Do Vitamin C creams make you sun sensitive?

Dr. Irwin
August 5, 2015
I am wanting to start using a vitamin C cream,serum to help lighten the skin on my face. But I have a couple questions: Will it make you sun sensitive? Can it cause damage with long term use? I've read conflicting info. I see where Vit C can actually help protect u from the sun but then I read where it can make u more sun sensitive. I also read that it can cause more damage by causing premature aging. I am trying to repair my skin and I don't want to use any products that will cause sun sensitivity. Can you please clarify this?? Thx!!

No – in fact it’s the reverse!  But, first of all make sure your Vitamin C is working for you.   The best are serums, pHd to about 3.0 from 10-20%.   20% is better but start with 10% to make sure you tolerate it and work up from there.   Or use Vitamin C in a serum or gel that is combined with other antioxidants in therapeutic percentages (link to antioxidants here).

Vitamin C stabilizes skin cell (keratinocyte) DNA and  helps to prevent damage to skin cells from UVA and UVB.   Use it under your sunscreen but night is fine if you can’t.   Glycolics, alpha and beta hyroxys and retinoids like Retin A  DO increase your suns sensitivity.

Hope this helps, Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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