zaro

Can I use vitamin C after a facial?

Published in Skincare After Facial 2 mins read

No, you should not use Vitamin C immediately after a facial.

Why You Should Avoid Vitamin C Immediately After a Facial

Using active ingredients like Vitamin C too soon after a facial can irritate your skin. Facials can sometimes make your skin more sensitive. It's important to let your skin calm down before reintroducing potent products.

Waiting Period Explained

  • Reference Point: According to the provided reference, "Do not use your active products (Vitamin C, retinol, salicylic acids, etc) until the skin feels calm and has recovered from treatment."
  • General Guideline: This recovery period typically lasts about three days.
  • Individual Variation: However, this timeframe isn't set in stone. Recovery times vary from person to person.
  • Skin Sensitivity: If your skin feels particularly sensitive after your facial, you might need to wait longer.
  • Listen to Your Skin: The best approach is to observe your skin. When it feels calm, you can usually resume your normal skincare routine including Vitamin C.
  • Professional Advice: If you're unsure or experience prolonged irritation, it's best to consult with the spa or a dermatologist.

Guidelines for Reintroducing Vitamin C

After the initial waiting period, here's how you can carefully reintroduce Vitamin C into your skincare routine:

  1. Start Slowly: Begin by using Vitamin C every other day to assess your skin's response.
  2. Apply a Small Amount: Use a small amount of the product at first.
  3. Monitor Your Skin: Check for signs of redness, irritation, or breakouts. If any of these issues occur, stop using Vitamin C and consult with a skincare professional.

Summary Table

After Facial Recovery Stage Vitamin C Use Rationale
Immediately After Avoid Skin is sensitive and needs time to recover from the facial treatment.
Within 3 Days Avoid (Unless Skin Is Fully Calm) Recovery time varies; prioritize a calm and stable skin barrier.
After 3 Days (or as needed) Introduce gradually Start slowly to assess the response of your skin.
Throughout Vitamin C Usage Monitor Watch for signs of irritation. Consult a professional if skin feels sensitive.