It’s obvious that acids, especially those in the AHA and BHA families, are one of many of our favorite skin care products. With their ability to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, revive a tired complexion or fight discoloration, it’s no wonder our skincare ranges all have a product or two containing these powerful ingredients.
There’s another ingredient that’s gained a reputation for its skin benefits: Vitamin C. Vitamin C has a long history in the beauty industry, but it got off to a shaky start after being labeled as an unstable ingredient that often caused some irritation to the skin.
Layered with other active ingredients. Thanks to modern technology and new research, this is no longer the case, meaning now more than ever, everyone can benefit from this radiation restorer.
The question facing us and others is: Can vitamin C be used after AHA? We’ll discuss this in more detail, but before we do, I’ll give you a quick overview of the benefits of these ingredients and how they work on the skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Known for its ability to target hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots and sun-damaged areas.
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect skin from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
Helps reduce dry, blemishes and blemishes on areas of skin.
Increases collagen production to fight signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
For more information about vitamin C, see our dedicated blog post. So be sure to check this one out.
What is an AHA?
AHAs, also known as alpha hydroxy acids, are a collection of chemical exfoliants.
The most common and well-known AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid.
There are a variety of acids with different molecular sizes that act on the skin in similar ways while providing their own unique benefits.
The exfoliation of these acids helps loosen skin cells and trap dead skin cells at the surface, making the complexion look dull.
They help target problem areas such as hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, and skin concerns like acne and blemishes.
There is a blog post dedicated to AHAs and their effects on the skin. So, look around to find out more.
Should I use AHAs or vitamin C first?
For many skin care experts, using AHAs before using vitamin C products produces the best results. This is because the acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells that normally form a barrier on the skin’s surface. Once this is removed, you will find that your vitamin C product will be absorbed quickly and efficiently.
The way it works has to do with pH and how this changes the pH of the skin, which is inherently acidic. Once you have applied an acid level (usually between 3.0 and 4.0), you can create the optimal environment for applying vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid).
It’s important to realize that it can irritate the skin and deprive it of the essential oils it needs to stay healthy. Therefore, it is best to consult a dermatologist or medical professional to ensure you are using the best ingredients and achieving the best results for your skin.
Can I use vitamin C after peeling?
Yes, you absolutely can! You may find that using a product with high vitamin C content after exfoliation boosts the active ingredients and improves the overall appearance of your complexion. Skin feels firmer and problem areas like hyperpigmentation and dark spots are visibly reduced.
If you’re wondering if vitamin C can exfoliate your skin, the answer is no. However, it helps increase skin cell turnover, thereby promoting the movement of new, fresh skin cells to the surface. This explains why vitamin C has a reputation for giving skin radiance, health and glow.
People with sensitive skin may find exfoliation with chemical or physical exfoliants too harsh and may experience increased irritation, redness, and dryness. You can avoid this if you choose to use a lactic acid exfoliator, as it is one of the milder AHAs.
You should then wait at least 30 minutes before applying your Vitamin C serum. Finally, use a moisturizer or serum containing hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and reduce the risk of unnecessary dryness and irritation.
As an extra precaution, you can also perform a 24-hour patch test before applying any product to your skin. This will help you determine if your skin is happy with the active ingredients you’re applying to your skin, especially if you haven’t used any of these ingredients before.
Can I use Vitamin C after BHA?
This is not the case and this is because BHA affects the skin differently compared to AHA. You’ll find that BHA (the most commonly used salicylic acid) can penetrate deeper into the skin. This is possible because of its smaller molecular size compared to AHA.
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, this ensures that salicylic acid and other BHAs are highly effective ingredients as they penetrate pores and remove excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris and other impurities.
Although BHA is very effective, applying vitamin C to the skin is known to cause severe irritation, redness, increased sensitivity to light, and severe dryness. For best results without side effects, I recommend using each active ingredient interchangeably.
Start your morning routine with vitamin C as its antioxidant properties protect skin from daily oxidative stress. Use a BHA like salicylic acid at night to penetrate deep into the underlying layers, leaving you undisturbed while enjoying a beauty sleep.