You don’t need to spend a lot of time in the sun to succumb to skin damage. In a previous post, we explained the effects of sun damage on skin and why sunscreen is important. 

What’s just as important as applying sunscreen is choosing the right product for adequate protection. While most sunscreens contain basic ingredients like oxybenzone or zinc oxide, many are missing vital nutrients that can provide you with increased protection from skin damage. 

Sunscreens containing powerful antioxidants have been found to enhance sun protection and provide anti-aging benefits.

Antioxidants and Their Effect on Skin

Antioxidants are substances that limit free radical production and impede cell damage. As the largest organ in the body, the skin is vulnerable to stressors like poor diet, pollution, and UV radiation. 

All of these stressors can result in premature aging of the skin, which makes you appear older than you really are. Although the body produces some antioxidants naturally, production can start to dwindle as you get older. You can replace lost antioxidants by adding an antioxidant-rich product to your skincare routine.

Another way is to use a topical Vitamin C serum daily before applying your sunscreen. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental damage with additional skin lightening benefits. 

What to Look for in a Protective Sunscreen

Finding a sunscreen that offers everything you need for ample skin protection is no easy feat especially when there are a dozen of products to choose from. 

First, make sure that the product you choose protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is also called “Broad-Spectrum Protection”. While UVB rays burn the superficial layers of skin, UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the dermis, the thickest layer of skin. 

While UVA rays do not cause sunburn, they can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Ultraviolet A rays can also increase your skin cancer risk. This is why it’s crucial to be protected using the right sunscreen.

To know which one is suitable for you start familiarizing yourself with the differences between the two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. 

Mineral Sunscreen – A mineral sunscreen contains minerals as active ingredients, such as zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin to reflect UV rays away from the body.

Chemical Sunscreen – Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that are not natural, such as oxybenzone. This type of sunscreen actually absorbs UV rays via a chemical reaction that causes the product to dissipate harmful rays.

At Dr. Sylvia Skin Care, you’ll discover two effective mineral sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection. 

Our Clear Defense SPF 45 is a lightweight formula containing a blend of actives known to protect against infrared radiation and premature aging. In addition to keeping the skin protected from UV rays, Clear Defense reduces hyperpigmentation and boosts skin firmness and elasticity. 

Sheer Defense SPF 46 offers a tinted sunscreen formula. The lightweight sunscreen is oil-free, antioxidant-rich, and contains a variety of skin-soothing ingredients like vitamin E and knotweed extract that help keep skin healthy and smoots.

Both sunscreens are suitable for all skin types. They are also suitable for individuals with oily skin as both sunscreens are oil free which reduces the risk of having clogged pores.

Protecting Your Skin with Antioxidants

When added to a broad-spectrum sunscreen, antioxidants can be highly effective in defending skin from free radicals and other damaging effects. Antioxidants also help stabilize sunscreen formulas which can increase their efficiency. Want to learn more about our Clear Defense or Sheer Defense sunscreen products? Contact us today to see what your skincare routine is missing.