Essential Summer Skincare Routine to Prevent Sun Damage: Top Antioxidants and Tips
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Essential Summer Skincare Routine to Prevent Sun Damage: Top Antioxidants and Tips

I love summer - especially swimming and spending time outdoors - all activities that cause considerable skin damage. However, incorporating a few simple steps pre and post sunblock application can considerably prevent any serious damage to your skin. Before we get into it, let’s talk about what causes sun damage.

Introduction to Sun Damage

Sun damage is caused by free radicals, which are pesky oxygen-containing molecules that can damage healthy cells when they interact with one other. When our skin is exposed to too much sun it causes oxidative stress due to an overload of free radicals, often leading to irreversible skin damage. The most common side effects of oxidative stress besides the obvious sun spots and skin discoloration are loss of firmness and elasticity, dehydration, and dullness.

The Role of Antioxidants in Skin Protection

This is when antioxidants come to the rescue! Antioxidants can protect skin cells by neutralizing oxidative stress while greatly improving how skin looks and feels. I believe that any skincare products that you use must have strong antioxidant protection, especially when you are ready to enter the storm of free radicals on a sunny day. Some of my favorite topical antioxidants include Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, E and A, Lycopene, and Green Tea. Did you know that all of your favorite OLSC products contain antioxidants alongside peptides and humectants.

Importance of an Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Of course, consuming an antioxidant-rich diet cannot be minimized. That glow from within is real! Foods and supplements that contain Selenium, Co-enzyme Q10, Vitamins C, E and A, Lycopene, and Polyphenols are easy to incorporate, especially in the summer when so many vegetables and fruits are in season and they are loaded with antioxidants.

So let’s incorporate all of this into your summer skincare routine.

Step-by-Step Summer Skincare Routine

Morning Skincare Routine:

Nighttime Skincare Routine:


Make sure to keep everything simple. This routine is also great for summer travel when you can take only a few products but ensure powerful protection!

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