Confusion with vit. C application
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Tue May 14, 2013 3:56 pm

Hi All,
I am new on this site, so hello to all. I have been around skin care forums- most of the time as a lurker- for a few years and also read lots of information online on the topic, so I do have some base of understanding, however, have lots to learn!

I am including this question & welcome your thoughts and experience. Thanks again!! Smile

It seems like the more one learns about skin care the more you can analyze to do it correctly. I understand the accepted protocol of layering, but the below is puzzling to me. Confused

Because of my confusion, I have been applying my vitamin c serum {which I just added to my routine}at night and then about two hours later when going to bed, every other night applying .05 Tretinoin. Question 1, is this acceptable to get optimum results?
Question Two
I recently found a great moisturizer, but like any moisturizer I found it works best for me right after I shower and my face is still damp. In fact, this moisturizer works significantly better when applying it this way. However, what I also read is to apply the vitamin c serum in the morning on dry and clean skin. If I apply the vitamin c to my skin in the morning for its antioxidant protection on clean dry skin then how do I apply my moisturizer when I get out of the shower in the morning to my still moist skin?

I just want to add especially as a guy, I prefer to avoid the wait 15 minutes in between products. Psychologically, I am most happy to shower, mix my new moisturizer with my physical sunblock[which I am sure is a no no Bad Grin

} and boom out the door.
Thanks guys

free skin care · Wed May 15, 2013 4:36 am

Hi there ,
My advise would be just to stick with your routine as it is . If you like to have a no fuss routine in the morning then just moisturise and use sunblock . There's many of us who use Vit C at night and even in conjunction with Retin A. If your skin can handle it its certainly an antioxidant powerhouse before bed. The main reason why we wait before we apply other products after our C is due to Ph of skin. It can be a bit of a pain with wait times. At the end of the day do what feels good for your skin. You're certainly on a good start.
Just wanted to add welcome to EDS Very Happy

Wed May 22, 2013 12:14 am

Thank You dionie. Smile

Actually just what I needed to hear. Thanks for the welcome also. I tried to offically give you a thank u but the system said I needed ten points to do so.
Thanks again!!!! Smile

free skin care · Wed May 22, 2013 7:08 am

Welcome Peacecoster!! Ok, here's a different opinion for you. I would never layer C Serum with Retin A, even with a couple hours inbetween. You shouldn't use the C Serum more than once a day, and AM is when you are going to get the greatest benefit from it. The Vit C Serum will protect you from UV and as an antioxidant it will also protect you from hyperpigmentation. It also gives me a "glow" all day. It's benefits cannot be fully utilized at night, when Retin A should be your focus. In the morning, take your shower, dry your face, put on the C Serum, wait 15+ minutes then apply your moisturizer/sunscreen. You are watering your moisturizer down if you put it on your face when its all wet, and I'm assuming there is a sunscreen in there, so you would be diluting that too. If the moisturizer is too thick, add a tiny bit of water to the dab you are going to put on your face. Here is a link about C Serum and when to apply:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/drop-decade-your-face

My 2 cents....

free skin care · Wed May 22, 2013 10:17 am

Welcome to this forum, peacecoster Smile

In my point of view, for better results (and not to waste products), I will not use 2 actives one after the other, same night. Instead, I will use it alternative days, so if you are applying Retin-A tonight, I will apply Vitamin C serum tomorrow night. However, I will use Vitamin C serum in the morning (everyday), wait 20mins or half hour, before you apply your favorite moisturizer, and then your sunscreen.... While waiting for 20mins for Vitamin C serum to really absorbed, you can do other stuff to get ready in the morning.... Good luck! Smile

Thu May 23, 2013 11:54 pm

Thanks Mountain and Jade. Smile

I like both your thoughts also & obviously want to use the Vit C where I receive the best befefits & will seriously consider your idea and how I can implement it and look forward to reading that link. I guess I can't have it all and it sounds like that is what I want.lol. I think - knowing myself- if I have to get into waiting fifteen minutes in the morning and then apply the next product and then wait and then apply my sunblock I will just end up discarding the Vit C or using it as I am currently. {But will keep an open mind.} Given my psych. make up it just is not a good fit for me but wanted to thank you guys and explain. Smile

But hey even if I am using a clean skin cleanser, good moisturizer ,Tretinoin and a solid physical sunblock I am still doing more than most men in regard to skin care and should receive nice benefits. Also, if I didn't explain it properly, I only apply my mositurinzer when my face is slightly damp and never when it is fully wet.Thanks guys

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