Nothing says summer like the month of July, right? Well, July also happens to be UV Safety Awareness Month and if you ask us, sun protection is THE best summertime accessory. As we soak up the sun's rays with all our outdoor activities, it's crucial to prioritize sun protection and while we don’t have our very own sunscreen (yet 😉), did you know that incorporating antioxidants into your sun protection routine can amplify its benefits? Let’s take a look at the role antioxidants play in boosting your sunscreen’s performance and highlight 5 of our go-to antioxidant-packed ingredients. Why Antioxidants in a Daily Suncare Routine? UV radiation can wreak havoc on our skin, leading to premature aging, sunburns, and even skin cancer. When our skin is exposed to UV rays, free radicals are generated, which are highly reactive molecules that cause oxidative stress and damage to our cells….. NO THANK YOU. This is where antioxidants come to the rescue. Antioxidants act as scavengers, neutralizing free radicals and preventing them from causing harm to our skin. By incorporating antioxidants into your daily skincare and suncare routine, they can help amplify the protective effects, providing enhanced defense against the damaging effects of the sun. More defense = more summer fun. Five Beneficial Antioxidant Ingredients for Sun Protection Vitamin C This powerhouse antioxidant helps to neutralize free radicals, brightens the skin, and promotes collagen production. When combined with sunscreen, Vitamin C enhances its effectiveness, reduces inflammation, and minimizes the appearance of sunspots. Find it in: Brightening Serum Vitamin E Known for its excellent moisturizing properties, Vitamin E works synergistically with sunscreen to bolster UV protection. It helps to prevent skin dehydration caused by sun exposure and provides a soothing effect. Additionally, Vitamin E assists in reducing the harmful effects of UV-induced inflammation. Find it in: Renewing Serum Green Tea Extract Rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), green tea extract offers impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When incorporated into sunscreens, it helps neutralize free radicals, reduces skin redness, and promotes a more even complexion. Find it in: Exfoliating Cleanser Aloe Vera Renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera is a natural antioxidant that helps protect the skin from UV-induced damage. It aids in reducing inflammation, calming sunburns, and promoting the healing of damaged skin. Aloe vera also assists in maintaining the skin's moisture balance, leaving it feeling nourished and refreshed. Find it in: Lightweight Gel Cream Caffeine Surprisingly, caffeine isn't just for waking us up in the morning—it also has potent antioxidant properties that benefit the skin. When applied topically in sunscreen, caffeine helps to neutralize free radicals, reduce redness, and protect the skin from UV-induced damage. It can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful and revitalized look. Find it in: Firming Eye Cream Reminders for Getting the Most Out of Your Sunscreen Yes, antioxidants help amplify but it’s important to remember that they don’t take the PLACE of your SPF. Make sure you’re pairing them with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. When shopping for sunscreens, look for products that might already contain some of the antioxidants above and if they don’t, don’t worry: that’s what your Current State routine is for! Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine not only amplifies the effectiveness of sunscreen but also enhances the overall health and vitality of your skin. Lastly and most importantly, remember that sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed areas of the body at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. From UV Safety Month to every other month of the year, by prioritizing sun protection and adopting a daily skincare routine rich in antioxidants, you can easily protect your skin from premature aging, sunburns, and other harmful consequences. Now, go enjoy that summer sun goodness! Are any of the products or antioxidant-rich ingredients we mentioned here already in your current rotation? Share your Skintuitive Routine and favorite sun protection tips on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @currentstateofbeauty
