Should you apply Sunscreen or Moisturizer first? It’s Complicated!
- Skincare can be confusing.
Most of the time you should apply moisturizer then sunscreen, but it’s complicated.
Whether you’re on a tropical island or in the middle of winter, applying sunscreen is important to prevent sunburn and serious skin conditions.
Moisturize then apply sunscreen
Most of the time you should apply your moisturizer, then add sunscreen.
Sunscreen is a barrier between your skin and the UVA/UVB rays from the sun that cause skin damage.
If you apply sunscreen, then moisturizer you will weaken the protective effects of the sunscreen.
We need all the sun protection benefits we can get, right?!
Wearing moisturizers with SPF coverage
The beauty industry is always changing.
Now, there are moisturizing products with sunscreen protection (SPF) included in the formula.
This is why the question “Should I apply sunscreen or moisturizer?” is complicated.
If your moisturizer has an SPF factor rating of 30 or higher, then you can decide to only wear your SPF moisturizer.
For some, this isn’t enough and an additional sunscreen is preferred.
In fact, most Dermatologists will suggest that you wear a sunscreen even if your moisturizer has SPF.
You can wear a moisturizer that has SPF AND a regular sunscreen without looking oily or greasy.
Check out Sunscreen product recommendations below.
2 warnings about wearing sunscreen daily
You should wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from sun damage.
There is also research to suggest that sunscreen can ward off signs of aging (like sun spots and wrinkles).
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that we all use Broad Spectrum (which protects against UVA and UVB light rays) of SPF 30 or higher. Read more here.
1. Re-application works best with Sunscreen and not moisturizers with SPF.
Multiple layers of SPF moisturizers can end up looking greasy.
SPF Moisturizers also don’t apply well over makeup.
2. Try not to go to sleep with sunscreen on, it can clog pores.
Use a different, non SPF moisturizer for your night time skin care routine.
The FDA (U.S. Drug & Food Administration) says “No Sunscreen is waterproof”.
When to apply sunscreen in your skincare routine
Sunscreen should be applied to at the end of your morning skincare routine, and should be applied 20 minutes before going outside so the product can absorb into the skin.
Can I apply sunscreen at night?
No, sunscreen should NOT be worn overnight. Sunscreen should be worn only during the day.
Why shouldn’t I wear sunscreen at night?
- UV light is only produced during the day, which means sunscreen will be less effective at night than it would be during the day.
- Sunscreen sits on top of your skin, and could cause irritation (acne, inflammation, etc.) if worn all night while you sleep.
- Remember sunscreen is not moisturizer. Moisturizer should be the last product you apply before walking out of your house.
Can you I sunscreen on top of makeup?
Yes, you can re-apply sunscreen on top of makeup.
Look for sunscreen powders, setting sprays, or other non-oil based sunscreens to re-apply.
But be cautious, Sunscreens that apply like moisturizers may “take off” makeup when re-applying.
Do I apply Sunscreen or Serum first?
Serum goes on first, before sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen last, in your skincare routine.
Best sunscreens for all skin tones
Sunscreen aren’t always created equal.
These products have been reviewed and loved by beauties of all skin tones.
No white cast or ashy look to the skin here!
Read: The Best No White Cast Sunscreens for: Brown Skin, Dark Skin Tones, and People of Color
Read: Best SPF Moisturizers: No White Cast Products for People of Color
This post was all about wearing sunscreen before or after moisturizer. Check out more sunscreen posts below!
