How long should you wait between Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid?
Does It Mix engine · wait time
Waiting a few minutes isn't the fix here: use Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid in different routines (morning vs night) or on different nights.
The routine
- AM: vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen.
- PM (a few nights a week): Salicylic Acid, moisturizer.
Why: full Vitamin C + Salicylic Acid answer and sources.
FAQ
Does waiting 20 or 30 minutes between products help?
We haven't found good evidence that a set wait of many minutes changes how most skincare works. The practical reason to pause is letting each layer absorb so the next one doesn't pill or sting.
Sources
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
- Al-Niaimi F, Chiam NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
- Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.