Yes, vitamin C and peptides make excellent partners in your skincare routine. Both ingredients deliver amazing benefits for skin health and work together to boost collagen and fight signs of aging. The secret lies in proper layering techniques.

Let's talk about what works when it comes to mixing these ingredients, how to use them without irritation, and why skin experts say this powerful combination deserves a spot in your skincare routine. Their combination might appear complex, but knowledge of their properties helps users maximize benefits through effective layering techniques.

Understanding the Science Behind Vitamin C and Peptides

The sort of thing we love is the science behind these two powerful skincare ingredients. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and plays a vital part in protecting our skin from UV-induced and environmental (free radical) damage.

People often describe peptides as protein building blocks, but these remarkable molecules do much more. These short chains of amino acids work like messengers and tell our skin cells to make more collagen. They also help calm skin and make our skin barrier stronger.

The debate over whether peptides and vitamin C can be used together arises if someone is prone to sensitive skin.  Not all forms of vitamin C are created equal.  The most common form of vitamin C in skincare is L-ascorbic acid which is highly unstable meaning it can break down in the presence of light, air, and heat. It is also more acidic and can disrupt the skin barrier.  People with sensitive skin may experience more redness, irritation, and itchiness if using. 

 The good news is there are other forms including THD Ascorbate, which is more stable because it’s oil soluble, making it a better option for those with sensitive skin.  It also can penetrate the skin more effectively and this is why we chose THD Ascorbate for our Vitamin C Serum.

Maximizing the Benefits Through Proper Layering

Layering vitamin C and peptides needs both precision and patience. We find that there is a specific sequence that gives the best results for skin. Our recommendation for a morning and night routine:

AM:

1. Apply Vitamin C Serum and wait a few minutes to let it absorb
2. Hydrate with Essential Peptide Serum
3. Finish with Essential SPF 30

PM:

1. Essential Cleansing Oil
2. Essential Peptide Serum
3. [Optional] Essential Hydrating Tonic

Consistent use and proper technique lead to success. Users who allow adequate absorption time between layers, apply products in the right sequence, and select stable formulations like ours can tap into the full potential of these remarkable ingredients. This knowledge helps us confidently add both vitamin C and peptides to our routines, giving our skin the best opportunity to thrive.

While you can use both day and night, we recommend vitamin C in the morning because it’s an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV rays.  It also works with your daily sunscreen to help guard against UV rays.

Product selection and application play significant roles in achieving these impressive outcomes. We recommended our oil-based Peptide Serum and Vitamin C Serum to achieve optimal results.

By Kari Gran