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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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