You’re probably familiar with our mantra “wear sunscreen daily”, but what if we told you that you can take your sunscreen regimen to the next level? Yes, gents, it’s possible. Did you know that layering vitamin C under an SPF can boost skin protection levels even further? Studies have shown that using an antioxidant vitamin C serum prior to sunscreen can optimise your SPF. Below, we’ve outlined how these superstar ingredients function and why every man needs them in his skincare routine. In addition, we’ve explained how sunscreen and vitamin C work in tandem with one another. You can thank us later.
Never skip sunscreen
There’s no questioning the importance of wearing sunscreen – rain or shine. It’s the key to preventing skin cancer, sunburns, wrinkles and sun spots. Often, skin damage occurs without us realising it, and it progressively accumulates over time. This is why you should wear SPF every single day, regardless of your skin tone or the weather. And with all the summer fun of relaxing by the pool, having a braai or heading to the beach coming up, wearing sunscreen (and reapplying it every two hours) is non-negotiable.
The benefits of vitamin C
Topical vitamin C is considered one of the most effective skincare ingredients. Why? It slows down the appearance of ageing, including dark marks. In addition to improving skin tone, vitamin C stimulates the creation of collagen, which is important for keeping our skin smooth and wrinkle-free. It can also help build your skin’s barrier, allowing it to stay moisturised longer and be less vulnerable to environmental and pollution-related damage. A vitamin C serum can be applied morning and night to your face; however, it should be the final step in your skincare routine before applying your SPF.
Why vitamin C should be layered with sunscreen
Vitamin C and sunscreen are two of the most effective products you should have in your grooming arsenal – no matter your skin type. Dr. Dilshaad Asmal, dermatologist at Rondebosch aesthetics, says that when layered together, these products double the skin’s defence against environmental aggressors. The antioxidant vitamin C helps repair free-radical damage caused by the sun and environmental damage, and can boost the effectiveness of sunscreens. And SPF not only protects from sun damage and pigmentation, but also helps you get the most effective results from your vitamin C serum. In other words, we see sunscreen and vitamin C as the power couple of skincare that provide greater benefits when combined. Just like your favourite dip and chips duos, they’re good alone, but better together.
Read more: Your Five-Step Switch To Summer Grooming
