Can You Use Vitamin C Serum After Dermaplaning? Benefits, How-to, and Tips

by Linda Robison

Applying vitamin C after dermaplaning can significantly boost the anti-aging benefits of the procedure. What type of serum is best and how to use it safely.

woman applying vitamin C serum after deramplaning

Using vitamin C serum after dermaplaning seems like a smart move, doesn't it? 

Since your freshly exfoliated skin is all prepped and ready, it's the perfect time to soak up this powerful antioxidant. It's like giving your complexion an extra boost of radiance.

But keep in mind, not all vitamin C products are created equal. Some formulations can be too harsh for recently exfoliated skin.

Let's look at all the benefits of using vitamin C right after dermaplaning, how and when to apply it. And get tips on selecting the best products to enhance and protect against irritation or stinging.

What does Dermaplaning do?

Woman dermaplaning her forehead.

Just a quick rundown of what it is:

Dermaplaning, also referred to as dermablading, is an intense exfoliating treatment using a thin surgical like scalpel to gently scrape dead skin cells and vellus hair, (also known as peach fuzz), off the top layer of your complexion.

This process leaves your face incredibly smooth. See how you can do this exfoliating treatment yourself at home. 

How dermaplaning enhances absorption of Vitamin C

The Benefits of Vitamin C after Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning makes your skin a clean slate for creams and serums to do their thing.

By getting rid of dead skin cells and peach fuzz, dermaplaning helps the good stuff soak into your skin deeper and do a better job of making your skin look younger.

Not only does dermaplaning help vitamin C get absorbed better, but the exfoliating action helps your skin renew itself faster.

That means your skin is always getting fresher, making it look younger and more glowing. When you use vitamin C after dermaplaning, you get the most out of both treatments and get the best results.

Vitamin C and collagen production

Collagen is like the building blocks that give your skin its shape and strength. It's what keeps your skin firm and bouncy. But as we get older, our skin makes less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and lines.

That's where vitamin C comes in. It's like the superhero that helps make more collagen. It helps change certain proteins into collagen, which makes more of it.

When you apply it after dermaplaning, it gives your skin what it needs to make more collagen. This helps your complexion feel firmer and look younger.

Not only does vitamin C help make more collagen, but it also protects the collagen you already have. It fights against bad stuff called free radicals, which can break down collagen and make your skin age faster.

So, by using vitamin C, you can help keep your skin looking young and prevent wrinkles from forming.

How vitamin C brightens and evens out the skin tone

One of the benefits of this anti-oxidant serum is that it can make your complexion look brighter and more even. This is really helpful for people who have brown spots or uneven discoloration on their skin.

Vitamin C stops your skin from making too much of a pigment called melanin. Melanin is what makes spots and uneven areas on your skin.

Slowing down how much melanin your skin makes can make spots fade away and stop new ones from showing up. 

Note: It's also very important to always use a high quality sunscreen with at least a PA+++ rating.

How to apply vitamin C after dermaplaning

woman rinsing face after dermaplaning

Here's a simple rundown of how to use vitamin C serum after dermaplaning:

1. Rinse and dry: Rinse your skin with cool water, and pat dry. Rinsing helps remove left over dead skin cells and peach fuzz. No need to cleanse since your face was cleansed and prepped before dermaplaining.

Note: Plus, the cool water feels SO good, since your face may feel a bit warm after treatment

2. Apply Vitamin C Serum: Place a few drops of the serum on your fingertips and gently spread it all over face and neck. Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum into your skin. 

3. Let Dry: For best absorption, allow the serum to dry and fully absorb for a few minutes.

4. Moisturize: Now apply a super hydrating moisturizer to lock in all the goodness and keep your skin hydrated.

5. Avoid Other Products: For best results, consider doing this treatment in the evening. This way, you can skip the sunscreen and makeup routine. This allows your freshly exfoliated skin to fully soak in the benefits of the vitamin C and moisturizer while giving it some well-deserved downtime.

Tips: What type of vitamin C serum to use

Choose the Right Formulation:

Vitamin C comes in various forms, such as ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Look for a formulation that is stable and well-suited for your skin type.

Ascorbic acid is the most potent form but can be irritating to some individuals, while tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is more gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Note: Remember, irritation and inflammation can lead to premature aging! So make sure to use ones best suited for your skin type.

Follow these tips to find one best suited for your complexion:

Normal: If your complexion is not sensitive and/or you've used strong serum solutions before, then consider trying a serum crafted with a 20% solution of L-ascorbic acid. This is the most powerful type of vitamin C, and offers impressive anti-aging advantages.

Sensitive: Those with a sensitive complexion should consider a 5-10% solution serum. It's gentle enough not to irritate, but still effective enough to help brighten and reducing hyperpigmentation.

Dry, Damaged or Mature: If your skin is thin, crepey, or lacks moisture, then look for serums that offer extra hydration. Serums that also contain hyaluronic acid is a great option.  

  • Suggestion: Zenmed Vitamin C Booster. Just apply a few drops of this vitamin C booster to your favorite hydrating moisturizer. In fact, you can a few drops into any skincare product any time you want extra vitamin C! 

Note: My skin isn't usually sensitive, but after doing some at-home dermaplaning, my face ends up feeling all warm, raw, and touchy. Even putting on makeup becomes this uncomfortable thing. So, if you're going for a 20% l-ascorbic acid serum, keep an eye out for ones with added hydrating oils and soothing stuff – your skin will thank you for the extra love. 😘

Vitamin C Serum After Dermaplaning: Summary

Adding a vitamin C serum after every dermaplaning treatment can seriously level up the anti-aging benefits. Vitamin C is the best natural way to get a brighter, smoother complexion!

And, intense exfoliating treatments (like dermablading) helps remove brown, age spots and discoloration even more quickly. So, it's a win-win combination.

Just be sure to select the right serum for your type and complexion. Remember, you want to avoid any irritation, inflammation, or discomfort as this will only age your complexion faster.



Applying vitamin C serum after dermaplaning

Q: Can I use vitamin C serum before dermaplaning?

A: No. It's best to always dermaplane on a clean, dry skin. If you have extra sensitive skin, you can apply a small amount of face oil to improve the glide of the blade.

Q: What other serums can I use after dermaplaning at home?

A: You can apply hyaluronic acid which can help moisturizer your face. But avoid harsh acid serums like alpha hydroxy, glycolic acid and retinol serums.

Q: What Should You Avoid After Dermaplaning at home?

A: Skip the strong cleansers, serums, and scrubs. Opt for soothing, gentle hydration since your skin gets extra sensitive in the 24-48 hours post-dermaplaning. Visit this page to find out how to care for your face after dermaplaning at home.

Q: What is the best hydrating serum after dermaplaning?

A: The best hydrating serum can vary from person to person, since everyone's skin is different. However, always look for a serums that are gentle and rich in moisture-retaining components like hyaluronic acid, essential fatty acids, oils and ceramides.

Read the post above for some great vitamin C serum selections for sensitive skin.

Q: Can I use vitamin C oil after dermaplaning?

A: Test a small area first to make sure it's hydrating enough and the vitamin C solution is not too strong. Vitamin C is acidic, so even if it's in an oil base, it could still irritate sensitive skin. It should state that it's a hydrating skincare product somewhere on the label for best results.

Q: Why can't you use retinol after dermaplaning?

A: Never use retinols after dermaplaning! Retinols are exfoliants too. And using them after dermaplaning can cause irritation and dry skin. You should wait several days before using retinols after dermaplaning.