Benefits of Pairing Vitamin C and Sunscreen
Most of us can agree that there’s nothing better than a little fun in the sun, especially when paired with your besties and a cold beverage or two. Unfortunately, the rays bestowing you with that radiant warmth are the very same ones that can cause signs of premature aging.
That’s why you should always invite two other BFFs to any outdoor outing: SPF and vitamin C.
Vitamin C is full of antioxidants, which can have positive effects on your skin. From strengthening skin to lightening dark spots, Vitamin C is a helpful tool to add to your skincare arsenal. When paired with sunscreen, vitamin C’s benefits become far more potent. They last longer on your skin and can offer more effective protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Here, we discuss SPF and vitamin C for sun protection and why you should consider pairing it with sunscreen to keep your skin safe and healthy.
The benefits of topical vitamin C
If you’re looking for reasons to add a topical vitamin C to your skincare routine, we’ve got plenty of tempting advantages. From fending off free radicals to strengthening your skin, here are some of the benefits of topical vitamin C:
Protecting skin from environmental aggressors – Environmental aggressors surround us daily in the form of air pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV rays. These aggressors can cause the production of free radicals, which may harm your DNA and tissues, leading to premature aging. However, vitamin C’s antioxidants can help to neutralize free radicals, protecting your skin from potential damage.
Promoting the production of collagen – The body creates collagen naturally, but as the years progress, production slows down. A topical vitamin C can help increase the amount of collagen your body makes, which may strengthen your skin and give it more elasticity, so it looks and feels more supple.
Improving acne – Antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Since vitamin C is full of antioxidants, it may help to slow the production of sebum (the natural oil produced by your skin), which can contribute to acne flare-ups. Those same anti-inflammatory properties may also reduce redness and swelling due to blemishes.
Lightening dark spots – Melanin is a natural pigment that can cause certain areas of your skin to darken. This darkening may be exacerbated by sunlight, causing hyperpigmentation (a.k.a dark spots) on your face. When you add a topical vitamin C to your daily regimen, it can help lighten those dark spots by restricting melanin's production. With regular use, you might find yourself with that special glow that you only thought existed in magazines.
Limiting the damage of UV exposure – Vitamin C has antioxidant properties which can keep your skin safe from damages caused by UV light.
Reducing wrinkles – Vitamin C’s powers are pretty amazing, but unfortunately, they can’t wondrously take away any fine lines or wrinkles you already have. However, because it protects against free radicals (the pesky wrinkle-causing unstable atoms), it may prevent more lines from forming if you use it regularly.
Improving skin’s texture – Because of vitamin C’s ability to increase collagen production, it can also improve your skin’s overall texture. This is because collagen can help your skin remain firm, slowing down the formation of lines and wrinkles. Voila—smoother, more vibrant skin.
Hydrating skin – Another descendant of vitamin C (Ascorbyl phosphate) can decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL). With more water staying where it belongs, your skin has a better opportunity to stay hydrated. Say hello to your fresh, dewy skin.
Why vitamin C should be paired with sunscreen
On the list of what not to mix with vitamin C, you won’t find sunscreen. If you use these two skincare ingredients in tandem, vitamin C becomes the Robin to sunscreen’s Batman. Suddenly you have a powerful protection squad prepared to keep your face safe from environmental evils like UV rays. But how exactly does vitamin C for sun protection work to improve skin health?
Here, we break down some of the advantages of using this dynamic duo together:
Vitamin C boosts sunscreen’s protective powers
By itself, sunscreen protects you from up to 55% of ultraviolet rays. Sure, that’s a pretty significant number, but what if you could increase that amount by adding another superstar player?
When you use a layer of vitamin C serum followed by an application of sunscreen, the combo works together to fight off free radical damage., Batman and Robin to the rescue to combat signs of premature skin aging, such as:
The more protection against UV radiation and sun exposure, the better for skin health.
Sunscreen keeps vitamin C on your skin for longer
When you wear vitamin C on your face sans sunscreen, the sun quickly oxidizes it from your skin—even if you don’t come into direct contact with it for an extended period. That means the vitamin C is being burned away, along with its incredible skin benefits. This can leave you vulnerable to potentially damaging UV rays.
That’s why it’s important to layer up with vitamin C and sunscreen. Using both can give your vitamin C an extra boost of durability. This can keep your skin safer for longer while you enjoy as much sun as you want (as long as you don't forget to reapply your sunscreen).
Even if you’d rather sit at home in your pajamas all day watching cable TV (we don’t judge), it’s still important to apply your sunscreen and vitamin C. Although you’re not in direct sunlight, UVA rays—the ones linked to the aging of skin cells—can still permeate through the glass of your windows and find their way to your face.
How to use vitamin C and sunscreen together
If you’re ready to add vitamin C and sunscreen to your morning skincare routine, we’ve got you covered. Remember, when using face products, always start with the thinnest solution first (like your cleanser) and end with the thickest one (most likely your SPF).
Here’s a simple routine on how to use vitamin C serum with sunscreen to get you started on your journey to proactively protect your skin:
Step 1:Cleanse – Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. This can help get rid of bacteria that accumulated overnight. Use lukewarm water to carefully rinse it off. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Step 2:Apply toner – Apply your toner by soaking a cotton pad with liquid. Then, lightly sweep it over your face and neck to remove any extra oil or dirt.
Step 3:Break out the vitamin C – Apply your vitamin C serum to your face. If you have any extra, you can rub it gently onto your neck and hands.
Step 4:Apply your moisturizer – While your SPF is moisturizing, it won’t provide you with the same level of hydration.
Step 5:Finish the routine with sunscreen – Use your sunscreen on your hands, neck, and face. Signs of premature skin aging can show up anywhere your skin is exposed, so be sure to apply sunscreen there to prevent UV damage.
Following this simple skincare routine order can ensure all the products are getting penetrated into the skin and working effectively.
What’s better—vitamin C serum or cream?
It depends on you and your needs.
According to Annie Chie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, serums typically have a higher concentration of L-ascorbic acid (one of the most commonly used forms of vitamin C) than their creamy counterparts.
The higher concentration helps the serum to penetrate the skin’s barrier more thoroughly. This can make it more effective at:
On the other hand, a moisturizer with vitamin C can still provide you with similar benefits (albeit at a slower pace because of its lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid). As a bonus, it can give your skin an extra dose of moisture while alleviating any dry or itchy skin. At the end of the day, the products you use in your skin care can highly depend on your skin type and/or skin concern.
Personally, we recommend treating yourself to the best of both worlds and using a serum and a cream.
Up your skincare game with The Pill Club
It’s never too early to take your skincare game to the next level. Pairing vitamin C and sunscreen is a perfect place to start.
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