Antioxidants, the sunscreen your skin needs

Most of us know that using SPF can reduce the risk of skin cancer and prevent premature aging. But did you know that antioxidants can increase the effectiveness of sun protection?

Sun Protection is not fail-safe

Sunscreens are great, but they don't offer 100% protection against the sun's harmful rays. A sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV rays, while SPF 30 prevents 97% and SPF 50 or higher stops about 98%. In addition, most people do not apply sunscreen often enough or in the right amounts to adequately protect themselves.

The remaining UV radiation that penetrates the skin generates free radicals that can damage the dermis and accelerate the aging process. You may not be able to see or feel it, but your skin is being damaged at a much deeper level and the effects will only be visible in the future. This doesn't mean that sunscreen is ineffective or that you shouldn't use it (it's certainly proven to help protect your skin from sun damage), but even superheroes need a little help from time to time!

Antioxidants to the Rescue

Antioxidants can help compensate for sunscreen deficiencies (and faulty application). They neutralize free radical damage caused by sun exposure. In addition, antioxidants help protect the skin against other sources of free radicals, such as blue light from digital devices. Without intervention, this damage can cause all sorts of unwanted skin problems.

Many antioxidants also offer soothing properties (pollution leads to stressed and inflamed skin). They are also used to stabilize sunscreen formulations, while increasing their effectiveness.

In a nutshell: antioxidants increase the effectiveness of sunscreen and ensure maximum protection, while repairing any damage caused to the skin.

How and when should you apply Antioxidants that promote SPF?

The easiest way to benefit from enhanced protection is to apply a sunscreen (or day cream with SPF) formulated with antioxidants. Do this consistently: every morning, as the last step of your skin care routine.

Alternatively, you can use an antioxidant serum before applying your SPF. For maximum benefit, you may also want to use an antioxidant-rich night cream that will help repair any sun damage while you sleep. Don't worry about applying too many antioxidants, the skin can never get enough!

All of the above will help defend your skin and keep it supple, healthy and radiant.

Which Antioxidants are the best?

When it comes to antioxidants, the more the better. There is no one best antioxidant, but hundreds of fantastic antioxidants that complement and enhance the benefits of sun protection. The following list contains a small selection of antioxidants backed by extensive research showing that they counteract the negative effects of UV rays:

• Coffee fruit extract
• Ferulic acid
• Glutathione
• Green tea
• Kiwi extract
• Superoxide dismutase
• Ubiquinone
• Vitamins C and E (all forms)
• White tea leaves extract
• Wild cherry extract

These are just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more to explore! See SPF Moisturizers