As with a summer’s day and an Aperol spritz or a Sunday and an afternoon walk, some things just work better together. Don’t ask us why, they just do. 

The same applies to your skincare routine. For retinol users, a soothing niacinamide serum or richly nourishing cream should be prioritised to help minimise irritation and protect the skin. If you swear by hyaluronic acid, ceramides should also be top of your list, thanks to the way they lock in the moisture attracted to the hyaluronic acid.

So, what about vitamin C?

A water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C is beloved for the way it helps to treat pigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, and maintain plumpness and softness.

“Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the maintenance of skin function and protection from the environment,” explains Dr Abha Gulati, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic. “And it is necessary for normal skin health because it controls collagen and elastin synthesis in the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) and lipid synthesis in the upper layers of the skin (epidermis).” 

Vitamin C contributes greatly to how bright, robust, soft and supple our skin is, thanks to the communication it has with our cells. Not only that but it can also treat (and prevent) pigmentation-related issues, as well as scarring.

According to dermatologists, vitamin C is best coupled with SPF – something that is hopefully already a mainstay in your skincare routine – and can help make sun protection up to eight times more effective. 

But if you need any more convincing that vitamin C and SPF are the must-have duo your beauty cabinet needs, here are three science-backed reasons why they should be a primary pair in your skincare routine…

While the human body is capable of many incredible functions and processes, it can’t produce vitamin C. 

Unlike vitamin D, which is created when human skin comes into direct contact with sunlight, or vitamin K, the result of bacteria synthesised during digestion, vitamin C is not a naturally occurring vitamin, which means we need to source it (and its impressive list of skin benefits) elsewhere.

“The main functions of vitamin C are intracellular (within skin cells), influencing the production of key components including melanin, collagen, elastin, lipids and antioxidants,” explains Dr Gulati. “But the skin cannot generate vitamin C, so it needs to be obtained externally from the diet or topical application to the skin.”

If that’s not reason enough to make this all-star vitamin part of your skincare routine, we don’t know what is.

In the depths of winter or when summer finally rolls around, it’s equally lovely to feel the sun on our faces. However, it’s not so lovely to think about the damage said sunlight can cause.

From hyperpigmentation to melasma, dullness, loss of elasticity and roughness – prolonged exposure to sunlight (without the necessary protection) can lead to a whole host of problems. Here’s where your skincare routine comes in.

“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which works in harmony with other antioxidants like vitamin E to boost their skin-protecting activities and helps the skin protect itself,” shares Dr Gulati.

This is particularly true when it come to the fight against free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays, making it a great active that works nicely with your SPF. So, if you want to double down on protecting your skin, you’ll be pleased to know that vitamin C and SPF are your go-to combo. 

“Research tells us that by using both vitamin C and SPF together, the two ingredients effectively neutralise and protect the skin against environmental factors and UV damage, providing a double defence for the skin,” explains Dr Ross Perry, Cosmedics medical director.

Essentially, while vitamin C can’t replace SPF, it can certainly make it work harder, so you should consider making both a priority in your routine. And finding the right SPF for your face makes all the difference – a well-made one will incorporate high SPF and a light finish that doesn’t feel greasy or clogging.

The L’Oréal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum and the SPF50 Daily Invisible Fluid, when used together, are a powerful combination that corrects the signs of dullness and premature ageing while protecting the future of your skin from UV-induced damage. You’ve got an ideal routine that is clinically proven to bless you with skin that’s 4x brighter*.

The quality of the results you get from your vitamin C serum are only as good as the quality of the ingredients. Pure vitamin C is directly bioavailable to be used by the skins cells and doesn’t need to be broken down by the skin’s enzymes, so always choose a serum with a pure, high concentration of vitamin C. 

For example, the main ingredient in the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum is L-Ascorbic Acid – the purest and most potent form of vitamin C that penetrates the upper layers of the skin for maximum absorption. 

It’s also got vitamin E and salicylic acid in it, so use it with the SPF50 fluid, and you’re well on your way to brighter skin.

Did you know that vitamin C is also suitable for all skin types? Although it is often stabilised at an acidic pH to prevent degrading, which is why it can irritate sensitive skin, L’Oréal’s pure vitamin C serum uses a pH-neutral formula that won’t cause irritation.

Still wondering if the SPF in the make-up you apply after your skincare routine is enough? Prepare for disappointment.

Dermatologists primarily recommend an SPF of 30 or higher, worn daily. The SPF in make-up is usually much lower than this and the amount people use on their skin tends to vary.

To be sure you have your skin protected and that you’re getting dedicated skin protection, always use an SPF product designed for your face. Just make sure to apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure for optimal protection. 

Luckily, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical Vitamin C + SPF50 Daily Invisible Fluid and Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum are designed to be built into your daily routine – the non-greasy, hydrating formulas make the perfect base for your make-up. 

If you’re already putting time and effort, not to mention money, into your skincare routine, it’s worth making sure you’re getting the most out of it. Combining SPF and vitamin C will help protect your skin more effectively, while actively treating visible signs of premature ageing. Plus, when there are helpful products that combine the two, the question is, why wouldn’t you?

Looking for a way to get brighter skin this spring? Introducing the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum and L’Oréal Revitalift Clinical Vitamin C SPF 50+ Daily Invisible Fluid: the ultimate skincare combo to add to your routine.

Designed to give you a gorgeously radiant complexion while protecting your skin, L’Oréal Paris’s vitamin C and SPF 50 products are the duo your beauty cabinet needs.

*Based on a clinical study of 45 participants, using the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum in conjunction with the L’Oréal Revitalift Clinical Vitamin C + SPF50 Daily Invisible Fluid is shown to result in up to 4x brighter skin.