So you’ve heard about the benefits of using both vitamin C and AHA, but how much time do you have to wait between applying the two?
In this post, we’ll discuss the answer to this question and more so you can take your skincare routine to the next level!
How Long Do You Have to Wait Between Vitamin C Serum and AHA?
I know, I know. All this waiting can feel like a pain in the butt.
Why do we have to wait so long for our acids and serums to do their thing?
It seems like there’s never enough time to get everything done on our skincare routines, especially when you consider all the other products we use!
But there are valid reasons why you need to wait between vitamin C serum and AHA:
- You don’t want to over-exfoliate your skin by stripping it too soon after using an acid product.
- The pH of both ingredients is low (which means they work well at breaking down dead skin cells), but they also have different pH levels that affect how quickly they work.
How to Use Vitamin C and AHA at the Same Time?
As a general rule, vitamin C should be used in the morning and AHA at night.
This is because vitamin C can make your skin photosensitive, which means that it will be more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays.
It also does not mix well with AHAs since they have an acidity level similar to lemon juice or vinegar.
Can You Use an AHA After Applying a Vitamin C Serum?
It’s a common misconception that you can’t use an AHA after applying a vitamin C serum.
While it’s true that vitamin C serums are acidic and AHAs are exfoliants, this doesn’t mean they can’t be used together.
In fact, many people choose to apply both at the same time without any issues.
Some people feel more comfortable using an AHA in the morning and waiting until evening to use their vitamin C (though this isn’t necessary).
Others will use them on alternate days so that each product has enough time to work its magic before being washed off with water or cleanser.
Regardless of how you decide to incorporate them into your skincare routine, know that there are no scientific reasons why you shouldn’t.
Will Your Skin Peel With Both Ingredients?
You can expect your skin to peel as a result of using both vitamin C and AHA.
It will depend on your skin type, but there’s no need to worry about that—you can reduce the chances by starting slowly with each ingredient and easing into it over time.
However, if you want the best results from both ingredients, then I recommend using products that contain hyaluronic acid (HA).
This will help balance out the effects of each product so they work together more effectively!
Does It Matter Which Order You Apply Them In?
You can apply the vitamin C serum first, then the AHA.
You can also apply the AHA first and then the vitamin C serum.
If you want to take advantage of both products at once, you could apply both products together—but that’s not necessary if your skin tolerates them separately.
In fact, some people find that they’re more likely to experience redness or irritation when they use two acids at once than when they use just one acid at a time.
If you have sensitive skin and are using an AHA or BHA product for exfoliation purposes, it may be best to avoid mixing it with a vitamin C serum until you’ve determined how well your skin responds to each product individually (i.e., if mixing them makes things worse).
Final Thoughts
The short answer is yes, you can use these two ingredients together.
It’s best to apply the AHA first in the morning and then follow up with your vitamin C serum at night.
In addition, be sure that both products are formulated for your skin type so that they won’t cause irritation or breakouts.
