Guard On Duty: How Vitamin C Plays a Vital Role in Seaside Skincare
As we begin to make our spring break packing list, some things are second nature to reach for: bathing suit, t-shirt, sandals, sunscreen. What about for your skincare? In our expert opinion, Vitamin C is a non-negotiable for our seaside excursions and can play a powerful role in protecting your skin while you soak up some rays this break.
From the Super Blend to the Super Lift, we love formulating vitamin c with an added serum nutrient punch.
C by the Sea
Not limited to flu season, Vitamin C is a fantastic antioxidant supplement in skincare that aids in neutralizing free radicals caused by UV rays. Free Radicals are simply what’s left behind by the skin after processing the introduced vitamins/minerals. They’re disassembled nutrients and unstable by nature, with the potential to cause an array of side effects from aging/fine lines to potential skin cancers.
While the body can neutralize free radicals to an extent, overexposure to UV and pollutants can overwhelm the skin causing oxidative stress—especially in aging skin with a slower repair rate. By lifting some of the oxidative stress off of your skin’s repair zone (the dermis, or second layer of skin), it allows the skin to reserve and boost available antioxidants and collagen—which ultimately eliminates visual UV impacts and increases hydration and bounce.
It Takes Two
Sunscreen protects the skin from the initial absorption of harmful amounts of UV, and Vitamin C assists in eliminating what gets through without tiring the skin’s defense system. Although vitamin C is excellent for sun protection, it will not replace the role sunscreen plays in your daily routine. An SPF of 30 is recommended as the baseline coverage for daily wear, and especially when enjoying the outdoors, reapplication after swimming/sweating is critical. Regardless if you’re soaking in sunshine on a beach or commuting to work in winter, SPF is a foundational element in a solid skincare regimen year round.
Seriously, a Routine on Vacation?!
Even on vacation, a sun-protectant routine can be as easy as 1-2-3. By the time it takes your oranges to press (or espresso to brew if you’re like us) you can gently cleanse, refresh with a toning essence to lock in moisture (MCB Tip: Keep the Optimist in your fridge for a goodmorning spritz in your am routine or when you need a refresh on the beach), apply a small drop of vitamin c serum, and seal it in with SPF (Shoutout to our favorite, Suntegrity’s Tinted Moisturizer for an extra glow). 3 Minutes tops!
Pro Tip: A great time to accessorize, Spring Break and Sunny Excursions are the best time to bring out your favorite floppy hat and shades. Sun protection extends far beyond SPF, and is one of our favorite ways to showcase our personal seaside style!