There’s nothing like that post-facial glow: your skin feels smooth, refreshed and brighter than ever. But as the days go by, you might wonder how to keep that radiance lasting until your next treatment. Enter one of the most powerful at-home skin care ingredients: vitamin C.

Can you use Vitamin C after a facial?

Yes! In fact, our estheticians encourage it!

“After a professional facial, your skin is primed to absorb ingredients more effectively,” says Beth Bialko, esthetician and Bioelements Senior Director of Education. “This makes it the perfect time to apply a vitamin C serum, as it helps lock in that glow, supports skin recovery and keeps your complexion looking bright long after you’ve left the treatment room.”

The benefits of vitamin C between facials

Think of vitamin C as your esthetician’s partner in crime. While your facial does the heavy lifting to exfoliate, hydrate and restore, vitamin C steps in to:

• Boost brightness: Vitamin C helps reduce dullness and even tone.

• Protect against free radicals: It shields your skin from daily aggressors, like pollution and UV exposure, which can dull your glow.

• Support collagen: Helps maintain firmness by targeting the appearance of collagen breakdown.

• Extend results: Consistent use ensures your skin keeps that “lit-from-within” look between treatments.

How to use vitamin C serums post-facial

• Wait 24 hours if needed: If your facial included stronger exfoliation (like peels or microdermabrasion), check with your esthetician and give your skin a day before applying active serums.

• Pair with hydration: Use a lightweight moisturizer to keep skin balanced and comfortable, or amplify results with a vitamin C creme for double the glow benefits.

• Always add protection: SPF is crucial, always. After applying your vitamin C serum, layer with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to lock in and protect. 

Your glow game plan

For lasting results, think of your skin care in two parts:

• In the treatment room: Professional facials deeply exfoliate, extract or reset your skin.
  

• At home: Vitamin C helps bridge the gap between treatments, helping your results last longer and your skin stay radiant every day.

“A facial gives your skin a fresh start, while vitamin C makes sure that glow sticks around,” says Bialko. “By adding it to your daily routine, you’ll keep your skin looking bright, healthy and ready for your next professional treatment.”

FAQ: Vitamin C after facials

Can I use vitamin C serum right after a facial?
Yes, but timing depends on your facial. After a gentle hydrating or brightening facial, vitamin C can generally be applied right away. After more intensive treatments, your esthetician may suggest waiting 24 hours.

Is vitamin C good for sensitive skin post-facial?
Absolutely. Choose a formula safe for sensitive skin or with soothing ingredients to minimize any risk of irritation.

Will vitamin C make my skin peel after a facial?
No. A well-formulated vitamin C serum should not cause peeling. It works to brighten, protect and enhance your glow without stripping your skin.

How often should I use vitamin C between facials?
Daily use is ideal, and consistency is crucial for achieving real results.