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The benefits of using Vitamin C and SPF for your skin

Benefits of using Vitamin C & SPF

An antioxidant serum and protective broad-spectrum sunscreen are two of the most powerful products in any skincare routine – no matter your skin type. But, when used together, their effectiveness increases and provides the skin with double the defence against environmental aggressors. Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, surgeon and international beauty lecturer, explains why Double Defence is so important and answers your most pressing skincare questions.

Why should we use a Vitamin C and SPF every day?

“Sunlight and its constituent components actively break down collagen fibres and stimulate melanocytes to form pigmentation and uneven skin tone. SPF then not only protects from pigmentation, but also supports the full mechanism of action of Vitamin C. And not to forget, that the most important reason to combine both is to protect the skin from free radicals.” says Dr. Jonquille Chantrey.

How does Vitamin C help protect from environmental factors?

“When the skin is exposed to damaging environmental factors, reactive oxygen species are generated. These reactive oxygen species contribute to inflammation, ageing and sagging skin through elastosis - the reduction of elastin and collagen,” explains Dr. Jonquille Chantrey. “UV light for example, reduces the availability of Vitamin C in the skin. Vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative stress by donating electrons to neutralise the free radicals. Vitamin C therefore combats these important skin health issues”.

Why should Vitamin C and SPF always be used together?

“For maximum protection of the delicate skin cells against DNA damaging free radicals,” says Dr. Jonquille Chantrey. "Combining Vitamin C serum and broad-spectrum sunscreen has been shown to be more effective at neutralising free radical damage than sunscreen alone.”

Does Vitamin C increase sun sensitivity?

“Vitamin C provides the skin with sun protection. But it works even better in conjunction with Vitamin E which potentiates the action of Vit. C,” explains Dr. Jonquille Chantrey. “Together they synergistically limit UV damage by significantly reducing cell breakdown and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic combines both active vitamin components. C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF have both been proven to provide up to 8 x environmental protection*”.

*Clinical evaluation. Average result compared with untreated skin.

What should you look for in a Vitamin C serum and SPF?

“The effectiveness of a Vitamin C serum is determined by the formulation. Look for a low pH, high concentration L-Ascorbic Acid (as this is the active compound),” says Dr. Jonquille Chantrey. “For instance, CE Ferulic contains 15% L-AA and is a triple antioxidant as it is combined with 0.5% Ferulic Acid as well as 1% Vitamin E.

Phloretin CF contains 10% L-AA and 0.5% Ferulic Acid but works synergistically on pigmentation with 2% phloretin. Both preparations are fast absorbed and require only once daily application”.

“There are many sunscreens on the market, but I would advise a minimum of SPF30 with broad spectrum protection,” Dr. Jonquille Chantrey continues. “Tone and tolerability are important considerations for different skin tones and skin types. I recommend Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 as it is very lightweight, colourless and is easy to reapply. It also contains 1% Tranexamic Acid to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and 2% Niacinamide which has skin barrier function benefits”.

Can I use a vitamin C serum and SPF together if I have oily skin?

If you have an oily and blemish-prone skin type, you may think that applying a vitamin C serum alongside SPF may make things worse. But in fact, this powerful duo can benefit all skin types – you simply need to use a formula suited to your individual needs.

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, for example, is created specifically for the needs of oily and blemish-prone skin and can provide powerful antioxidant protection while reducing oil oxidation and controlling excess sebum. It does this with a formula that combines 0.5% Silymarin (an optimised concentration of the milk thistle plant), 15% L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C antioxidant), 0.5% Ferulic acid, and 0.5% Salicylic acid (Beta hydroxy acid).

This should be followed with a lightweight sunscreen formulated for blemish-prone skin like SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50. Lightweight and residue-free, it contains broad-spectrum UV protection with mattifying properties to reduce oiliness while leaving a dry-touch finish on the skin. Silica silicate also absorbs sebum for a light-scattering and blurring effect.

Discover SkinCeuticals Double Defence Range