When you think of the perfect summer, you might imagine a getaway to a tropical paradise. sitting on a white sand beach with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, watching the waves roll in while the warm sun beats down. And your skin? Perfectly smooth, even and shiny, of course.
While you may not have a trip to paradise planned, we can help you achieve the skin of your dreams this summer – and it’s easier than you think!
A summer routine with vitamin C + sun protection | Tailor By Skin Type | Dry skin | Oily skin | Normal Skin | Sensitive skin
When it comes to a summer glow, it only takes two products to get glowing: a strong source of vitamin C and a sunscreen. Read on to learn how to make the most of your daily summer ritual with these two must-haves.
Why do you need vitamin C?
You probably already know that vitamin C is an essential part of your diet. But beyond your morning glass of OJ, this powerful ingredient can do a lot to improve your complexion. So what exactly does vitamin C do for your skin?
When applied topically, vitamin C can:
- Support your skin’s natural collagen production
- Brighten your complexion by reducing redness associated with environmental stress
- Even skin tone by targeting dark spots
- Neutralizes free radicals, limiting skin damage
- Prevent premature aging while visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
An added bonus? This powerful nutrient is often found in bright, juicy and delicious summer botanicals such as oranges, blueberries, blackberries, Kakadu plum, camu camu, kiwi and pineapple. The aroma of these ingredients makes your routine much more enjoyable.
Why you need SPF
You probably put on sunscreen when the sun is shining the most. But you may not know that it’s important to use sunscreen every day, especially when you spend a lot of time outside. With all the summer fun of lounging by the pools, backyard barbecues, and partying on the beach, you should be slathering on your favorite sunscreen before heading out—and be sure to reapply at least every two hours.
To get the most out of your sun care, make sure you apply SPF from head to toe, paying particular attention to your décolleté, hands, ears and feet. You can also pick up sun care products for your lips and scalp. And remember, when it comes to sun care, SPF 30 or higher is ideal.
Better Together: The powerful power of vitamin C with sunscreen
Some things are better together. Case in point: vitamin C and SPF! Vitamin C can really boost the protective power of sunscreen. Board Certified Dermatologist Based in Chicago Dr. Steven Mandreahe explains in an interview with Really Simple that “the combination of vitamin C serum and broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect well against UVA rays has been shown to be more effective in neutralizing free radical damage from sun exposure than using sunscreen alone.”
Despite all its beneficial properties, vitamin C has some disadvantages. To her YouTube channelcosmetic dermatologist based in London Dr. Sam Bunting explains, “No one gets 100% UV protection from sunscreen,” he says. “It’s almost impossible because we tend to run for office [sunscreen], it goes out throughout the day, maybe we’re not strict about filling. We rely on a second line of attack from an antioxidant serum, such as a vitamin C serum.”
Vitamin C is also prone to oxidation, which reduces its effectiveness. If you’ve used a vitamin C serum before, you may have noticed that it comes in an opaque bottle or dark orange glass. This type of packaging prevents light from entering, stopping oxidation before it starts. Not only could vitamin C oxidize in the bottle, but it can also oxidize on the skin. According Lab muffins“Some vitamin C serums containing ascorbic acid, [can cause] slightly darkened skin after a few days of use. Blemished skin looks red or orange-brown, kind of like a fake tan.” This tends to happen when vitamin C isn’t paired with sun protection. But fear not! The SPF coating on top of vitamin C helps prevent oxidation.
A summer routine with vitamin C + sun protection
Are you ready to shine? This vitamin-rich routine delivers a radiant, glowing complexion for all skin types.
Step 1
Step 2
Pineapple Refining Tonique: Tropical and vibrant, this toner smells like fresh pineapple juice! This daily formula combines gentle bromelain and PHA to exfoliate all skin types, including sensitive. Chemical exfoliation may sound scary, but PHA and bromelain are gentle enough to get the job done without irritation.
Step 3
Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum: Brighten up with this award-winning serum.
Made with stabilized vitamin C, vitamin E, avocado, leafy green and citrus oils, this serum is especially loved for its ability to reveal skin that looks youthful, plump and radiant.
Step 4
Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream + Superfood Booster-Powder: Fight dullness and dehydration with two illuminating formulas. First, reach for the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. This moisturizer firms and brightens skin’s appearance with antioxidant-rich berries and our Peptide Illuminating Complex. Take it to the next level by adding a scoop of Superfood Booster-Powder. This fine powder blends seamlessly into moisturizer and infuses skin with vitamins C, B3 and K from Kakadu plum, coix seed and spirulina.
Step 5
Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream: A glowing summer routine wouldn’t be complete without a revitalizing eye cream. Made with hibiscus, ice wine actives and caffeine, Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream de-puffs, lifts, brightens and firms. All this in one quick and easy step! Plus, the cooling applicator feels super refreshing on the skin, especially on a hot day.
Step 6
Daily Defense Tinted SPF: Protect skin with this full-metal broad-spectrum UVA and UVB SPF 50+. This lightweight sunscreen protects against blue light as well as UVA/UVB rays while providing a versatile tint that blurs imperfections. Perfect all year round, especially for those sunny days at the beach!
Tailor by Skin Type
This routine is an amazing way to introduce vitamin-rich skin care into your routine. In addition, it ensures that you are protected from the summer sun. But if you have specific skin concerns, you can make these smart switches to accommodate your unique skin type and concerns.
Dry skin
Dry skin will also love Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil. Vitamins C and E work hand in hand with rosehip, jojoba and sea buckthorn oil to provide dry skin with the hydration it needs. Apply your SPF first.
Oily skin
Are you dealing with excess oil, large pores and pimples? catch it Mangosteen Gel Moisturizing Cream. This lightweight formula erases oily skin without adding grease or shine. Plus, this formula contains illuminating antioxidants that bring out the look of a summer glow.
Improve your routine with Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate. Big pores don’t stand a chance against this dream formula’s blend of lactic acid, ribose and mangosteen.
Normal Skin
Normal skin should fit the routine mentioned above. But if you want to go the extra mile, these formulas will boost your luminous glow while keeping your complexion in perfect balance. The Kombucha Microbiome Luminosity Serum helps balance your skin’s microbiome for a healthy-looking glow.
The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E mask gives your skin extra radiance. Its luscious gel-cream texture glides on easily and brightens skin through a botanical blend of ripe citrus oils, avocado and leafy greens.
Sensitive skin
You may be wondering if it is possible to overdose on vitamin C: in some cases, yes! You’ll want to tread carefully when using vitamin C on sensitive skin. Start slow and consider grabbing Kombucha Microbiome Luminosity Serum instead Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum. This soothing serum reveals radiant, irritation-free skin.
You can also add Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil to gently infuse vitamin C while moisturizing dryness associated with sensitivity.
Have you tried your vitamin C and SPF together? If not, use the Spa Locator to find an Eminence Organics Spa near you. An esthetician can help you choose the right products so you’re ready to glow all season long.