Vitamin C + SPF

VITAMIN C + SPF

THE POWER COUPLE YOUR SKIN NEEDS

When the weather heats up, it’s time to bring out the big brims! But a hat the size of Santorini doesn’t even offer enough sun protection in the spring and summer months. UV rays get stronger, putting our complexions at higher risk for sun damage and issues like discoloration, dark spots, and wrinkles.

UV rays are responsible for 90% of skin damage—so 100% of your skincare routine should be devoted to avoiding them! Fortunately just two ingredients—Vitamin C and SPF—are all you need. Vitamin C and SPF are La Suite’s two AM Non Negotiables.

“I call Vitamin C and SPF a ‘power couple,’” says La Suite founder Rhea Souhleris Grous. “They are strong ingredients on their own against sun damage, but when used together, they’re a perfect match.”

HOW DOES VITAMIN C PROTECT THE SKIN?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect and repair the skin from oxidation, caused by free radicals. What are free radicals? They are unstable molecules that are missing an electron, so when your skin encounters sunlight, pollution, or other harmful factors, they steal electrons from atoms of the skin, causing damage to your skin’s DNA and havoc in your cell function. This damage can appear as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, inflammation, dull-looking skin, and so much more. 

Not only are antioxidants the first line of defense against environmental damage and skin aging, but Vitamin C offers broad-spectrum photo protection against UVA and UVB rays. Experiments show that skin experiences less sun damage when Vitamin C is applied prior to exposure.

L-Ascorbate, the purest form of Vitamin C, is the main ingredient in La Suite’s best-selling 20% Active Complex Vitamin C Serum. Every morning, apply a few drops to your face, neck and décolleté after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer and SPF.

Rhea recommends:

• For Soothing: Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Soothing Antioxidant Serum

  • Vitamin C form: 7% Tetrahexyldecl Ascorbate
  • Ideal for: sensitive or reactive skin
    
    

• For Brightening: Vitamin C Brightening Antioxidant Serum

  • Vitamin C form: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid + 5% Tetrahexyldecl Ascorbate
  • Best for: Most skin types
    
    

• For Anti-aging: Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid High Potency Antioxidant Serum

  • VItamin C form: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
  • Best for: All skin types, non-sensitive skin

WHY USE MINERAL SUNSCREEN? 

La Suite’s carefully formulated sunscreens contain the mineral blocker zinc oxide. These sunscreens lay on the skin and act as a physical barrier, reflecting UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain filters like octisalate or avobenzone, which penetrate the skin and absorb UV rays. These UV rays cause heat energy in the skin—and to Rhea, that’s a deal-breaker. “Heat can irritate sensitive skin and exacerbate rosacea and melasma,” she says. “Mineral sunscreens don’t cause irritation—and they begin to work the minute you apply them, while chemical sunscreens can sensitize the skin and take time to absorb and activate.” Bonus: La Suite’s mineral sunscreens also contain potent antioxidant blends to further protect the skin from the sun.

• Shop Mineral SPF

HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN

SIDES MATTER

Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is the last step in your morning skincare routine, right after you’ve applied serum and moisturizer and before you apply makeup. (And yes, sunscreen is its own step, even if your moisturizer or foundation also contains SPF. Most contain only SPF 15, and don’t offer ample protection.) A half-teaspoon of sunscreen will protect the face (all the way to the hairline), ears, neck, and décolleté. Here’s the best way to apply it: 

1. Start on the sides of your face
2. Massage in toward the center
3. Apply to forehead and massage down your nose
4. Remember your neck, décolleté and ears 

Vitamin C and SPF are a “power couple” that will stand the test of time—and sun exposure! Healthy spring and summer skin starts with a daily duo of La Suite’s “non negotiables.”