What is the "Morning C, Evening A" Anti-Aging Skincare Method?

The "Morning C, Evening A" method has always been a popular skincare formula in the beauty industry. Some people praise it as a combination that brings together the benefits of whitening, reducing spots, and antioxidative repair. So, what does "Morning C, Evening A" mean? What are the steps to follow and are there any precautions?

In simple terms, it is a skincare regimen that focuses on antioxidant protection during the day and anti-aging repair at night. In the morning, you use skincare products containing vitamin C or its derivatives, while in the evening, you use products containing vitamin A or its derivatives. The synergy created by alternating between the two produces results greater than the sum of their individual effects. Why use Vitamin C in the morning? Vitamin C or its derivatives have excellent anti-aging effects and can help the skin fight inflammation. Dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich says, "Using vitamin C products daily can effectively improve the skin's self-repair and healing abilities, repair damage from environmental factors, fade acne scars, and promote natural collagen production." Vitamin C can be used in both the morning and evening, but using it during the day maximizes its effects. During the day, the skin is exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, leading to the production of free radicals. Vitamin C, with its high reactivity, acts as a protective shield for the skin, preventing UV-induced immunosuppression and inhibiting melanin production. Additionally, vitamin C stimulates collagen production, helping to strengthen the skin and give it a tighter, smoother, and more elastic appearance. Why use Vitamin A in the evening? Vitamin A is considered an excellent anti-aging ingredient by dermatologists because retinol, a form of vitamin A, promotes skin cell turnover, stimulates the shedding of old skin cells, and improves skin texture and tone. Vitamin A acts as an exfoliant, helping to normalize oil secretion and prevent pore blockage. It is also suitable for combating excessive pigmentation and texture issues. Moreover, it stimulates the production of collagen in the dermis, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and can improve and thicken the skin, reducing the chances of collagen and elastin degradation. Is it necessary to follow the specific order of "Morning C, Evening A"? Won't using Vitamin C in the morning cause skin darkening? When discussing "Morning C, Evening A" online, many questions arise regarding the order. Why should vitamin C be used in the morning instead? There is a misconception that vitamin C, due to its light-absorbing properties, can cause skin darkening. However, as mentioned earlier, vitamin C has powerful protective effects, counteracts free radicals, and inhibits melanin production, slowing down the transmission of oxidative signals in sensitive cells. Nevertheless, since sun exposure can diminish the moisturizing or essence product's efficacy containing vitamin C, sunscreen is crucial. Additionally, using a high concentration of vitamin C in the morning without sufficient sun protection can lead to sensitivity reactions. As for using vitamin A in the evening, it is because vitamin A derivatives have excellent repairing effects on the skin. Furthermore, nighttime is considered the golden time for skin repair. When the skin is at rest, vitamin A can work more effectively and repair the damage caused by UV radiation during the day. The most important point is that vitamin A is photosensitive, meaning it should be reserved for nighttime use to prevent skin irritation and potential darkening. Although the "Morning C, Evening A" skincare formula is effective, it is not suitable for everyone! 1. Individuals with sensitive skin or compromised skin barriers should avoid using it, as it may worsen skin damage. 2. Pregnant women or those planning to conceive should not use it, as vitamin A can cause birth defects in babies. 3. Individuals who cannot establish tolerance should refrain from using it. Vitamin A is relatively irritating, and tolerance needs to be gradually built up before increasing the frequency of use. Is "Morning Vitamin C, Evening Vitamin A" Suitable for Everyone? Actually, It Depends on Skin Tolerance! The "Morning Vitamin C, Evening Vitamin A" routine has sparked controversy and received mixed reviews. Some people love it while others hate it. The reason behind this is that both vitamin A and vitamin C have potent effects, and not all skin types can tolerate these high-intensity skincare approaches. Many people who have tried the "Morning Vitamin C, Evening Vitamin A" routine often experience mild stinging and redness in the early stages, which is actually normal. Dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich suggests that building skin tolerance is essential when using the "Morning Vitamin C, Evening Vitamin A" routine. For beginners, it is recommended to use the routine every 2-3 days in the first week. In the second and third weeks, the frequency can gradually be increased to every 1-2 days. By the fourth week, the routine can be adjusted according to individual tolerance. If there are no adverse reactions, it can become a daily skincare regimen. Particularly for products containing vitamin A, the skin needs time to adapt. It is best to start with low concentrations of 0.1%-0.3% and gradually increase the concentration and frequency of use. It is also important to avoid using other skincare products with high alcohol content or high concentrations of acids that may cause irritation. However, it is important to note that individuals with compromised skin barriers should not use this routine as it may worsen skin damage. Pregnant women should also avoid it because vitamin A can be harmful to the baby. If a person experiences increasing pain and discomfort after using the routine, it is recommended to cleanse the skin immediately. If allergic reactions, swelling, or other adverse effects occur, seeking medical attention promptly is advised. Prohibitions and Precautions for "Morning Vitamin C, Evening Vitamin A" Routine! 1.Store Away from Light and Apply Sunscreen  It is worth mentioning that when applying vitamin C in the morning, it is crucial to apply sunscreen with at least SPF30 to allow vitamin C to work effectively. Additionally, vitamin A increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so proper sun protection is necessary to avoid darkening of the skin. Vitamin C itself is highly active and unstable. When exposed to light, it can deteriorate and lose its efficacy. Therefore, it should be stored away from light in a separate small bottle or sealed dark packaging, tightly closed, and kept in a cool, dry place. If vitamin C starts to turn brown or develops a sour smell, it indicates oxidation, and using it can cause yellowing of the skin. Thus, light exposure should be avoided when storing vitamin C. 2. Pay Attention to Concentration, Higher Isn't Always Better For vitamin C or retinol products, higher concentration does not necessarily mean better results. It is essential to consider the concentration and frequency of use to avoid adverse effects. Renowned American beauty expert Paula Begoun points out that previous studies have shown that the highest concentration of pure vitamin C used in skincare products is about 10%. However, even a concentration of only 0.6% of vitamin C already has anti-aging and antioxidant effects. Therefore, concentration is not the sole determining factor. 3. Avoid Layering Similar Products and Reduce the Use of Irritating Ingredients It is crucial not to layer similar products, such as using toners and serums both containing vitamin C, as doing so will not double the effectiveness but rather increase the risk of skin damage. In the "Morning Vitamin C, Evening Vitamin A" routine, it is advised not to combine it with acid products or simultaneously use BHA and AHA, as combining them will increase skin sensitivity and cause excessive irritation, harming the skinbarrier. Apart from vitamin C and A, it is best to focus on using simple and hypoallergenic skincare products. 4. Vitamin A Can Cause Dryness, Ensure Proper Moisturization Vitamin A has oil-controlling and accelerated exfoliation functions, which can lead to dryness. Therefore, when adapting to vitamin A, regardless of skin type, it is crucial to pay special attention to moisturizing and use moisturizing products to prevent water evaporation and skin dryness, which can inadvertently accelerate skin aging. Dr. Robert Paull, an American medical doctor, suggests applying a layer of moisturizer after cleansing, followed by vitamin A, and then another layer of moisturizer. Research has shown that the moisturizer's base helps improve the skin's tolerance to vitamin A without diminishing its effectiveness.