As you examine your skincare routine, you might have a full arsenal of products doing their individual jobs to keep your skin feeling glowy and healthy. But does that lineup include one of the most well-studied and effective antioxidants in skincare? Enter: Vitamin C!
WHY IT WORKS
According to Meredith Kent, PA-C, Aesthetic Medicine Provider and Founder of Skin CoLAB in Ada, vitamin C is a powerhouse for long-term skin health and one of the first medical-grade products she recommends—right alongside SPF.
“Vitamin C protects your skin from everyday stressors like sun and pollution by defending against free radicals—unstable molecules your skin encounters daily,” Kent explained. “They act like tiny troublemakers bouncing around, damaging healthy skin cells, which can lead to dullness, fine lines, and discoloration over time. Vitamin C helps neutralize these molecules before they can do harm. It also supports collagen for a firmer look and helps fade dark spots for a more even, healthy looking complexion.”
A bonus? Incorporating vitamin C into your routine garners results rather quickly.
“Most people notice brighter, more radiant skin within two to four weeks, with improvements in tone, texture, and firmness becoming more visible around eight to 12 weeks,” Kent said, emphasizing, however, that consistency and potency are key. “Medical-grade vitamin C typically offers effective concentration and stabilized formulations, which is why sourcing it through a licensed practice makes such a difference.”
QUALITY MATTERS
Quality vitamin C products, Kent explained, should stay fresh, effective, and not oxidize quickly. Some of her favorite lines include SkinBetter Science, SkinCeuticals, and Alastin (brands carried at Skin CoLAB and that most medical skincare practices also stand behind).
“An easy rule of thumb is to look for brands that use stabilized forms of vitamin C,” Kent said. “The packaging should protect the product from air and light, so anything found in dark, opaque packaging or an airless pump is usually a good sign.”
Kent warned against purchasing any medical-grade skincare you may find on Amazon, as most lines typically can’t be purchased that way, opening you up to potentially purchasing counterfeit or expired products.
“For the best results, and to avoid wasted money, purchase from an accredited provider,” she encouraged.
WHEN AND HOW TO USE IT
Morning is the ideal time to apply your vitamin C, as it enhances your skin’s defense against daily free-radical exposure, especially when paired with SPF. However, Kent says there are exceptions to the rule, and that consistency of use is more important than the time of day you apply the product.
“If someone has sensitive skin or uses retinol at night, evening applications are perfectly acceptable,” she assured, further explaining the order in your routine you’d typically use your vitamin C. “Apply vitamin C early in your routine so it can penetrate effectively.”
Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Vitamin C serum → Moisturizer → SPF
Up your vitamin C game by pairing it with additional ingredients that it plays nice with: hyaluronic acid for added brightness and hydration, in addition to a high-quality physical sunscreen.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
While vitamin C can be easily combined with a number of other skincare ingredients, there are some factors to keep in mind.
“Traditionally, vitamin C wasn’t combined with retinol due to pH concerns and potential irritation, though that seems outdated as many modern formulations are now compatible,” Kent shared. “Still, for sensitive skin, it’s best to alternate vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night. Strong exfoliating acids (especially high-percentage AHAs) can also increase irritation when layered directly with vitamin C, so if you have sensitive skin, avoid stacking too many actives in the same routine.”
For those whose skin can’t tolerate vitamin C, fear not. Alternatives are available.
“Azelaic acid and tranexamic acid both offer brightening, pigment-balancing, and barrier-supporting benefits with far less potential irritation,” Kent said. “Two of my favorite non-ascorbic brightening products are SkinBetter Science Even Advanced and Anfisa An-Dew, which are perfect for patients who want results without traditional vitamin C.”
Kent reminds us that consistency is everything when it comes to real skin change, and that hopping from product to product creates more confusion than results.
“Working with a provider to choose formulas that fit your skin type (and that you’ll truly use daily) is what delivers meaningful improvement,” she said. “And if you’re unsure where to start, a personalized consultation can help match you with the right routine for your skin’s needs.”
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Spring ’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.
