We all know how important it is to use sunscreen daily to avoid the damage sun exposure can do to our skin, but there’s still a lot of confusion in what order to apply it in our skincare routine. Is it better to slather sunscreen on before moisturizer or should it be the last product we put on our skin?
I used to think that this latter option was best and when I first started applying it daily a few years ago, I would always put it on after my moisturizer. But I’ve done a lot of research on the topic since then, and while there doesn’t seem to be a clear answer to this question, most experts think it’s best to apply sunscreen first. Here’s why:
Chemical sunscreens need to get into contact with the skin to be effective
According to Dr. Neal Schultz, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in Manhattan, chemical sunscreens should be applied before you put on your moisturizer. That’s because active chemical sunscreen ingredients need time (20 to 30 minutes which is the time you should wait before going outside after application) to bind to the skin so the chemical reaction that activates them can occurr.
By applying your moisturizer first, you’re interfering with this chemical reaction as the sunscreen won’t be able to interact with the skin the way it should. What about reapplying sunscreen during the day, when you already have your moisturizer on? Well, by the time you need to put on your sunscreen again, most of your moisturizer will have already worn off, and won’t therefore interfere with it much.
What about physical sunscreens?
Physical blockers are products that contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. These two ingredients work differently from chemical sunscreen agents as they don’t need to be activated through a chemical reaction with the skin. Think of them as a shield for your skin. When the sun rays hit them, this shield simply bounces them off and away from the skin, thus protecting it from sun damage. For this reason, physical blockers can be applied both before or after moisturizer.
However, even in this case, some experts think it’s best to apply them on clean, bare skin before using any other skincare products. That’s because some of the ingredients in our moisturizing creams can interfere with the sunscreen and make them less effective. For example, your moisturizer could contain ingredients that could dilute your sunscreen, reducing the protection it offers, or make it harder to spread evenly so that some parts of your skin may be left unprotected.
What about sunscreens that have both chemical and physical sunscreen agents?
Again, there is not a definite answer on this, but considering that chemical sunscreens need to be in contact with the skin to work and physical blockers are better applied before moisturizer too (although you could still put them on afterwards if you wanted as long as you’re careful with application), I think it makes sense to apply this type of sunscreens first too.
The exception to the rule
Just like any other rule, this has its exception too. We have already discussed in a previous topic that the products in your skincare routine should be applied based on their consistency. This means that products with a lighter texture, like serums, should be applied before products with a thicker consistency, like moisturizers. Most sunscreens do have a thick texture, so where do they fit in?
Unfortunately, that’s another question without a clear answer. If you’re using an exfoliant or serum with a very light consistency, then you can apply it before sunscreen without compromising its efficacy. If the sunscreen is lighter than the other skincare products you are using, then apply that first. But as mentioned above, there isn’t a definite rule to follow so in the end, it is up to you to make a choice based on your best judgement and personal preference.
Do you apply your sunscreen before or after your moisturizer?
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i just got the gel today! Got the cleanser from the doctor when i visited her and that was a week ago.
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Amy, that’s good. Let me know how they work for you.
Yes, I will def. let you know.
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I use the la Roche posay mexoryl sunscreen and it tends to leave this white residue on my cheeks… Most likely because its water resistant! But I cant remove it! Its only noticable when I wash my face, but I’m a little worried that while having this residue on my cheeks, it will make my sunscreen less affective or will it have no difference?
Chris, I’m afraid I’m not sure what you mean. Sunscreens containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide can leave a white cast on skin after you apply them. Is that what you mean? Or do you only see the residue when you try to take it off? In that case, you may wanna try a stronger makeup remover because if your skin is not completely clean when you apply sunscreen, its efficacy may be compromised.
It’s doesn’t have zinc or titanium. During the day you can’t tell it’s there, but when I wash my face all of the sunscreen comes off except on my cheeks. It seems that the only way it will come off is if I scrape it with my fingernail or use a rougher face cloth. I hate doing that to my face, but it seems to be the only way to remove it.
