London: Vitamin C has gained popularity in skincare for its antioxidant properties, but experts stress that it should never be viewed as a replacement for sunscreen.
Sunscreen performs two essential functions. It protects the skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, while also shielding against UVA rays, the primary cause of premature skin ageing, including wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.
According to Rosalind Simpson, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Nottingham, vitamin C does not block either UVA or UVB radiation. Instead, it supports the skin in a different way by acting as an antioxidant.
Simpson explained that antioxidants such as vitamin C have become increasingly popular because they help neutralise free radicals produced by ultraviolet (UV) exposure and pollution. These unstable molecules can damage skin cells, break down collagen, and contribute to reduced skin firmness and visible signs of ageing.
C for complimentary skincare
Unlike sunscreen, which filters harmful UV rays before they reach the skin, vitamin C works after exposure by helping defend skin cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Research supports using vitamin C as a complementary skincare ingredient rather than a substitute for sun protection.
A 1996 study investigating antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, found that vitamin C enhanced protection against UVA-related skin damage only when it was used together with sunscreen. The researchers concluded that antioxidants may provide extra defence when combined with conventional sun-protection products.
The Professor emphasised that no skincare ingredient can replace a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Simpson recommends applying sunscreen daily, reapplying it regularly, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day for the best protection against sun damage.
While vitamin C can help defend the skin against oxidative stress caused by UV exposure, experts agree it should be used as a complement, not a replacement, for sunscreen.
ALSO READ | Twin quakes batter Venezuela; Death toll reaches 1,43
