In the Mix: How to Use Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C Together

Glowy skin is a hallmark of summer, but time spent outdoors can also lead to dark spots, uneven tone, and dullness. If you want glowing skin all year round, two of the most effective ingredients you can rely on are glycolic acid and vitamin C. Many people wonder whether they can use glycolic acid and vitamin C together. Before we explore that, it helps to understand why vitamin C is such an essential part of any brightening routine and why it is often included in the best vitamin C serum formulations.

 

What is Vitamin C, and What Does It Do for Skin?

Vitamin C is a true skincare powerhouse. It is a highly effective antioxidant that helps defend the skin against free radical damage caused by daily stressors such as pollution, UV exposure, and environmental aggressors. These factors can weaken the skin over time, contributing to visible ageing and uneven tone. Using vitamin C consistently can help brighten the complexion and support healthier-looking skin.

 

The Benefits of Vitamin C in Skincare Include:

• Helping prevent visible damage such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven tone
• Diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Shielding the skin from free radicals
• Supporting natural collagen production for improved firmness

When your vitamin C product is well formulated, it can help bring brightness and clarity back to the skin. However, Dr. Murad notes that not all vitamin C products maintain their potency. Many traditional forms of vitamin C break down quickly, lose strength, or struggle to absorb into the skin effectively. This can lead to disappointment, even if you are using a product with vitamin C on the label.

 

To overcome this, Murad uses gold-stabilised technology to help create one of the best vitamin C serum formulas available. By bonding gold molecules to vitamin C molecules, the ingredient stays protected and stable until it reaches the skin. This improves bioavailability, helps maximise antioxidant power, and boosts the effectiveness of the vitamin C. The result is stronger brightening benefits and a more visible improvement in tone.

Can I Combine Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid?

Dr. Murad says yes. He has been using glycolic acid and vitamin C together since his earliest days practising dermatology in Los Angeles. His experience showed that these two ingredients complement each other extremely well.

 

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by lifting away dulling surface cells. When those dead surface cells are removed, the skin becomes smoother, fresher, and more receptive to other ingredients. This exfoliation step helps vitamin C penetrate more effectively, which is why the combination can deliver faster and more noticeable brightening results.

 

Vitamin C then goes to work beneath the surface, helping to brighten the look of the skin, minimise pigmentation, and support collagen. When paired, glycolic acid clears the way, and vitamin C amplifies radiance. Together, they help accelerate turnover and encourage glowing skin with a more even, healthy-looking tone.

 

Murad combines these benefits in Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, which unites exfoliating glycolic acid with gold-stabilised vitamin C in a single, easy-to-use step. This serum captures Dr. Murad’s brightening treatment in a bottle, delivering visible radiance and encouraging a smoother, more even complexion.

How Soon Will I See Results?

If you are consistent, you can begin to see brighter skin in as little as one week, with the best results appearing after four weeks. Results will vary slightly depending on your skin type, but most users notice enhanced radiance, smoother texture, and a more even tone as the ingredients work together.

 

Dr. Murad recommends applying your vitamin C and glycolic acid serum both morning and evening after cleansing. Smooth a few pumps over the face, neck, and chest and follow with a moisturiser for hydration. Because glycolic acid exfoliates, it is important to always use SPF during the day. Sunscreen protects your progress and helps prevent new dark spots.

The Bottom Line

Using glycolic acid and vitamin C together can help brighten, smooth, and revitalise the look of your complexion. Glycolic acid exfoliates dulling surface cells, allowing vitamin C to absorb more effectively. Vitamin C then helps to minimise hyperpigmentation, support collagen, and deliver glowing skin.

 

The combination offers impressive brightening benefits, especially when used through a well formulated serum such as Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, which unites two powerhouse ingredients into one step. It is an easy way to mimic in-clinic results and keep your skin looking smooth, bright, and healthy.