Oh and another question… I want to buy the la Roche moisturizer with sunscreen. It says it has mexoryl and avobenzone, but it doesn’t say “broad spectrum” on the front like the rest of them. Does that mean its not as affective at blocking UVA and UVB rays like all their other products that say “broad spectrum”??
Chris, I had never heard of a sunscreen behaving like that, how awful! Have you tried using a cleansing oil to remove it? You can try using olive oil too.
I don’t know all the ingredients in that moisturizer, but avobenzone, which protects against UVA rays, make me think the product is broad-spectrum. The problem with moisturizers with SPF though is that you’ll have to apply several layers to get the protection stated on the bottle, so even if it contains broad-spectrum protection, it still won’t protect your face as well as a separate sunscreen.
I’ve tried a sample of DHC’s deep cleansing oil and it didn’t do much at all. I tried using a rough cloth and I did get a lot of it removed.
I’m glad you told me about the moisturizer sunscreen. I tried using another sunscreen from la roche posay, but it leaves a white cast and doesn’t blend in as good. I’m only sixteen so it’s hard to find something that is suitable for everyday use without stubborn residue or looking like a ghost! Lol!!
Chris, I’m sorry the DHC cleansing oil didn’t work for you. I think you should try using a mixture of olive oil and jojoba oil and see how that goes. You’d probably have to remove the oily residue with another gentle cleanser, but if it does the trick, it’s worth it.
Otherwise, you should try using another sunscreen as I don’t think this one is that suitable for your skin type. Maybe try something with only Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. They may leave a white cast on skin, but at least you shouldn’t have to go through all that hassle to remove them.
i have always been using Garnier Sun Control,Daily Moisturiser, Mexoryl® SX. as my base cream before applying foundation. and recently through a friend i came to know that sunscreen/control is used only after applying a moisturiser .so i am thinking of using jovees moisturising cream(shea butter with fruit extracts,moisturiser) as my base cream and then apply jovees sandal wood,suncover,natural protection (SPF 30) before applying my foundation .adn also is it okie if i use jovees sandal wood,suncover,natural protection (SPF 30) as my base cream and apply jovees moisturising cream(shea butter with fruit extracts,moisturiser) at night.
please advice
Zangmo, sunscreen should be the first product you apply on your skin, before moisturizer and before foundation. And I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t use the jovees moisturizer at night. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much.
Zangmo, you’re welcome!
And could you please advice me like i have been using Garnier Sun Control which is SPF 15 and now the Jovees sun cover is SPF 35.is it ok to use it or should i stick to Garnier…and also is it safe to use a different product like jovees sunscreen in the day time and garnier moisturiser at night?
Zangmo, you should use the product that works best for you and you won’t know what that is until you try both. The Jovees one may be better during the day because it has higher SPF, but you can use them either during the day or at night, whatever works best for you.
hello..i have a problems..i always changed the sunscreen and face wash..now im using garnier sun control spf 15 and same brand’s face wash too..wish was available for all skin types..nowww i m thinking to use garnier’s moiserizer too..so want ur advice.what should i do?nnnn m lilttle confuse..sun protection factor means protection time, period na or what??
Muna, I don’t think there’s any problem if you want to use the moisturizer too. Just apply it after sunscreen. Sun Protection Factor measures the length of time you can spend in the sun without burning. For instance, if you burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure, SPF15 will protect you for 150 minutes. Hope this helps.
thank you..last one question wanna ask you..:-) if i use face power at last or after moiserizer than also ok na??
Muna, you’re welcome and yes, you should always apply face powder last.
I have a question. Ive been looking for a high PPD rating sunscreen and I found the best one made by La Roche Posay. It’s the Anthelios XL 50+ Extreme Fluid, but the downside is, is that it leaves a faint white cast. The sales clerk told me that I could mix the tinted version with this sunscreen and it will be more cosmetically appealing. Is it ok to mix the two together, because I’m a little afraid it will affect the protection that it offers… I know that makeup with titanium could affect the avobenzone, but it’s basically the same formula I think!!
