In your skincare routine, it’s a good idea to put on your moisturizer before your sunscreen. The simple rule of thumb you should know is: thinnest to thickest. Sunscreen is the finishing move, the final touch that helps keep your skin protected all day long.
Time to take a closer look at why this order makes sense (it does). But, like all things, there are a few exceptions you might want to keep in mind.
- Sunscreen as a Protective Barrier: Sunscreen works by forming a protective layer right on top of your skin to block out those harmful UV rays. To make sure it does its job well, it’s best to apply it as the last step in your skincare routine.
- Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens:
- Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens: Physical sunscreen have zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in them, which help form a physical barrier that reflects UV rays from your skin. This is meant to be the final step in your skincare routine, creating a protective shield right on top.
-
- Chemical Sunscreens: When it comes to sunscreens, chemical ones work by soaking into your skin and transforming those UV rays into heat, which your body then releases. Some dermatologists recommend putting on your chemical sunscreen first. This way, it has a chance to fully absorb into your skin before you layer on your moisturizer. However, many experts still suggest applying sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine, no matter what type you’re using. This helps keep that all-important protective layer intact.
- The Wait Time: Once you’ve applied your moisturizer, give it a few minutes to soak into your skin before slapping on your sunscreen. This helps keep the two products from mixing, making sure your sunscreen goes on nice and even for the best protection.
- Don’t Mix Products: It’s best not to mix your sunscreen and moisturizer together in your hand to create one product. Doing so can dilute the sunscreen’s formula and lower its SPF effectiveness.
- Reapply: It’s super important to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. If you’re sweating or swimming, you might need to do it even more often. If you’re wearing makeup, you can still easily touch up your protection with a powder sunscreen or a spray.
- Consider a 2-in-1 Product: If you are making your routine a bit easier, consider using a moisturizer that has broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. It’s a great way to combine steps, but just remember to use the right amount to get all the sun protection you need.
How To Layer Sunscreen And Moisturizer
Now you already know that moisturizer should be applied before sunscreen. But let’s clarify the best way to layer these products so you can really make the most of them. The right order is super important for a successful morning skincare routine. The logic is simple: start with the thinnest ones and work your way up to the thicker ones. Stop rushing. Remember to give each product a little time to soak in before adding the next one.
- Cleanse: Begin with a clean face. Grab a gentle cleanser to wash away any dirt, oil, and sweat that might have accumulated overnight.
- Apply serums or treatments (optional): If you’re using any facial serums, like a vitamin C serum, just remember to apply them after you’ve cleansed and toned your skin.
- Apply moisturizer: Take a moment to gently massage your moisturizer into your skin. This not only hydrates your skin but also helps seal in all the benefits from any serums you’ve used.
- Wait for absorption: It’s very important to let your moisturizer soak in for a few minutes before moving on. If you rush and put sunscreen on while your moisturizer is still wet or feeling tacky, they might mix together and lessen the sunscreen’s effectiveness. It could lead to some annoying flaking.
- Apply sunscreen: Don’t forget to slather on a good amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests using about the size of a nickel just for your face. Make sure to cover your neck and ears as well.
What Happens If I Don’t Use Moisturizer Before Sunscreen?
We all know sticking to your skincare routine is very important. But you forget a step, like moisturizer. You think, ‘meh, no big deal.’ Wrong. Skipping that step can actually have some unexpected effects. If you apply sunscreen on dry skin, it doesn’t just sit right—it gives you terrible patchy coverage and leaves your skin feeling a bit parched.
Let’s take a peek at what could happen:
1. Dryness and Dehydration
Moisturizers are great for keeping your skin hydrated and helping to strengthen its natural moisture barrier. On the other hand, sunscreens—especially mineral sunscreens that include active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—aren’t really meant for hydration. In fact, they can sometimes leave your skin feeling dry. Skipping it can really leave your skin feeling tight and dry, and nobody wants that. Over time, dryness can lead to flakiness and make your skin look dull. It might even speed up the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Uneven Sunscreen Application
Keeping your skin hydrated and smooth makes it much easier to apply sunscreen evenly. When your skin is dry or flaky, it can be tricky to spread the sunscreen properly, and that might result in some areas missing out on sun protection. This could leave you open to UV damage, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation.
3. Poor Product Performance
Some sunscreens, especially those with a matte finish, really shine when you use them on top of a moisturized base. If you skip the moisturizer, these sunscreens might feel heavy or chalky, which can make applying them less enjoyable. And when that happens, you might not use enough or even decide to skip it entirely.
I know sometimes it feels easier to skip a step in your skin care routine. But applying a moisturizer before your sunscreen is very important. This small step is the primer for everything else. It keeps your skin hydrated, helps the sunscreen go on smoothly for the best protection, and supports your skin’s overall health. Stop being lazy.
