{"id":19987,"date":"2021-06-14T16:03:37","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T23:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=19987"},"modified":"2023-08-21T14:16:54","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T21:16:54","slug":"ingredients-to-pair-with-sunscreen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/ingredients-to-pair-with-sunscreen","title":{"rendered":"6 Ingredients Derms Say Make Sunscreen Work Better"},"content":{"rendered":"

By now, we’re all aware that the utmost important part of our skin-care routine is applying (and reapplying) a broad-spectrum sunscreen in order to properly shield ourselves against both UVA and UVB rays. However, there are some skin-care ingredients out there that can help up our defenses—namely, antioxidants.<\/p>

“Antioxidants both protect skin from damage before it occurs and offset the visible signs of damage, like photoaging, which can manifest as fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman<\/a>. “They protect skin by pairing with free radicals—destructive, unstable compounds that cause skin damage—before they cause damage. When free radicals ‘steal’ electrons from other molecules to complete themselves, the other molecules are left unstable and then go in search of electrons from other sources, creating a domino effect. This destructive cycle weakens the skin barrier and leads to photoaging.”<\/p>

But how exactly do they work? As Beverly Hills, California, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban<\/a> explains, antioxidants help to downregulate these free radical compounds by neutralizing them. “They donate an electron to free radicals, to stabilize their function, protecting the skin and rendering them powerless,” she says. “This helps to prevent oxidative stress, which breaks down collagen, hinders skin’s natural repair process, and triggers inflammation. Therefore, they help fight dark spots, create a more even complexion, and stave off collagen breakdown.”<\/p>

It’s important to reiterate that sunscreen is the<\/em> ultimate defense against sun-related skin damage (aside from limiting our time spent in the sun, of course), and no antioxidants or other skin-care ingredients should ever be treated as a replacement for it. “Nothing should replace SPF when it comes to protecting your skin,” says Dr. Engelman. “I recommend that everyone wear sunscreen daily and put on protective clothing (like hats or a cover-up) when spending a lot of time in the sun. That being said, adding antioxidants to your daily skin-care routine, especially before and after sun exposure, is a great way to help mitigate any damage that may have occurred and reduce the effects of photoaging.” The best way to do so? Layering an antioxidant-rich serum under your moisturizer and sunscreen. <\/p>

Not all antioxidants are created equal, however, and some are far more powerful at specifically protecting against damage caused by UV rays. Ahead, the six antioxidants and antioxidant-rich ingredients dermatologists say you should be pairing with your sunscreen, to boost your defenses against the sun.<\/p>

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Vitamin C<\/h2>

Perhaps one of the most popular antioxidants used in skin care is vitamin C, which Dr. Engelman considers the star ingredient when it comes to protecting against sun-induced free radical damage and signs of aging. “Layering a vitamin C serum under [sunscreen] is one of my favorite secrets for clear, healthy skin all summer long. It will penetrate the skin deeply and deliver concentrated antioxidants.”<\/p>

Dr. Shamban agrees, explaining that by slowing down oxidative damage in the skin, vitamin C helps to support collagen synthesis and protect against photodamage. “And it’s even more viable with sunscreen,” she adds. Plus, due to its ability to improve skin tone and texture, it can help fade existing hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by previous exposure, leaving the skin smooth and even. If your skin is particularly oily or acne-prone, Dr. Engelman adds that vitamin C actually forms a barrier on the skin that can prevent your sunscreen from triggering acne breakouts.<\/p>

Wander Beauty Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate<\/a> ($42)<\/h3>
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This multitasking vitamin C concentrate brightens, stimulates collagen production, and provides antioxidant protection—all thanks to a 20% vitamin C complex including ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, an ultra-potent yet gentle vitamin C derivative that deeply penetrates the skin. The formula also boasts seven molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, to plump and hydrate; squalane, to support the skin barrier; and niacinamide, to improve skin texture and tone. Plus it has pearl light-diffusing optics that leave the complexion luminous.<\/p>

VI Derm Beauty Vitamin C Brightening Concentrate<\/a> ($88)<\/h3>
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This brightening vitamin C concentrate uses THD ascorbate, another form of vitamin C that’s known to penetrate the skin on a deeper level than other common forms. It both reduces the appearance of sun damage while preventing future damage and contains a silicone-based emollient that helps to temporarily plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.<\/p>

Vitamin E<\/h2>

Both Dr. Shamban and Dr. Engelman list vitamin E as another potent antioxidant to pair with your sunscreen. On its own, it protects and reduces UV damage from free radicals at a cellular level, fighting signs of aging and photodamage, and is also excellent for nourishing and calming the skin. “Its healing properties soothe the skin and provide relief if you do get a sunburn,” says Dr. Engelman.<\/p>

Dr. Engelman points out that when it’s paired with vitamin C, it becomes all the more powerful. “When vitamins C and E are paired together, they have a synergistic effect that provides even greater protection against UV damage. That’s why you’ll find that most vitamin C products are also paired with this powerhouse antioxidant.”<\/p>

Melach 33 Rimmon Elixir Face Oil<\/a> ($44)<\/h3>
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Dr. Engelman considers this antioxidant and omega fatty acid–rich face oil to be a worthy addition to anyone’s skin-care routine, for both protecting against sun damage and healing the skin post-exposure. “This is a super-nourishing yet lightweight facial oil featuring amazing ingredients like antioxidant-packed pomegranate seed oil, calming jojoba oil, and healing vitamin E oil,” she says, adding that the formula also contains no filler ingredients. <\/p>

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic<\/a> ($166)<\/h3>
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Combining the forces of vitamins C and E with ferulic acid, another powerful antioxidant that increases the efficacy of both vitamins, this cult-favorite serum offers potent protection against environmental stressors and helps to neutralize free radicals caused by UVA and UVB rays, to minimize sun damage. It also improves existing signs of aging and photodamage, smoothing out lines and wrinkles while brightening and evening out the complexion.<\/p>

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