By now, you probably know that the sun isn't exactly your skin's best friend. Ultraviolet radiation, particularly the longer wavelength UVA rays, can harm the collagen fibers in the deeper layers of your skin, eventually causing wrinkles and an uneven skin texture. While sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure, it shouldn't be the sole component of your routine in combating premature aging caused by UV rays.

Before we go any further let’s have a quick refresher of UVA vs UVB rays. UVA rays make up the majority of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. They can penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature skin aging, wrinkling, and potentially contributing to skin cancer. They are present throughout the day and can easily penetrate clouds and glass. UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburn and play a more direct role in the development of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. UVB rays do not penetrate glass as effectively as UVA rays. The UV rays are most intense during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and are stronger in the summer months.

Ok, nowwww we are ready to take a closer look at why you should be to be supercharging your SPF by a layering an antioxidant underneath.

1. Enhanced sun protection: Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea extract can help neutralize free radicals generated by sun exposure, thereby providing an extra layer of defense against UV-induced skin damage.

2. Reduced photoaging: By neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation, antioxidants help to minimize the signs of photoaging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

3. Improved skin tone and texture: Antioxidants can stimulate collagen production and help to even out skin tone, making your complexion look healthier and more youthful.

4. Anti-inflammatory properties: Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation caused by sun exposure.

5. Synergistic effect: Some antioxidants work well together, offering a synergistic effect when combined. For example, Vitamin C and Vitamin E can enhance each other's ability to neutralize free radicals and protect your skin. Who doesn’t love a good duo?

6. Prolonged sunscreen efficacy: Layering an antioxidant under your sunscreen can help to maintain the sunscreen's effectiveness for a longer period, providing better protection throughout the day.

7. Environmental protection: Antioxidants not only protect against sun-induced damage but also help to shield your skin from other environmental stressors, such as pollution and cigarette smoke.

Here are some tips for layering your skin with antioxidants and sunscreen, so your skin stays as fabulous as you are:

Step 1: Wake up, look in the mirror, and give yourself a wink. You're ready to conquer the day, and your skin is about to thank you!

Step 2: Choose a potent antioxidant serum, like one that contains Vitamin C, E, or green tea extract. These antioxidants are like superheroes, teaming up to fight those pesky free radicals and environmental villains.

Step 3: Slather that serum all over your gorgeous face (avoiding the eyes). Make sure to let it sink in for a few minutes, so it can work its magic and prepare your skin for the next step.

Step 4: Time to bring out the big guns – sunscreen! Grab a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. With SPF 15+, you're blocking 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. That's extra 5% of percent of protection, my friend!

Step 5: Apply that sunscreen like you're frosting a cake – generously, evenly, and with love. Make sure to cover every inch of your fabulous face, and don't forget your hairline, part, neck and ears!

Step 6: All set? Give yourself a round of applause, because your skin is now ready to face the world, protected by the dynamic duo of antioxidants and sunscreen. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating

Wanna know our product picks? 

Sunscreen: 
1. TH Clinical Skin - Throwing Shade is a lightweight SPF 44 physical sunscreen. This sensitive skin care formulation is also paraben-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). It provides a sheer, universal tint (to prevent the chalky sunscreen look) and moisturizing base that can easily be mixed with foundation.

Antioxidants:
1. ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense key ingredients include: Vitamins A + E = Potent antioxidants that protect against environmental skin aging, ZO-RRS2 = Exclusive plant stem cell complex that helps to neutralize free radicals while soothing visible redness, ZPOLY = Exclusive plant derived polysaccharide complex that minimizes signs o aging while infusing extended hydration, Micrococcus lysate, arabidopsis thaliana extract.

2. Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ features an advanced L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), combined with a superior form of Olive Leaf Extract and pure Vitamins E and A. This powerful formulation significantly increases antioxidant protection while helping improve the appearance of compromised, blemish-prone, and aging skin.

And that's it! By following this advice you're well on your way to maintaining radiant, healthy, and well-protected skin. Go forth and conquer the day, knowing that your skin has got your back (and your face)!