Too much sun exposure can damage the skin and make it look, well, not so radiant. Sun exposure occurs every time you are in the sun no matter the season. It’s important to always be conscious of sun protection to keep your skin healthy.
Solar UV rays and environmental stressors produce free radicals in the skin and that can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process. Free radicals are charged particles of oxygen that enter into destructive chemical bonds with organic substances such as proteins. The result is an oxidation of the substance, which destroys it. Examples of oxidation in daily life include the browning of cut apples or avocados left in the open air. It is interesting to consider that when a sliced avocado or peach is treated with lemon juice (a source of the antioxidant vitamin C), it does not brown as quickly.
Free radicals are the main instigators behind fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, hyperpigmentation … and even skin cancer. With sun damage as the number one cause of visible aging, protection is a priority. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is a great first line of defense, but sunscreen alone may not be enough protection. We highly recommend pairing an antioxidant rich serum to your favorite daily sunscreen. Yes, we prep with not one but two layers of protection. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
ANTIOXIDANTS HELP TO FIGHT FREE RADICALS
Antioxidants are nature’s defense against free radicals. Plant-powered antioxidants—for example, green tea, sea buckthorn, and vitamins C and E—are natural compounds that help to combat the destructive oxidation process that we explained above. Antioxidants can help minimize the effects of and damage caused by free radicals. Combine a diet rich in antioxidants with topical skin care rich in antioxidants to ensure that you have the healthiest glow possible.
HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY?
The morning is the best time to use an antioxidant serum and it should be done on clean, damp skin. For your face, all you need are 2-3 drops of Vitamin C Brightening Facial Serum, which you want to pat—not rub—into your skin. Give it a few minutes to absorb and apply sunscreen and makeup on top. For the body, spritz Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum after your morning shower on clean, damp skin. Apply your favorite sunscreen on top.
What else can you do to minimize sun damage?
Typically, you will find us in a shady spot between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest.
When fun in the sun does call our name, we follow a simple checklist:
1. Sun hat. Hats protect the fragile facial and scalp areas that are most susceptible to sun damage. A sun hat will also help protect and preserve your hair color.
2.Protective cover up. We don’t need an excuse to toss on a cute tunic or striped sun shirt!
3. Sunglasses. Don’t forget to protect your eyes, too! Choose lenses that filter out 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.