Which suncreen should I use?

[passion33]

Should I choose Vichy Capital Soleil which has vitrually no antioxidants in its formulation, but has excellent UVA protection ingredients titanium dioxide, avobenzene, and photostable Mexoryl, OR, should I choose Clinique Face Sunblock which has antioxidant Vitamin C, but only has UVA protection avobenzene which is not photostable (realistically I won't be reapplying it every two hours)?  I read that vitamin C is good for treating and protecting against wrinkles and sun spots.

[passion33]

Thank you Dr. Aparna for your comment.  I started using the Clinique Face Sunblock SPF 30 that has the vitamin C and I don't know if I had a reaction or not.  Above my lip turned red with tingly feeling and I had to put .5% cortisone on it.  I am thinking of using the Vichy Capital Sun instead along with their Nutrilogie 1 moisturizer which has soybean oil in it.  Do you know if soybean oil has any skin benefits eg. antioxidant?

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Antioxidants are substances that act as scavengers of oxygen-free radicals, the unstable particles that can damage cells and which are implicated in sun damage and even skin cancers. Antioxidants in the skin are depleted when exposed to sunlight and must be replaced.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid is a very potent antioxidant and most studies on the effects of antioxidants on the skin have used this vitamin. In laboratory studies, large amounts reduced skin swelling and protected immune factors from sunlight.
In one of the studies, wrinkle improvement with a time-released vitamin C product was as effective as with topical retinoids and some laser treatments.
ref:http://adam.about.com/reports/000021_3.htm

Though this added benefit is there, still your first priority when you are out in the sun is to get maximum protection against possible sun damage.