What is Vitamin C? What are free radicals?

How do Vitamin C and sunscreen benefit by working together?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a crucial ingredient in your skincare regimen. Using Vitamin C serums brighten skin and boost collagen. One of the most important benefits of vitamin C is that it fights free radical damage. We are exposed to free radicals through chemicals, pollution and of course UV radiation! Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage to the skin, which can speed along the aging process.

If you are in search of a great Vitamin C serum a must try is the 10% Self activating Vitamin C by ZO!

It is important to use a serum like Vitamin C to neutralize those free radicals formed by UV radiation. UVA rays are a leading cause to damage of elastin, collagen , and the skin structure. UBA rays, known as burning rays, contribute to skin cancer. Research shows that when you combine Vitamin C with a broad spectrum sunscreen the skin receives a more complex protection than just using sunscreen alone.

In short, Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants reduce and counteract free radical production. Free radicals damage skin cells and can cause oxidative stress to the skin. Sun damage is an oxidative process, hence why we want to use antioxidants! When you use Vitamin C with a broad spectrum sunscreen, the antioxidants in the Vitamin C serum optimize and the UV protection. When sunscreen and Vitamin C are combined studies have shown to help reduce UVB erythema (sunburn). Making SPF and Vitamin C the ultimate power couple.

Vitamin C does not work alone as a barrier protection against UV rays. You should always use a sunscreen to protect yourself from any UV radiation.

Sunscreens should be applied everyday rain or shine. It is the best defense against sun damage and aging. There are many sunscreens with vitamin C added in, like Jan Marini’s Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33. Here at Fort Wayne Dermatology and Consultants, we carry a wide variety of sunscreens and Vitamin C! Come in and check us out!

For more skin care articles and tips, check out our Fort Wayne Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Blogs.

Skip to content