Combining vitamin C and argan oil: the method

The combination is simple and effective: an active first, a fatty substance second. The vitamin C serum acts on radiance and neutralizes free radicals; argan oil seals the routine and nourishes. Each does what the other does not.

The essentials

• Order: vitamin C serum first, argan oil second.
• Wait time: one minute.
• Quantities: a few drops of serum, 2 to 3 drops of oil.
• Time: morning preferably, evening also possible.
• Compatibility: total.

Why this order

Vitamin C is water-soluble and must reach the skin before any oily layer. An oil applied first would form a barrier that an aqueous serum would not penetrate.

The opposite works perfectly: the serum penetrates, then the oil seals and prolongs its stay on the surface. This is the general rule for all layering, and there is no exception here.

The protocol

1. Gentle cleansing, by patting rather than wiping.

2. Vitamin C serum, a few drops spread over the face.

3. One minute wait.

4. Two to three drops of argan oil, warmed between the palms then applied with gentle pressure.

5. Sunscreen in the morning, without exception.

What the combination provides

A more radiant complexion, and more supple skin. The first effect comes from the active ingredient, the second from the oil — they do not overlap.

Argan oil also extends the comfort provided by the serum: an aqueous active applied alone leaves the skin feeling tight, especially in dry air. The fatty substance resolves this point.

Antioxidant protection on two phases

Vitamin C works in the aqueous phase; the tocopherols in argan oil work in the oily phase. Free radicals attack both.

Bringing the two together therefore covers the whole, which neither of them does alone. This is the strongest argument for this combination, and it is rarely put forward.

For radiant skin: the actual deadlines

Radiance is noticeable in four to six weeks. Brown spots require two to three months, sometimes more for old marks.

The suppleness provided by the oil is felt from the first few days, but the improvement in skin texture takes three to four weeks — the time of a surface renewal cycle.

Add a humectant

If your skin feels tight, intersperse a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin, before vitamin C. Neither the active ingredient nor the oil provides water: one acts, the other retains.

The three steps layer effortlessly and form a complete routine in less than three minutes.

According to your skin type

Dry skin: the complete combination, morning and evening.

Combination skin: the serum everywhere, the oil only on the areas that feel tight.

Oily skin: keep the serum and replace the argan oil with a light cream, or reduce to just one drop.

Sensitive skin: prefer a stabilized vitamin C derivative. Argan oil is very well tolerated.

Choosing your two products

For the serum: a concentration of 10 to 15% ascorbic acid, an opaque pump bottle, a small volume. A serum that has turned orange should be replaced.

For the oil: first cold pressing, tinted glass, 100% argan oil composition without additives. The characteristic vegetal smell is a good sign, not a defect.

In the evening too

There is nothing to prevent using this combination in the evening. If your evening routine includes retinol, however, keep vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening: this is the most comfortable separation.

The final word

We remain in the realm of daily care, not treatment. This routine beautifies and protects; it cures nothing. For a persistent lesion or an evolving spot, a doctor's opinion takes precedence over everything else.

Oil last, always

Argan applied beforehand would form a barrier that the acidic serum would not penetrate. A vitamin C concentrated serum first, on clean skin, the oil at the end of the routine — and preferably in the evening, where its finish does not have to withstand makeup.