health
Is it true that… vitamin C serums provide added sun protection?
This antioxidant may enhance the protection sunscreens provide, but it is no substitute for them
TL;DR
- Sunscreen protects against UVB rays (sunburn, skin cancer) and UVA rays (aging).
- Vitamin C, an antioxidant, does not block UV rays.
- Vitamin C may help by neutralizing free radicals created by UV exposure and pollution.
- A 1996 study indicated that vitamin C enhanced protection against UVA damage when used with sunscreen.
- Antioxidants may offer additional protection when combined with sunscreen.
- Vitamin C is not a substitute for broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun protection habits.