Natalie, you are right. It’s never a good idea to mix sunscreens with other products because if you do you’ll compromise their efficacy. The white cast may not be very appealing, but using a sunscreen that doesn’t offer enough protection is worse. If it really bothers you, then you should switch to a sunscreen with a lower concentration of Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide because they are the ingredients that leave a white cast to skin.
Really??, ughh I’ve been spending MONTHS for the right sunscreen…. I know that liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer would definantly affect the protection, but even if it’s the same exact formula, the same brand, and same protection?? I’m not saying your wrong at all, but it’s a little hard to believe!
I don’t think they have the exact same formula, but even if it is very similar, there is always the risk of diluting the sunscreen and if that happens, then you’ll have a lower SPF than that stated on the bottle and thus less protection. It is true that this risk decreases when you use the same actives and same level of SPF, but still you’d have to be very careful because even a small dilution would be too much when it comes to sunscreen. Applying a tinted moisturizer on top would be a better option.
This doesn’t have anything to do with products, but about uv protection. At the moment I have about 6 blankets over my French doors in my room to block out the heat and the sun. My question is, is that since my room is completely dark does that mean there is no uv rays entering in?
Vivien, if your room is completely dark, then I think you’re well protected and don’t need to wear sunscreen inside.
Thank you!!:)
Vivien, you’re welcome.
if i apply moiserizer at night too…it harmful my skin? Or its good ?
Muna, it is ok to apply moisturizer at night. I always do before going to sleep and in the morning my skin is very soft.
When I apply my sunscreen it goes on white then dries clear. Should I put an even light film of white on my face and let it dry or do I rub it in until it dissapears. I’m afraid of rubbing it too much that I’ll mess up the protection. My sunscreen is chemical based
Elizabeth, just apply the recommended amount (1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen for your whole face) evenly on your skin. It’s when you don’t apply enough or forgot an area of your face that you are compromising the protection it provides. Some sunscreens do leave a white cast on skin, others do dry clear. As long as you apply it properly, I wouldn’t worry about that.
hi mam i hav oily skin i use only clean&clear facewash to my face and no other products. during my menses tim i use to get pimples and it turns to black spot which looks ugly kindly suggest me wat all products(with name) should i use from morning to night.
Thank you.
Renita, if you only get pimples during your period then the cause may be hormonal and the only thing you can do is to use an anti-spot treatment on them when they start to appear.
To keep your oily skin under control all year round, instead, I’d suggest a moisturizer or serum with Salicylic Acid which exfoliates skin, preventing the pores from getting all clogged up, and regulates sebum production. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much mam can u say me wat moisturizer shd i use though i’m in india (tamilnadu).
Renita, it’s hard for me to name a product for you because I don’t really know what products are available in India nor what your budget is. Philopsophy clear days ahead oil-free salicylic acid acne treatment & moisturizer is a good, although pricey option, and so is Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief ExfoliatingToner with 2% Salicylic Acid. If these aren’t available where you live, just look around for a leave-in product that contains salicylic acid.
hello mam..im 4rm nepal n i wanna ask u a question…befor go on bed or at night if apply face powder..it remove my pimples or its good for skin?
Srijana, what do you mean with face powder? You mean the cosmetic kind that’s used to set makeup and absorb oil? It’d be useless to use that at night. It’s much better to let skin breathe while you sleep. But if instead you mean a treatment for spots, yes, that can be applied at night.
mam..there is any bad effects if i apply cucumber in my face and let it hole night?
Sharan, I don’t think it’s necessary to leave it on that long, but there shouldn’t be any side effects.
I have a problem with breaking out very easily because my skin is so sensitive! It is horrible, if I think about a zit I get 10 of them! I use Dior skincare products-including moisturizer. I can’t put on both moisturizer and sunscreen, it is just way too much for my face to handle. How should I choose between the two? Also, I have tried PLENTY of “combo” sunscreen/moisturizers, these are a no go for me!
