To use a vitamin C serum, apply a few drops to clean, dry skin on your face and neck, massage it in until absorbed, then follow with moisturiser and, in the morning, a separate broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen. Most people use it once or twice a day, morning, evening or both, depending on the product's directions and how their skin feels.
What a vitamin C serum does for the look of your skin
Vitamin C is one of the best-known ingredients for a brighter-looking complexion. In a serum, it comes in a light, fast-absorbing texture designed to sit close to the skin before heavier layers go on top.
Many serums use a stable vitamin C derivative rather than pure vitamin C, chosen so the formula stays fresh for longer. Used regularly, a vitamin C serum helps skin look fresher, more radiant and more even-looking, and helps tired-looking skin look less dull.
It's a cosmetic step, not a quick fix. Think of it as a daily habit that supports a glowing, cared-for look over time. It also slots easily into most routines, between cleanser and moisturiser.
How to apply vitamin C serum, step by step
- Cleanse. Wash your face and neck with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Dispense a few drops. Three to four drops is usually enough for the face and neck, but check your product's directions.
- Press and smooth. Warm the serum between your fingertips, press it onto your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, then smooth it down your neck.
- Massage until absorbed. Give it a moment to sink in before the next step.
- Moisturise. Follow with your usual moisturiser to help skin feel soft and comfortable.
- Add sunscreen in the morning. Finish with a separate broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen. A serum is not a sunscreen.
Keep serum away from your eyes, and patch-test before first use, especially if your skin is easily upset.
Morning or night: when to use it
There's no single right time. Many people like vitamin C in the morning as part of a fresh, bright start to the day, followed by moisturiser and sunscreen. Others prefer the evening, when they have more time and fewer layers to fit in.
- Morning: cleanse, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen.
- Evening: cleanse, serum, moisturiser.
- Twice daily: follow both routines if your product suggests it and your skin feels comfortable.
- Starting out: begin once a day for the first week or two, then increase if your skin is happy.
Consistency matters more than timing. Pick the routine you'll actually stick to.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few small habits make a big difference to how much you enjoy your serum.
Using too much. More drops won't give a brighter look faster and may leave skin feeling sticky. Skipping moisturiser. A serum is light, and most skin types still want a moisturising layer on top. Layering too many active products. If you also use exfoliating acids or retinol, introduce one new product at a time and give your skin time to adjust. Forgetting sunscreen. In Australia, daily sunscreen is the foundation of any routine aimed at a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Store your serum with the cap closed, away from direct sun and heat. A bathroom cabinet or bedside drawer works well. If you travel often, a serum is an easy step to keep up on the road, as it takes up little space in a toiletry bag.
The Ayouthveda Vitamin C Face Serum
The Vitamin C Face Serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum made with 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a stable vitamin C derivative, alongside amla, lemon and saffron. Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and propanediol add a hydration boost, so skin feels soft, supple and moisturised. With regular use, it helps skin look brighter, fresher and more radiant.
Apply three to four drops to your face and neck, massage until absorbed and use twice daily, following with a moisturiser such as the Ultra Hydrating Face Emulsion Cream, a light, non-greasy rose and aloe vera cream that layers easily under sunscreen. Saffron has a special place in radiance rituals; read more in our post on saffron (kesar) for a luminous glow, or explore the full Ayouthveda range.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use vitamin C serum every day?
Many vitamin C serums are designed for daily use, and some, like ours, suggest twice a day. If you're new to vitamin C, start once a day and build up as your skin feels comfortable. If you notice tingling or discomfort that doesn't settle, stop using it and give your skin a break.
Do I apply vitamin C serum before or after moisturiser?
Before. Serums are light and designed to go on clean skin, so apply your vitamin C serum straight after cleansing and let it absorb. Then follow with moisturiser to help skin feel soft, and in the morning, finish with a separate broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen as the final step of your routine.
Can I use vitamin C serum around my eyes?
Keep serum away from the eyes themselves. Most people apply it across the face and neck and stop at the orbital bone, the bony ridge around the eye. If you want something specifically for the under-eye area, choose a product made for it, keep it on the orbital bone and patch-test first.
How long does it take to notice a difference?
It varies from person to person, and there's no set timeline. Many people find their skin feels more hydrated soon after applying a serum, while a brighter, fresher look is something you notice gradually with regular use. Consistency, daily sunscreen and gentle cleansing all make a difference to how your skin looks.
This article shares general skincare information, not medical advice. Everyone's skin is different — patch-test any new product on a small area first and stop use if irritation occurs.
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