You hear all the time how Vitamin C is good for your skin. You also probably have heard it boosts the power of your SPF when worn under it. But why? Let's dive into it.
Protecting our skin from harmful UV radiation is essential for maintaining its health and vitality. While many are familiar with the significance of applying sunscreen (SPF) on their face, an often-overlooked but equally crucial step is wearing Vitamin C underneath the SPF. Vitamin C offers numerous benefits to the skin, promoting overall skin health, combating signs of aging, and enhancing the effectiveness of sunscreen. This essay explores why wearing Vitamin C under SPF on the face is vital for achieving optimal skin protection and nourishment.
Enhances Sunscreen Protection: Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. However, using Vitamin C serum before applying sunscreen can provide an extra layer of defense against these damaging rays. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules formed due to sun exposure. By reducing the oxidative stress caused by these free radicals, Vitamin C enhances the overall effectiveness of SPF, amplifying its ability to shield the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Neutralizes Free Radicals: As mentioned earlier, Vitamin C is an antioxidant known for its ability to neutralize free radicals. These free radicals, generated by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and stress, can cause cellular damage, skin discoloration, and premature aging. By incorporating Vitamin C into our skincare routine, we can combat these harmful free radicals, preventing collagen breakdown, and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by sun damage. Thus, wearing Vitamin C under SPF ensures that our skin is fortified against the harmful effects of the sun and environmental stressors.
Promotes Collagen Synthesis: Collagen is a structural protein responsible for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of our skin. The sun's ultraviolet rays can degrade collagen, leading to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis, helping to maintain its integrity and promote its production. By doing so, Vitamin C helps to maintain a youthful and supple complexion, counteracting the aging effects caused by sun exposure. Wearing Vitamin C under SPF aids in minimizing collagen breakdown, thereby preserving the skin's firmness and minimizing the signs of aging.
Brightens and Evens skin tone: Another remarkable benefit of Vitamin C is its ability to brighten and even out skin tone. Sun exposure can lead to the development of pigmentation issues, causing dark spots, melasma, or uneven tone. Vitamin C works as a natural brightening agent, inhibiting the production of excess melanin responsible for these skin discolorations. When used in conjunction with SPF, Vitamin C helps to preserve a radiant and youthful complexion, protecting the skin from the effects of sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
Breakout warning: If you have acne-prone and acne-sensitive skin, Vitamin C may cause you to break out depending on how potent the skincare product is. We suggest booking a virtual consultation with one of our licensed estheticians to find out what Vitamin C skincare product is best for YOUR skin.