Skincare’s holy trinity: vitamin C, retinol and sunscreen – an anti-ageing trio worth more than the sum of their parts, boosting collagen, evening out the skin tone and preventing damage
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and retinol prompts cellular turnover, while both ingredients stimulate collagen – but all those benefits could come to nought if you don’t use sunscreen
- Since potent active ingredients can irritate and dry out the skin, balance their effects with complementary skincare such as soothing aloe, wound-healing cica and moisture-boosting niacinamide
As new skincare trends bloom on TikTok overnight and novel ingredients promise improvements that may only be fleeting, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of potential beauty routines and formulas competing for our attention. Amid the chaos of viral trends and so-called groundbreaking formulations, however, one trio stands as an unwavering cornerstone: vitamin C, retinol and sunscreen.
While new and innovative ingredients may dazzle with their momentary brilliance, these all-time classics – deeply rooted in science and time-tested efficacy – stand tall for reasons that transcend the nature of passing fads.
Their tried-and-true nature is not merely about addressing concerns as they arise but, crucially, preventing them from taking root. “Retinol, vitamin C and sunscreen are known as the holy trinity in skincare,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Cula Svidzinski. “They are integral to skin health and repair and are well recognised for their anti-ageing benefits.”
Vitamin C, with its antioxidant and collagen-boosting capabilities, addresses not just the symptoms but the causes of various skincare concerns. “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production, reduces hyperpigmentation and protects the skin against damage from free radicals, leading to smoother and brighter skin,” Svidzinski explains. In this foundational role, vitamin C effectively addresses uneven skin tone, leaving behind a luminous glow.
At the other end of the spectrum, retinol, the revered anti-ageing virtuoso, goes beyond superficial fixes. Stimulating collagen production and prompting cellular turnover, it lays the groundwork for sustained rejuvenation, reigning supreme in the realm of anti-ageing by fortifying the skin’s structure and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is synonymous with renewal, revealing a fresher, more youthful canvas.
Yet, it’s the steadfast presence of sunscreen that underscores the enduring wisdom of this trio. “Of the three, sunscreen is the most vital product when it comes to skincare. It protects against sun damage and, importantly, decreases your risk of skin cancer,” Svidzinski says. “Consistent sunscreen use helps delay signs of ageing such as dark spots, wrinkles and sagging.” While beauty trends may spotlight quick, transformative results, sunscreen quietly stands as a guardian against the relentless march of time. Its role in preventing UV damage leading to premature ageing aligns with the long-term objectives of any skincare routine.
The synergy between vitamin C, retinol and sunscreen reveals benefits beyond the sum of the trio’s parts. “These three ingredients keep reigning in the skincare market because they are the best and most well-studied anti-ageing ingredients and, collectively, are most effective at improving skin texture and tone, leading to a healthy glow,” Svidzinski says.