layering of products question
 

i've started using vitamin c regularly and like how it's helping my dark marks fade and my skin seem brighter. i still like the acne fighting powers of bha and the dark mark fading power of glycolic acid.

my question is, if i want to use my vitamin c can i layer either of the other products too and if so in what order? OR is it best to wear them one at a time in rotation? (i.e. mon vit c, tues bha, wed glycolic acid, etc)

I would apply the acids (BHA or glycolic) first, let absorb then apply the Vitamin C. My thoughts on that order is that the acids will help open up the pores for the Vitamin C to absorb deeper and work more effectively. I'd then "seal" everything in with a moisturizer.

I'd star layering slowly...maybe build up to it. Start with both acids, let your skin adjust, and then add the vitamin c...

^^^ good point!!! and yes i use a good moisturizer primer before applying my meow foundation. thanks girl!!

I tend to layer my products from thinest to thickest to increase absoptions. As for vitamin C I have read that you should combine it with vit A, cooper peptides and niacin.

You start with Vit C. Always. It needs to be on clean skin to absorb properly. You can apply BHA right after, but if the pH of the BHA is higher, it might negate a little of the effects of the Vit C.

The general rule is: acids first, then other actives, then moisturizer (if needed).

Applying moisturizer immediately afterwards doesn't necessarily "seal" anything in...when it comes to acids, it can negate everything because it neutralizes the acid before it has a chance to work. To get maximum effect, wait 30 minutes after applying acids before applying anything else. The skin neutralizes acids on it's on in about 30 minutes.

Never use Vit C and copper peptides at the same time of day...spread them out so that you use Vit C in the morning, and CP at night. Vit C and copper interact and neutralize each other. They also turn you orange...basically it's "rust". And it doesn't smell very good either...very metallic.

i was confused because bha and vit c are both acids so i didn't know which to use first. i have muac vit c and psf bha. i need to go back and look at the ph's. my skin is doing well again. i'm just focused on two dark marks on my check from when my skin wigged out in the fall. i'm using hydroquoinne to speed that along. i'd like to be able to not have to wear concealer to cover those spots by spring.

PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) takes about 6-12 months to fade. You can help it along slightly with Vit C or hydraquinone 4%, but it still requires time.

Thank you for catching that I meant shouldn't combine!