Vitamin C routine: morning vs. evening – when is it best to use it?

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You finally have that coveted vitamin C serum. You're ready to begin your glow journey.
But then the question arises: when do you actually use it? Morning or evening? Or maybe both?

The answer isn't as simple as you might think — it depends on several factors.
In this article, we'll dive deep into this question and give you practical routines for both moments.

The short version: What do experts say?

Most dermatologists and skin care experts recommend using vitamin C in the morning .

The main reason: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from free radicals caused by UV rays, pollution, and other external stressors.
Your skin is most exposed to this during the day—so that's when protection is most valuable. emerginC's vitamin C serum is safe for daytime use because it combines gentler yet effective forms. If your serum consists only of ascorbyl acid, for example, the sun can cause bleaching spots, especially on darker skin types.

Is evening use wrong then? No, in some situations , evening use can actually be better .
Let's take a closer look at both options.

Vitamin C in the morning: the benefits

1. Maximum protection during the day

Vitamin C acts as a shield for your skin, neutralizing free radicals before they can cause damage.
During the day your skin is exposed to:

• UV radiation (even on cloudy days)

• Air pollution

• Cigarette smoke (also passive)

• Blue light from screens

• Ozone

• Stress

By applying vitamin C in the morning, you equip your skin with extra defense against these daily attacks.

2. Enhances the effectiveness of your SPF

Vitamin C and sunscreen are the ultimate power duo.
Vitamin C enhances the protective effect of your SPF by neutralizing free radicals that arise despite sun protection.

Please note: Vitamin C is not a substitute for sunscreen !
Always use SPF—vitamin C only makes that protection more complete. Tip: Combined with E and other ingredients, emerginC's C serum naturally has an SPF of 8.

3. Gives your skin an instant glow

Vitamin C provides a fresh, radiant appearance.
Applying it in the morning means you can enjoy that natural glow all day long.

4. Creates a protective base for make-up

Vitamin C forms a protective layer between your skin and makeup.
It helps your foundation adhere better and prevents irritation from cosmetic ingredients.

5. Fits into your skin's natural rhythm

During the day, your skin is in protective mode . Vitamin C perfectly supports this process and strengthens its natural defenses.

The ideal morning routine with vitamin C

Step 1: Cleanse your skin
Use a gentle cleanser like the Emergin C Aromatic Green Tea Cleanser . Pat your face completely dry—this is important for optimal absorption.

Step 2: Toner (optional)
Use a hydrating toner and wait until your skin is dry.

Step 3: Vitamin C serum
Apply 2–3 drops of e merginC Vitamin C Serum to face and neck. Pat in gently.

Step 4: Wait 1–2 minutes
Vitamin C works at a low pH; waiting a while optimizes its effectiveness.

Step 5: Eye Cream

Step 6: Serum or treatment (optional)
For example hyaluronic acid.

Step 7: Moisturizer
Use emerginC's Active Hydrating Complex for hydration and soothing.

Step 8: SPF ( essential! )
Use at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50.

Timing tip:
Start this routine 10–15 minutes before your makeup, so everything has time to absorb properly.

Vitamin C in the evening: the benefits

Although morning use is more popular, evening use also has important benefits.

1. Optimal recovery time

At night, your skin is in recovery mode . Cell turnover peaks between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. — the perfect time for active ingredients like vitamin C.

2. More time to settle in

In the evening, you don't need to apply makeup or SPF, so vitamin C has all the time to work.

3. Less chance of interactions

If you already use a lot of active ingredients during the day, vitamin C is safer and more gentle on your skin in the evening.

4. Ideal for sensitive skin

For mild redness or tingling, evening use helps: your skin can calm down overnight.

5. Don't worry about sunlight

Vitamin C oxidizes less quickly in the dark—ideal for those concerned about stability. However, this isn't the case with emerginC serum.

The ideal evening routine with vitamin C

Step 1: Double Cleanse
First, use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and SPF, such as Rawceuticals CLEAN. Then, follow with a suitable cleanser. For pigmentation, consider Scientific Organics Kombucha Cleanser .

Step 2: Exfoliate (2–3x per week, optional)**
Use AHA/BHA and wait 15–20 minutes, or use vitamin C on alternate nights. We prefer natural ingredients here, and avoid chlorine compounds like TCA. For sensitive skin, try an enzymatic peel like the Scientific Organics Blue Poppy Enzyme Peel, and for a stronger peel, the Scientific at Home Peel & Clarifying Kit. See our complete peel guide.

Step 3: Toner
Hydrating or soothing.

Step 4: Vitamin C serum
Apply 2–3 drops of e merginC Vitamin C Serum .

Step 5: Wait 1–2 minutes

Step 6: Other treatments
For example retinol (see below how to combine).

Step 7: Eye Cream

Step 8: Moisturizer
Use e merginC Hyper Vitalizer Cream for intense hydration, Protocell cream for rosacea or fine lines, and Phytocell cream for pigmentation.

