With Summer here we are loving being outdoors and enjoying the sun!
We know there are risks of too much sun exposure without the proper protection. Enter the best duo to incorporate into your daytime skincare routine: SPF + Vitamin C. This powerful combination not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also enhances its natural defences, giving you a radiant and healthy complexion.
Benefits of SPF Alone
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is essential for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Benefits include:
- Prevents Sunburn: Sunscreen helps block UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn.
- Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer: Regular use of SPF significantly lowers the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma.
- Prevents Premature Aging: By protecting against UVA rays, SPF helps prevents the breakdown of skin cells that lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots.
- Protects Against Hyperpigmentation: Sunscreen helps maintain an even skin tone by preventing dark spots and discolouration caused by sun exposure.
Benefits of Vitamin C Alone
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with numerous benefits for the skin:
- Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, reducing oxidative stress on the skin.
- Boosts Collagen Production: It stimulates collagen synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Brightens Skin: Vitamin C helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter, more even complexion.
- Reduces Inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm and soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling (though high concentrations can be irritating).
Why They Make Such a Great Combo for Your Skin
Combining Vitamin C with SPF creates a synergistic effect that enhances the protective benefits of each:
- Enhanced UV Protection: While SPF blocks harmful UV rays, it does not block 100% of them. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals generated by any UV that penetrates the skin, providing an extra layer of defence.
- Improved Skin Repair: Vitamin C aids in repairing sun-induced damage by promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation, complementing the protective role of SPF.
- Comprehensive Healthy Aging: Together, they protect against and repair photoaging, maintaining radiant, healthy skin as we age.
How to Layer Your Skincare for Daytime
To maximize the benefits of Vitamin C and SPF, follow these steps in your daytime skincare routine:
- Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities from your skin.
- Apply Vitamin C Serum: After cleansing, apply a few drops of Vitamin C serum, on dry skin, to your face and neck. Allow it to absorb fully.*
- Hydrate/Tone: Mist your face with your hydrating toner/elixir.
- Moisturize: Follow with your oil or cream based products (serums/moisturizers).
- Apply SPF: Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Ensure even coverage over all exposed areas.
- Makeup (Optional): If you wear makeup, apply it after your sunscreen has absorbed.
Remember to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours of sun exposure or after excessive sweating or swimming. This is essential for proper protection!
* If you are new to Vitamin C or tend to be sensitive, your skin may do best by alternating your Vitamin C product every other day. Or choose a formula that is sensitive skin friendly (we have some below).
Our Top Sunscreen Picks:
Coola Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30: Our bestselling sunscreen- it leaves zero white cast and has a unique silky, powdery finish that helps control shine.
Eminence Sun Defence SPF Powder Sunscreen:The best sunscreen for reapplication! This mineral powder spf can be reapplied over makeup and on-the-go.
Eminence Daily Defense Tinted SPF 50: A new tinted formula that evens out skin tone and contains some of our favourite skin care ingredients like prickly pear for a bright and radiant glow.
Our Top Vitamin C Picks:
LILFOX Haute C: An incredible blend of Tetra-C (gold standard of Vitamin C) and botanical sources of Vitamin C for a total of 15% concentration.
Josh Rosebrook C Complex: A gentle, stable Vitamin C serum, with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid for high antioxidant support and protection.
Eminence Superfood Booster Powder: A powder form of Vitamin C formulated with whole plant sources. Stable, travel and sensitive skin-friendly, you simply add a small scoop to any cream moisturizer or mask!