Switch vitamin C to nighttime in winter

Switching your vitamin C serum to nighttime application during winter is the easiest way to avoid irritation from cold wind exposure.

Here’s the issue: most vitamin C serums are acidic (low pH) to work properly. That acidic environment briefly compromises your skin barrier, making it more vulnerable. Pair that with cold, dry winter wind—which already strips moisture and inflames skin—and you’ve got a recipe for stinging, redness, and peeling.

Morning application isn’t impossible, but it requires timing. You need to apply the serum, wait at least 15–20 minutes for it to dry down