Let me guess: you’re using your vitamin C serum at night because you’ve heard it makes skin more prone to sun damage.
But what if I told you the opposite is true? Not only vitamin C is safe during the day, but when paired with its BFFs vitamin E and ferulic acid, it becomes a powerful ally in the fight against UV rays.
A CEF (vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid) serum is the quickest way to boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen and maximise its protection.
Don’t believe me? I’ve got the science to back it up:
How Vitamin C Helps Fight Sun Damage
Let’s get one thing straight: your sunscreen is your most important weapon against sun damage. Bar none.
A sunscreen with SPF 30, for example, neutralises 98% of UV rays, making them harmless to your skin. But what about that 2% that still gets through? Not to mention, what happens when your sunscreen starts to lose effectiveness and you’re not quick enough to reapply it?
That’s when Vitamin C comes in. You see, sun damage is an oxidative process. Once UV rays manage to hit the skin, they initiate a chain reaction that gives birth to free radicals. These free radicals attack your cellular DNA, collagen and elastin, giving you wrinkles and cancer.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. When it spots a free radical, it quickly destroys it, stopping the chain reaction that leads to premature aging.
So, while vitamin C does not create a shield that blocks UV rays like sunscreen does - and that’s why you should ALWAYS wear sunscreen, rain or shine - it can slow down free radicals damage and help repair it.
Vitamin C boosts the production of collagen, keeping your skin firm and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, it helps fade hyperpigmentation, another nasty present left behind by too much sun exposure.
How A CEF Serum Helps You Boost Sunscreen’s Effectiveness
If Vitamin C can do all that alone, can you imagine how much more powerful it is when used with vitamin E and ferulic acid?
The researchers at Duke University were so curious, they did a study on it. The result? A topical solution of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), 1% alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) and ferulic acid improved the stability of the vitamins and DOUBLED photoprotection.
They were so impressed with it, they recommended it should be used for protection against photoaging and skin cancer - under sunscreen, of course!
Studies also show that this combo enhances the protection of SPF formulas, making them more stable and reducing the incidence of sunburns!
I bet you never want to use sunscreen without a CEF serum ever again now.
The Bottom Line
A CEF serum isn’t just a powerful weapon against premature aging. When layered under sunscreen, it boosts its effectiveness and keeps you safe from UV harm. Use them together. Always.