A woman holding half an orange over one eye.

Summer Dream Team: Why You Need To Pair Vitamin C With SPF

Reading Time 5 – 7 minutes

When you think of the perfect summer, you may imagine an escape to a tropical paradise; sitting on a white sand beach with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, watching the waves roll in while the warm sun beams down. And your skin? Perfectly smooth, even and glowing, of course. 

While you may not have a trip to paradise planned, we can still help you achieve the skin of your dreams this summer – and it’s easier than you think!

A Summer Routine With Vitamin C + Sun Protection | Tailor By Skin Type | Dry Skin | Oily Skin | Normal Skin | Sensitive Skin 

When it comes to summertime radiance, you only need to reach for two products to get glowing: a potent source of Vitamin C and a sunscreen. Read on to learn how to make the most of your daily summer ritual with these two essentials. 

Why You Need Vitamin C

You likely already know that Vitamin C is an essential part of your diet. But beyond your morning glass of OJ, this powerhouse ingredient can do a lot to enhance your complexion. So what exactly does Vitamin C do for your skin?

When applied topically, Vitamin C can: 

  • Prevent premature aging while visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Even skin tone by targeting dark spots
  • Support your skin’s natural collagen production
  • Brighten your complexion by reducing the redness associated with environmental stress
  • Neutralise free radicals, limiting skin damage

A bonus? This potent nutrient is often found in bright, juicy and delicious summery botanicals like guavas, rockmelon, lychees, papayas, strawberries, and pineapple.  

Why You Need SPF

You probably apply sunscreen when the sun is shining its brightest. But you may not know that it’s important to use sun protection every day, especially when you’re spending lots of time outside. With all the summer fun of lounging by pools, backyard barbeques and frolicking on the beach, you’ll need to layer on your favourite sunscreen before heading outdoors – and be sure to reapply at least every two hours.  

To get the most out of your sun care, ensure you’re applying SPF from head to toe, taking extra care to target your décolleté, hands, ears and feet. You can also pick up sun care products for your lips and scalp. And remember, when it comes to sun care, an SPF of 30 or more is ideal. 

Better Together: The Potent Power Of Vitamin C With Sunscreen

Some things are better together. Case in point: Vitamin C and SPF!

For all its beneficial qualities, Vitamin C does have one drawback: It’s prone to oxidation, which diminishes its effectiveness. If you’ve used a Vitamin C serum before, you may have noticed that it comes in an opaque bottle or dark amber glass. This type of packaging blocks light from getting in, stopping oxidation before it starts. Not only could Vitamin C oxidise in the bottle, but it may also oxidise on the skin. According to Dr Michelle Wong of Lab Muffin Beauty Science, “Some vitamin C serums that contain ascorbic acid, [can cause] slightly darkened skin after a few days of use. The stained skin looks red or orange-brown, sort of like fake tan.” This tends to be the case when the Vitamin C is not paired with sun protection. But fear not! Layering SPF over Vitamin C helps prevent oxidation.

London-based Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting explains these benefits on her YouTube channel. “No one gets 100% protection from UV from sunscreen,” she says. “ It’s almost impossible because we tend to underapply [sunscreen], it comes off through the day, maybe we’re not rigorous about topping up. We’re reliant on a second line of attack from an antioxidant serum, like a Vitamin C serum.” 

Another perk to this combo? Vitamin C can boost sunscreen’s protective power. Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Dr Steven Mandrea, explains in an interview with Real Simple that  “combining Vitamin C serum and broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect well against UVA rays is more effective at neutralising free radical damage from sun exposure than just using sunscreen alone.” 

A Summer Routine With Vitamin C + Sun Protection

Ready to get glowing? This vitamin-rich routine brings on a bright, luminous look for all skin types. 

Step 1 

Clean With Envy: This cleanser is perfect for smoothing texture without overstripping skin’s natural oils. A milky gel with a juicy scent, you’ll love this cleanser as a new addition to your skincare practice.

Step 2

Solution From Pollution: Bring on the brightness with this serum.

Made with two types of water-soluble Vitamin C (so everyone can prevent premature ageing, not just those with lipid-dry skin), and a total of eight antioxidants, this serum is well-loved for its ability to reveal skin that looks youthful, plump and bright. 

Tailor By Skin Type

This routine is a phenomenal way to introduce vitamin-rich skincare into your routine. Plus, it ensures you’re protected from the summer sun. But if you have specific skin concerns, you can make these smart switches to cater to your unique skin type and concerns. 

Dry Skin 

Hydrate and Inflate will saturate dry skin with hydration whilst energising from within. A daily skincare staple, this serum features skin-plumping Hyaluronic Acid which boosts the skin’s ability to collect and retain vital moisture. This serum is designed to be used morning and night daily. Better still, this serum supports the skin’s exfoliation function, so you’ll need less frequent exfoliation to help dry skin retain moisture.

Dry skin will also love Filthy Rich. Loaded with nurturing oils, butters and hydration heroes, Filthy Rich is the most nourishing moisturiser that’ll leave dry skin types saying, “Shut up and take my money!” Bringing instant relief to dry, taut and uncomfortable skin, Filthy Rich delivers ultimate nourishment and protection to impaired barriers to create smoother, stronger, more supple-looking complexions. Apply before your SPF.

Oily Skin

Dealing with excess oil, large pores and breakouts? Grab some Light As A Feather. This lightweight formula quenches oily skin without adding grease or shine. Plus, this formula contains shine-reducing actives to help to mattify the skin throughout the day. 

Enhance your routine with Calm The Harm. Large pores don’t stand a chance against this dreamy formula’s mix of Niacinamide, Tazman Pepper and Date-seed extract.

Normal Skin 

Normal skin should be good to go with the routine mentioned above. But if you like to go the extra mile, these formulas will enhance your bright glow while keeping your skin in perfect balance. Refine Over Time gradually refines the skin over time, evening skin tone for a healthy-looking glow.

For Brighter Days is an energy-enhancing brightening serum with two types of Vitamin C to even skin tone and texture. Harnessing a blend of high-performing botanicals, peptides and pigment-balancing actives, For Brighter Days promotes a brighter, more even complexion.

Sensitive Skin 

You may be wondering if it’s possible to go overboard with Vitamin C: in some cases, yes! You’ll want to tread carefully when using Vitamin C on sensitive skin. Start slowly with Solution From Pollution, and consider reaching for Calm The Harm. This calming serum reveals glowing skin without irritation. 

Have you tried Vitamin C and your SPF together? If not, I can help you pick out the right products so you’re ready to glow all season long.


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