Should you apply Sunscreen or Moisturizer first? It’s Complicated!
Skincare can be confusing. Should you apply sunscreen or moisturizer first? Most of the time you should apply moisturizer then sunscreen, but its complicated.
Whether you’re on a tropical island or in the middle of winter, applying sunscreen is important to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
What is the difference between Sunscreen and Moisturizer?
Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer by blocking ultraviolet (UV) light from reaching the skin. It’s made up of chemicals or minerals that sit on top of the skin and reflect or scatter UV rays like a shield.
Sunscreen also works to moisturize your skin because they contain chemicals like glycerin that attract moisture to the outer layer of your skin.
Moisturizer allows sunscreen to work more effectively and last longer on your skin if you apply sunscreen first. It will also help hydrate your skin which is beneficial all year round, but especially in winter when the air inside our homes can be dry and we aren’t exposed to as much water.
What goes on first moisturizer or sunscreen?
Moisturize then apply Sunscreen
Most of the time you should apply your moisturizer, then add sunscreen.
This is because sunscreen should be applied last. 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?!
You can also wear Moisturizers with SPF (Sunscreen)
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.
Warnings about wearing Sunscreen and Moisturizers with SPF
- Re-application works best with Sunscreen and not moisturizers with SPF
- Multiple layers of SPF moisturizers can end up looking greasy.
- SPF Moisturizers also dont apply well over makeup.
- 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”.
But, you definitely NEED sunscreen
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).
Editor’s Note: There are two types of Sunscreen; Chemical, Physical (also called Mineral). This post does not explain types of sunscreens but the brand Facetory does a great job at explaining it!
Daily sunscreen is still recommended:
- If you live in a cold climate
- Are a person of color
- You work from home
- At all ages
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.
“SPF stands for sun protection factor, a measure of how well sunscreen protects against UVB rays. (UVA protection isn’t rated.)” – MayoClinic.org
What is the correct way to apply sunscreen?
- Most recommendations say to apply facial sunscreen “liberally”.
- A penny sized amount works well for most faces.
- Re-apply Sunscreen every 2 hours while in direct sunlight.
- Apply Sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outside.
- Remember to check Sunscreen expiration dates.
- Wait 3 – 5 minutes for your Sunscreen to set before applying foundation.
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 at night. Sunscreen should be worn only during the day.
Why shouldn’t you 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.
Top Rated Moisturizers with SPF
These top rated moisturizers include SPF 30 into the formula, so technically you are covered with just this product. It is still recommended to apply a sunscreen in addition to these products every 2 hours in direct sun light.
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!
Questions and Answers on Sunscreen in your Beauty Routine
Can you put 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 you apply Sunscreen or Serum first?
Serum. Apply Sunscreen last, in your skincare routine.
Do you apply Sunscreen or Foundation first?
Apply Sunscreen last in your skincare routine then apply foundation.
More beauty content on Nubelease:
