This blog post was inspired by educational content recently shared by Dermaviduals Canada, along with current research surrounding antioxidants, barrier health, and photoprotection.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important reminder that healthy sun habits are about protection, not fear.
Most people know they should wear sunscreen, but SPF is only one piece of a complete sun protection strategy.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps reduce how much UV radiation reaches the skin, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays. Even with proper SPF use, some UV exposure still creates free radicals within the skin. These free radicals contribute to premature aging, collagen breakdown, pigmentation changes, and inflammation within the skin.
This is where antioxidants become important.
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals before they contribute to visible skin damage. Research has shown that combining antioxidants with sunscreen can provide more complete photoprotection than sunscreen alone.
Two of the most studied antioxidants in skincare are Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Vitamin C helps protect the skin against oxidative stress and supports collagen health. Vitamin E helps protect lipid structures within the skin barrier. Together, they work synergistically, meaning they perform better together than individually. Research also shows that Vitamin C can help regenerate oxidized Vitamin E, helping extend its antioxidant activity.
At Skin Care by Shawna, I also look at sun protection through the lens of barrier health.
A compromised skin barrier may become more reactive to environmental stress and inflammation. When the skin is depleted, dehydrated, or chronically irritated, it may have a harder time effectively managing oxidative stress.
That’s why healthy summer skin is not just about applying SPF.
It’s also about:
- Supporting the skin barrier
- Reducing unnecessary inflammation
- Maintaining hydration
- Supporting the skin’s antioxidant network
- Using products designed to work with skin physiology, not against it
Being sun-smart can still be simple:
- Slip on protective clothing
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF
- Wear a hat
- Seek shade during peak UV hours
- Reapply sunscreen consistently
- Support the skin with antioxidants and barrier-focused care
Sun protection should support long-term skin health, not create fear around enjoying summer.
For many clients, I recommend looking beyond SPF alone and considering a more comprehensive approach that includes daily sunscreen use, antioxidant support, barrier-supportive skincare, hydration, and professional guidance tailored to individual skin needs.
Because healthy skin is not built from one product alone. It’s built through consistent support over time.
Antioxidant-Focused Products Available at Skin Care by Shawna:
- Dermaviduals Vitamin C Liposome Concentrate
- Dermaviduals Vitamin E Nanoparticles
- Dermaviduals Green Tea Extract (by special order)
- Dermaviduals Grape Seed Extract (by special order)
- ClearChoice Vita C-B5 Complex
References:
- Burke, K. Interaction of Vitamins C and E as Better Cosmeceuticals. Dermatologic Therapy.
- Dermaviduals Canada educational content and practitioner resources.
- Farris PK. Topical Vitamin C: A Useful Agent for Treating Photoaging and Other Dermatologic Conditions. Dermatologic Surgery.
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Antioxidants in Dermatology.
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients
