The Power of Vitamin C and SPF | Courtenay BC’s Summer Skin Health Guide
Why you need to switch up your skin care regimen this summer—and why it needs to include a vitamin C serum.
Do you switch up your skin care routine for the summer? If not, it’s time you start. Each season brings its own unique skin challenges and needs, and our Courtenay medical estheticians are here to guide you through them all—starting with summer.
In our typically wet, cloudy Courtenay BC climate, heavier, more nourishing products work well. But when summer hits—and with the UV index often climbing to 6 or higher—your skin needs a different approach. While warmer weather can give your skin that glowy, sun-kissed look, it also brings extra sweat, layers of sunscreen, clogged pores, and more exposure to skin-damaging air pollutants. At Clinic 5, we recommend switching to breathable, lightweight products—and most importantly, keeping SPF and Vitamin C non-negotiable parts of your daily routine.
The Importance of SPF | Courtenay BC’s Summer Skin Guide
If you aren’t wearing a quality SPF daily—and reapplying—you are causing your skin to age prematurely. Courtenay, BC may not be the sunniest summer destination in the world, but we do know how to spend a lot of time outdoors during these golden months—which means higher exposure to the environmental factors that have a direct impact on our skin’s health. Whether you’re spending the summer months hiking, ocean side, or spending afternoons on your favourite local Courtenay patio, proper SPF use is paramount.
SPF—short for Sun Protection Factor—is your skin’s defense against harmful UV rays that contribute to premature aging, uneven pigmentation, and skin cancer. The numbers assigned to the SPF measures how long your skin stays protected compared to going without sunscreen. So, SPF 30 means you can spend 30 times longer in the sun before burning than if you weren’t wearing any protection. That being said, variables like the direction of the sun and application thickness, the dose of UV that reaches your skin varies and the SPF you opt for should be considered a relative measure of UVB filtering power, not a stopwatch.
While the “30 times longer” rule is a useful way to explain the “lab” concept, you shouldn’t rely on it to plan how long you can safely stay in the sun. Your best bet is to invest in a quality SPF, reapply every two hours (or sooner if you’re swimming, sweating, etc.) and combine sunscreen use with shade. If you really want a tan this summer, opt for one of our self tanners. Trust us, they often look better than the real thing and your future self will thank you.
Afterall, sun exposure accelerates collagen breakdown. Collagen is essential for keeping skin firm, smooth, and resilient, but after age 25, your natural collagen production begins to slow down. UV rays only speed up that decline by triggering oxidative stress, which breaks down collagen and leads to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration. While this is a year-round concern, it’s during Courtenay’s sunniest months that your skin needs the most support.
The recommendation is to reapply SPF every two hours (especially on the most exposed areas like the face and chest) and that becomes a lot easier when it’s a formula that actually feels good on your skin. Say goodbye to sticky, strongly scented, heavy formulas and white casts. We love VIVIER® Sheer SPF 30 Mineral, a lightweight sunscreen enriched with Vitamin C; or Nuda Solarglow SPF 30, a mineral broad-spectrum tinted formula that delivers protection and silky finish. And it’s a lot easier when your sunscreen reapplies nicely. Browse our online shop to find an SPF you’ll actually want to reapply.
The Importance of Vitamin C | Courtenay BC’s Summer Skin Guide
As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C acts as a second line of defense, neutralizing any free radicals that sneak past your sunscreen. When the sun comes out in Courtenay, most of us focus on the essentials: spending time with friends, getting out in nature, and staying hydrated. But there’s another thing your summer priority list should include—Vitamin C. For many, this is the missing puzzle piece to their healthiest summer skin. There’s many reasons why we recommend incorporating a vit C into your skin care.
Research shows vitamin C is the ultimate sidekick for your SPF. One landmark study found that layering vitamin C under a UVA‑blocking sunscreen cut sun‑induced skin damage even more than either product could achieve alone—a true power‑up effect. Just remember: vitamin C boosts your protection, but sunscreen remains the main defender.
Vitamin C also helps brighten and even out skin tone by slowing the enzyme responsible for excess pigment production, making it effective for fading dark spots, sun damage, and post-breakout marks.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C helps calm redness, repair the skin barrier, and speed up recovery from irritation
If you are new to vitamin C, here’s what you need to know. Apply vitamin C serum in the morning to your clean, dry skin, then follow with moisturizer and your SPF for maximum protection. Store your serum in a cool place and aim to use it within three to six months. If it turns dark orange or brown, it’s oxidized and time to replace it. When purchasing a vitamin C, look for formulas that combine with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and peptides. We love and highly recommend VIVIER® C E Peptides for its proprietary peptides that reduce wrinkles and reverse signs of aging, leaving your skin glowing.
The Importance of Cleansing Facials | Courtenay BC’s Summer Skin Guide
At-home products can only take your summer skin health so far. To maximize the benefits of incorporating a vitamin C, and to ensure your SPF isn’t contributing to build up or breakouts, quarterly clinical treatments are recommended for deep detoxification.
Your clinical skin care treatments at our Courtenay medispa not only help clear congestion and improve skin texture, but they also allow your vitamin C and SPF products to absorb more effectively and perform at their best. Think of them as the foundation that helps your at-home skincare work smarter.
Our Bela MD+ facial is a sun-safe option for a deep cleanse with no downtime. While there are several customizable options, the Bela MD+ Total Package Treatment includes six advanced steps designed to deeply clean, exfoliate, hydrate, and rejuvenate:
Diamond tip microdermabrasion to remove dead skin and encourage fresh cell turnover.
Hydrogen water infusion to deliver potent antioxidants and restore hydration.
Ultrasonic extractions to purify and tighten pores.
Customized serum infusion tailored to your skin’s specific needs.
Microcurrent muscle stimulation to boost circulation and promote a lifted, toned appearance.
Electroporation technology to enhance product absorption and support skin renewal.
Related Reading: Timing Your Treatments: What to Avoid in Sun Season
Courtenay’s Skin Care Experts
In pursuit of your healthiest summer skin, Clinic 5 has everything you need—from advanced treatments in our clinic to the at-home products you need to support skin health in between visits. You can shop our full range of products—including the SPFs and Vitamin C you need in your summer skin care routine—anytime online or book your personalized skin care consultation with our team. We are here to help you take the guesswork out of your skin care. Get us in your calendar by booking online or calling 250-207-0536.