helps give the skin an extra layer of protection from the Ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, research also suggests that vitamin C can be used in an evening or nighttime skincare routine. In fact, a 2013 study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal mentions that vitamin C breaks down when exposed to light, and since most sun exposure happens during the day, it might be best to apply it at night to minimise this breakdown. Should You Include Vitamin C To Your Nighttime Routine? Dr Priya suggests that people can also include vitamin C in their nighttime skincare routine. She says, “Keeping it overnight may be beneficial as it helps with more absorption into the skin.” However, if you have sensitive skin, the doctor warns against reapplication and says that applying it once every day is enough. Also Read: Explainer: Can Sunscreen Protect Against Skin Cancer? How To Apply Vitamin C Correctly? Using vitamin C during the night or day depends on your skin goals, says Dr Priya, listing the steps to apply it correctly. These include: Step 1: Start by cleansing your skin with a preferred cleanser of your choice. Step 2: Use a toner that helps remove any last traces of dirt and impurities stuck in the pores after you wash your face. Step 3: Vitamin C is to be applied after toner and before moisturiser. Squeeze 2 or 3 drops of serum onto your hands, rub it on your palms, and then gently apply it to your face. Step 4: Lock your skin with a moisturiser. Step 5: Follow up with a good sunscreen to provide SPF protection for your skin. Conclusion Vitamin C helps brighten your skin and produce collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and youthful. While most dermatologists recommend applying vitamin C in the morning, experts suggest that it can also be included in the nighttime skincare routine. However, note that you do not overuse the product, especially if you have sensitive skin, as it may lead to irritation and redness. It is best to consult a dermatologist before you make any changes to your skincare products and routines.Read NextDoes Face Waxing Make Your Skin Loose? Here’s What Dermatologist SaysDisclaimer All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Should Your Nighttime Skincare Routine Include Vitamin C? Know From A Dermatologist
