Why Vitamin C And SPF Are The Ultimate Summer Duo

You’ve no doubt heard the age-old adage that “two heads are better than one”. Well, it rings particularly true when it comes to your skincare routine, as powerful duos like vitamin A and EGF (found in our A1 serum), niacinamide and salicylic acid, and ceramides and Centella Asiatica (paired together in our R&R Glow cream) work to boost your skin health by enhancing each other’s effects. 

Today, however, we’re shining a spotlight on one particularly standout partnership – that of vitamin C and your SPF of choice. In the fight against sun damage and photo-ageing this summer, this dynamic duo is a game-changer. 

What Is The Primary Role Of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is, first and foremost, an antioxidant, helping prevent oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals – those highly reactive and unstable molecules that form in our bodies when we’re exposed to environmental aggressors like pollution and UV radiation. If left unchecked, free radicals wreak havoc on our skin in myriad ways:

• They break down essential structural proteins like collagen and elastin, in turn causing sagging, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity;
• Hinder our skin’s natural repair processes as a result of DNA damage;
• Make us even more susceptible to damage from environmental stressors by disrupting our skin barrier function.

Of course, vitamin C plays several other roles in ensuring our skin’s optimal health, and that’s why it’s one of our range’s key actives. It can encourage the production of collagen and lighten dark spots as well as minimise redness with anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting an overall more even skin tone.

Why Pair Vitamin C With SPF?

Aside from the obvious fact that not wearing SPF can cause irreversible damage to your skin – no matter what actives you’re using! – pairing vitamin C serum with SPF is a smart move with numerous benefits:

• It enhances the efficacy of your sunscreen, with vitamin C acting to neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure;
• Helps prevent hyperpigmentation and the formation of new dark spots, thanks to vitamin C’s ability to suppress melanin production;
• Encourages collagen synthesis, which can be inhibited by UV radiation;
• Reduces inflammation from sunburns.

How To Effectively Combine Vitamin C and SPF

To harness the full power of this dynamic duo and maintain healthy, radiant skin throughout your life, follow these simple rules:

01) Always apply your vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing and before moisturising to allow for maximum absorption into the skin. 

We recommend: 2 pumps of our C1 Vitamin C Power 1 serum, which is formulated with vitamin C’s other synergistic partner, EGT Amino Acid, for prolonged and more effective brightening and antioxidant effects.

02) Follow up with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher to ensure skin is shielded from both UVA and UVB rays.

We recommend: 2-3 pumps of any of our advanced Skin Insurance solutions (tinted or invisible) over the face, neck, décolletage and ears – yes, ears! They’re the third most common location for skin cancers.

03) Top up your SPF every two hours when you’re outdoors or exposed to sunlight. If you’re swimming or sweating from working out, then reapply it even more frequently.

We recommend: Our Skin Insurance solutions boast a featherlight, cashmere texture that's easy to blend and enjoyable to wear – on top of that, they’re formulated with blurring optical diffusers that leave skin with a smooth, perfected finish, making them exceptional options for summer’s no-make-up days.