Step 9: Facial oil (optional)**
For extra dry skin. The CBD-rich oil from the Rawceuticals line nourishes and protects.

Vitamin C twice a day: is that possible?

Yes, absolutely—provided your skin tolerates it. With our mild forms C, this is almost always possible.

Advantages:

• 24-hour antioxidant protection

• Faster results

• Maximum brightening and anti-aging

This is how you build:

1. Start with 1x per day (in the morning)

2. Do this for 2 weeks

3. Add in the evening if there is no irritation

4. Start every day in the evening

5. Build up to daily use

Stop or reduce if you notice:

• Redness or flaking

• Burning sensation

• Increased sensitivity

Combining Vitamin C with Retinol: The Strategy

Two powerful ingredients, but use them wisely.

Option 1: Morning/Evening Split (Most Popular)

• Morning: Vitamin C

• Evening: Retinol (e merginC Vitamin Retinol Serum )

✅ Safe, effective and easy to maintain.

Option 2: Together in the evening (for experienced users)

1. Cleanse

2. Apply vitamin C, wait a few minutes

3. Apply retinol serum

4. Wait until it has been retracted

5. Apply moisturizer

Option 3: Alternating evenings

• Mon/Wed/Fri: Retinol

• Tue/Thu/Sat: Vitamin C

• So: Hydration or rest and a wonderful recovery mask such as Vitality Mask

Perfect for beginners or sensitive skin.

Seasons and Vitamin C: Adjust Your Routine

Summer

• Focus: Protection

• Advice: Vitamin C every morning + SPF 50

• Routine:

  • Morning: Vitamin C + light moisturizer + SPF

  • Evening: Mild cleansing + extra moisturizing and restorative products

Winter

• Focus: Recovery & hydration

• Advice: Use vitamin C in the evening for sensitive skin.

• Routine:

  • Morning: Extra protection with CLEAN or BLEND+ SPF

  • Evening: Vitamin C + Hyper Vitalizer Cream

Spring / Autumn

• Focus: Balance & recovery

• Advice: Perfect time for twice a day use

• Routine:

  • Morning: Vitamin C + moisturizer + SPF

  • Evening: Vitamin C + nourishing cream such as Rawceuticals BLEND

Vitamin C for different skin types

Oily/acne-prone skin

Best timing: Morning
Why: Light texture is quickly absorbed.
Routine:

• Morning: Deglazing cleanser + Vitamin C + Light moisturizer + SPF

• Evening: Kombucha Cleanser + Acne Treatment + Light Cream

Dry/sensitive skin

Best timing: Evening (start here)
Why: In the evening you can use richer products without SPF.
Routine:

• Morning: Aromatic Cream tea cleanser + peach toner + Hyper Vitalizer Cream or BLEND + SPF, possibly an additional treatment with the Hydra Repair Capsules.

• Evening: Double cleanse with CLEAN+ Vitamin C + Hyper Vitalizer Cream first

Normal skin

Best timing: Morning or twice a day
Routine:

• Morning: Cleanser + Vitamin C + Moisturizer (such as Hyper Vitalizer ) + SPF

• Evening: Cleanser + Vitamin C + Night Cream

Mature skin (45+)

Best timing: Twice a day
Why: Maximum anti-aging benefits
Routine:

• Morning: Pomegranate Cleanser + Vitamin C + Rich moisturizer (such as Hyper Vitalizer ) + SPF 50

• Evening: Double cleansing + Vitamin C + Retinol (alternating or on top of each other) + Hyper Vitalizer Cream or Protocell Cream or the BLEND.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to choose between morning and evening?
No. Start with once a day (morning is ideal) and build up slowly.

Can I use vitamin C after my workout?
Yes! Apply it after showering for extra protection during the day.

What if I work night shifts?
Adjust the routine to your rhythm: “morning” = when waking up, “evening” = before going to sleep.

Can I use vitamin C after a chemical peel?
Wait at least one week and start again carefully.

Does vitamin C work better on 'empty' skin?
Yes! Apply to clean, dry skin for optimal absorption.

The bottom line: What's best for you?

Choose morning if:

• You want maximum protection

• You want the glow during the day

• You use your SPF

Choose evening if:

• You have sensitive skin

• You use a lot of active ingredients during the day

• You want to combine your Vitamin C with retinol

Choose both if:

• Your skin tolerates it well

• You want fast results

• Taking your skincare seriously

The Emergin C Vitamin C Serum is formulated for daily use — suitable for both morning and evening.
Listen to your skin — it will tell you what works best.

Start your vitamin C routine today

Now that you know when and how to best use vitamin C, it's time to get started.
Whether you choose morning, evening, or both — consistency is key .

✨ Ready to get started?
Discover the Emergin C Vitamin C Serum at Indigocosmetics and start your journey to radiant, protected skin.

Also read:

• All about vitamin C for your skin

• How to choose the best vitamin C serum

• Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin C

SHOP EMERGIN C VITAMIN C SERUM
All About Vitamin C for Your Skin: The Complete Guide