Powerhouse skincare combinations….

Vitamin C and SPF

Did you know that Vitamin C increases the efficacy of SPF? This is down to its anti-oxidant properties. Vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals. These are unstable molecules that have lost an electron, they then steal electrons from other molecules causing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes damage to our lipid and proteins cells, breaking them down over time and contributing to the signs of ageing such as loss of skin elasticity and greying hair. 

Anti-oxidants are chemicals that help reduce the effects of free radicals by ‘donating’ an electron to the free radical and reducing their reactivity. So cool right!? UV exposure generates free radicals and Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant, reduces the formation of free radicals. 

Now Vitamin C isn’t right for everyone, it can be irritating for those with sensitive skin but there are plenty other anti-oxidant skincare ingredients to look out for such as Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin A (retinol) and Reservatrol.

Are you using an anti-oxidant serum and SPF in combination? If not then you should be!

Sources:

Topical Vitamin C- DermNet- 2002 (reviewed 2023)

How do free radicals affect the body?- Medical News Today 2017