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How Long Does it Take for Vitamin C to Absorb Into the Skin?
Beauty

How Long Does it Take for Vitamin C to Absorb Into the Skin?

15 February 2025


How Long Does it Take for Vitamin C to Absorb Into the Skin?




How long to wait after applying Vitamin C serum before using the next product in your skin care routine depends upon which type of serum you are using.



The best Vitamin C serums are backed in amber colored bottles and are a low pH. These penetrate the fastest- much faster than Vitamin C creams or lotions.




Serums can be very expensive, so you do not want to do anything to decrease penetration of ascorbic acid!



If Vitamin C serums are applied to skin that has just been cleansed with a low pH cleanser, rinsed with warm water, and is still damp, absorption will be faster.




We do not really know how long it takes for the Vitamin C to get into the skin. Studies on this are detailed below.



10 things that determine how fast Vitamin C absorbs into the skin:




How strong your skin barrier is



Temperature of water you used to wash your face




If your skin is damp or dry when Vitamin C is applied



What you apply to skin before using the Vitamin C




What type of Vitamin C you use- serum, cream or lotion



Type of moisturizer you use after the vitamin C




If you are also using a hyaluronic acid serum in your routine



What other products are in your skin care routine




What step of the routine you use Vitamin C in



If you are using retinol




Does Vitamin C absorb into the skin?



The original studies to see if topical Vitamin C can be absorbed through the skin were done by Dr. Sheldon Pinnell in 2001. (1) These absorption studies demonstrated that ascorbic acid absorbs into skin best at a pH of 2- 2.5.




These studies left the ascorbic acid on the skin for 22-24 days and the ascorbic acid was mixed with hyaluronic acid which increases penetration. This does not translate well into how we use our serums every day. So the only published evidence-based study does not answer the question.



There are no published studies that look at how fast Vitamin C absorbs into the skin after one application. So- we really have no idea how long it takes.




We do know that it is not easy to get Vitamin C to absorb in the skin- so we need to use every tip and trick to increase Vitamin C absorption.



Many factors affect Vitamin C absorption rates. One of them is your Baumann Skin Type.




Dry Baumann Skin Types will absorb Vitamin C better than Oily Baumann Skin Types because dry types have an impaired skin barrier.



You can find out your skin type here




Take the Quiz


What plays a role in how fast Vitamin C absorbs into the skin?

Do I use a moisturizer with Vitamin C to help it absorb faster?

It is best to apply a moisturizer or oil after the vitamin C serum to cause occlusion (also known as skin slugging). Moisturizers can make Vitamin C absorb faster.

Moisturizers can raise the skin pH which decreases absorption of Vitamin C.

Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and oleic acid (olive oil) will increase absorption.

The type of moisturizer used greatly affects the rate of absorption of all serums.

This is one of the many reasons why you need a skin care routine customized for your Baumann Skin Type.

Take the Quiz

Do I apply Vitamin C to Damp or Dry Skin?

Skin that is more hydrated or is still wet after cleansing will allow Vitamin C to absorb faster.

Use warm water and apply Vitamin C serum to skin that is still damp but not dripping.

Which Ingredients Affect Absorption of Vitamin C?

Ingredients such as fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans can affect how fast Vitamin C absorbs into the skin.

If these ingredients are in the Vitamin C serum or in the moisturizer applied afterward, the ascorbic acid will absorb faster.

These ingredients can speed absorption of vitamin C:

glycerin

heparan sulfate

hyaluronic acid

olive oil (if used after the Vitamin C)

propylene glycol

Slugging the Skin with Occlusives Speeds Absorption

Occluding the serum by covering it with a moisturizer containing occlusive ingredients, otherwise known as slugging, will increase absorption.

You can read more about slugging here.

The pH of the Skin Affects Absorption

The pH of the skin greatly affects the absorption of Vitamin C as shown in the 2001 study by Dr. Pinnell. Cleansers change the pH of your skin.[ii]

If you are going to use a Vitamin C serum, you must use a low pH cleanser when possible. For example, hydroxy acid cleansers can lower the pH of your skin into the 2- 3.5 range- depending on the cleanser’s characteristics. Note that not all Baumann Skin Types can use a low pH cleanser because of the stinging and facial redness that can occur.

In your customized skin care routine that we give you after taking the quiz, we often use a low pH cleanser prior to applying the Vitamin C serum to boost absorption.

Which cleanser we choose depends upon your Baumann Skin Type.

After you take the quiz, you will be given a list of cleansers from many brands to choose from. They have all been chosen to help increase the absorption of Vitamin C if it’s recommended as part of your personalized skin care routine.

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The integrity of Your Skin Barrier

The strength and integrity of your skin barrier will also affect how much vitamin C gets into your skin.

A defective skin barrier allows ingredients to pass through the skin more easily. This is why your skin gets irritated easily when you have an impaired barrier.

Condition of your Stratum Corneum

The stratum corneum, the top layer of the skin, also affects how much and how quickly a skincare ingredient can pass through the skin.

Using chemical or mechanical exfoliation prior to a Vitamin C serum will thin the stratum corneum allowing more penetration.

This is another reason a low pH cleanser prior to a Vitamin C serum is a good idea (unless you have one of the sensitive skin types that should avoid low pH cleansers).

Skin Temperature And The Water You Cleanse Face With

The temperature of your skin also affects the penetration of ingredients. Warmer temperatures such as using warm water when cleansing your face will increase penetration and speed absorption of Vitamin C into your skin.

If you just took a hot shower, Vitamin C will absorb faster if your skin is still warm.

The type of water you use to wash your face also affects how well skin care products get into the skin.

How Long Do I Wait after Applying Vitamin C to Apply Moisturizer?

The Skin Type Solutions skin care routines are designed so you do not have to wait for the serum to absorb after applying a Vitamin C serum. We have already taken all of the above issues into account.

In fact, we want you to apply the Vitamin C serum to damp skin after cleansing with warm water.

Immediately after applying the ascorbic acid serum, you should apply a moisturizer with occlusive ingredients. This helps prevent evaporation of the serum and “Slugs” the Vitamin C into the skin.

My advice as a dermatologist and skin care researcher is to take the quiz to find out your Baumann Skin Type and follow our skin care routine steps. When you choose products from our recommended list, you can be sure that we have designed the skin care routine steps and recommended products to increase the absorption of Vitamin C.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
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