Nearly 60 million Americans are under heat advisories or excessive heat warnings, and people are recommended to take additional precautions to protect their skin.
People who plan to spend the summer outdoors should use sunscreen to protect their skin from harmful UV rays.
Sun protection not only reduces the risk of skin cancer and sunburn but also delays the aging effects of the sun.
The higher the SPF, the better the protection, according to experts.
Experts say that people can protect themselves better from the heat before it gets really hot.
Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, serves many purposes.
These include safeguarding cells and ensuring their health, preserving healthy skin, and assisting in wound healing.
According to Dr Lauren Hamilton and Dr Miriam Adebibe, it could also serve to protect the skin from the sun.
“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which prevents oxidative damage by binding to the free radicals caused by UV radiation and pollution,” Dr. Lauren explained.
“Research has shown when paired, vitamin C boosts protection provided by SPF,” Dr Lauren continued.
“Exposure to UV stimulates melanocytes which manifest through sunspots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation.”
“Vitamin C is a depigmenting agent…which means it can stop the action of tyrosine, which is key in melanin synthesis and prevent hyperpigmentation from appearing,” said Dr. Lauren, “which is key in melanin synthesis and prevent hyperpigmentation from appearing.”
Dr. Miriam agreed, emphasizing the significance of not underestimating vitamin C’s ability to help.
Dr. Lauren suggests taking vitamin C before using SPF.
“If you have concerns about sun damage or hyperpigmentation, then consider concentrations of 10 percent to 20 percent,” they noted, “but do also to talk to an aesthetic doctor or dermatologist should you be looking for help in finding the right regime.”
In this case, Dr. Lauren is talking about how serum, which is a form of vitamin C, can be used directly.
However, it is unknown whether the same effect may be achieved by consuming vitamin C through food.
Oranges, orange juice, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes are all good sources of vitamin C.
Adults aged 19 to 64 are recommended to take 40mg of vitamin C every day.
Overdosing on vitamin C can cause some of the same side effects as overdosing on vitamin D, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas.
However, after someone quits taking vitamin C supplements or reduces their dosage, these symptoms should go away.
It is recommended that you use the appropriate SPF for the conditions in summers.
Long-term sun exposure can raise the risk of skin cancer.
Image Credit: Getty
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