If you spend any time outdoors, then you know that overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays causes sun burns, hyperpigmentation, and a whole lot of other issues.  I was once told by my esthetician and dermatologist that sunscreen is the BEST anti-aging product on the market. They weren't wrong.

But there is a Vitamin that is perfect for protecting our bodies from sun damage. Let's hear it for Vitamin C and the 2 BEST ways to benefit.

Load Up your Plate!  Most people think of citrus fruits (lemons and oranges) when Vitamin C comes up but did you know there are foods that pack a bigger punch? Superfoods like berries, watermelon, pineapple, cauliflower broccoli, brussels sprouts, kakadu plum, red and green bell peppers are loaded with even more with Vitamin C. Load up on these picks daily to feed your body from the inside out to protect from and fight free radicals. 

PRO TIP: Eating orange foods rich in beta carotene strengthen the skin reducing effects of UV rays.

Slather it On!  When your skincare rituals are packed with whole plant extracts not only are you slathering on phytonutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids to protect and strengthen the skin, you're also getting the Superhero antioxidant, Vitamin C! Dat, da dat da! Vitamin C is known to repair sun damaged skin by fighting free radicals, encouraging cellular turnover, stimulating collagen production (hello plump skin), and brightening/fading sun spots.  

PRO TIP: Vitamin C paired with sunscreen is said to boost the effects of sunscreen. 

These 4 skin brightening rituals are packed with whole plant extracts rich in Vitamin B to strengthen the skin barrier and Vitamin C to fight free radicals and help to fade hyperpigmentation.

1. Cleanse with Clay Play our gentle polishing cleansing grain and purifying mask. Perfect way to nourish and gently exfoliate, brighten, and cleanse with watermelon, coconut milk, and rosehip.

2. Hydrate/Tone with Phyto Tonic, formulated to refresh skin and brighten with kakadu plum (the world's most vitamin c rich fruit), cucumber and hibiscus. Did I mention it smells like fresh roses? Dreamy right?

3. Treat with Glow-getter, your new favorite serum + light-weight moisturizer in one. Balances oily skin and delivers the perfect amount of hydration leaving a light veil moisture. Keep blemishes at bay, promotes cellular turnover and collagen production, plus blurs pores, and lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation giving you that no makeup glow. 

4. Masking 1-2 times a week with Berry Bright Polishing and Brightening Enzyme Mask hydrates, brightens, and gently exfoliates with a triple organic berry blend of cranberry, blueberry, and aronia berry and fresh raw honey.  It's berry delightful and packed with antioxidants.

Vitamin C is nature's ultimate multi-tasker - it brightens, evens out skin tone, promotes a plumper and more vibrant complexion, protects and keep the body healthy by neutralizing free radicals, and leaves your skin looking more radiant. 

Getting 15 minutes of sun exposure in the morning or in the evening (sans-sunscreen) will give you a health benefits of the sun without the harm damage. Just remember if you're staying in the sun longer than that, make sure you protect yourself with sunscreen. 

You can still have fun in the sun drinking in the Vitamin D just protect your skin with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and Vitamin C rich foods and skincare! 

  Overwhelmed and frustrated with your skin? Grab the FREE guide that explains why and how stress causes breakouts and dull skin. Plus, it's filled with the Top 10 Secrets for Glowing Clear Skin.