Beth, I’m sorry to hear about your problem. Definitely opt for sunscreen if you have to choose. The sun rays are very damaging to the skin and cause wrinkles and brown spots. This damage is very sneaky because it won’t show up straight away, but after years. And it accumulates. So, if you wanna slow down the aging process, sunscreen is a must. Just opt for one with moisturizing ingredients that will keep your skin soft, smooth and hydrated too.
mam…im having dry skin….can u please suggest good sunscreen for my skin??….or a gud combo of sunscreen n moisturizer..??…
Nikita, have you tried Paula’s Choice Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+, for Normal to Dry Skin or Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+ Chemical Free Fragrance Free Sensitive? They are both good options for dry skin. Hope this helps.
Not yet mam…i will try them….thankuu….n..mam,, which is gud for dry skin..SUNBLOCK r SUNSCREEN???….
Nikita, I wouldn’t say one is better than the other for dry skin. It depends on the formula. You should just use a product that also contains some moisturizing ingredients.
Hi I wanted to know if its okay for me to use only sunscreen as a moisturiser for my face for maybe a week….and can I also apply sunscreen on my lips…..xx
Rose, if you find that your sunscreen is moisturizing enough then yes, you can use that alone and skip the moisturizer. As to whether you can apply sunscreen on the lips, it depends on its formulation and whether all its ingredients are safe for use on the lips. Every sunscreen has a different formula so I can’t give you a precise answer. A lip balm with SPF would be a much safer option.
hi..i want to know that if i scrub my skin everyday..its good for skin or its bad?
Diya, it depends on what scrub you are using and what your skin type is. Physical scrubs (those with beads and micro particles) can be used up to 3 times a week if you have oily skin, less if it is dry. Chemical exfoliants (those with AHAs and BHA such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid) may be used more often depending on how high their concentration is and how sensitive your skin is. Washcloths can be used daily by everyone instead. Hope this helps.
hi
As you mentioned that the sunscreen should be applied before the moisturiser, i just wanted to know that after applying the sunscreen should i wait for some time and then apply the moisturiser?
Triveni, yes. It would be best to wait a few minutes to give the sunscreen the time to sink in before applying the moisturizer.
i use vitamin e oil to moisturiser because i have dry patches to skin, but my sunscreen is neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum its uva/uvb waterproof, i was wondering which should i apply first which second i know that foundation would be third, and how long would i have to wait before applying each step?
Pinuplover, neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum is a chemical sunscreen, so you should apply that first, and moisturizer afterwards. Just wait until the sunscreen has sunk into the skin, and then apply the moisturizer.
i use neotrogina sunscreen spf 55 then oil free moisturizer and go to my office. But when i reapply sunscreen & why? I want to clean my face neutrogena acne face wash after come back my home, is it right for me? please advice me What can i use morning to night accordingly.
Nazma, if you’re not spending much time in the sun, then reapplying sunscreen may not be necessary. If you want to retouch it, you can do so with a powder with SPF. The rest of your routine seems fine to me.
Hey Hi,
I just wanted you to help me out, actually my skin is of mix tone, my cheeks are dry & my forehead is a bit oily, T point which we say. I am nowadays using Ranbaxy Suncross Suncreen & just wanted you to guide me tht how shud i apply it? do i need to apply moisturiser also after applying suncreen or there is no need of mosturiser coz my skin luks so oily after applying sunscreen. Please suggest what shud i do coz aftr applyng sunscreen my face luks so dull & oily
what shud i do ?
Isha, if your skin is that oily, then I think applying sunscreen would be enough. Although, maybe you should consider switching to a sunscreen that’s more lightweight and dries to a matte finish.
Hi,
I recently started wearing an spf 25 moisturiser (soap & glory). It’s a chemical sunscreen and I recently read about how these kinds of moisturising sunscreens just wear off after 2 hours leaving you unprotected.
I don’t reapply because I usually apply some powder or bronzer and highlighter after moisturising. If I was to re-apply my moisturiser, it wouldn’t go so well with the powders and probably cause spots. Is it better to wear higher spf physical sunblock? Do they not wear off so easily? I live in the UK, so I don’t spend much time in the sun…
Mao, I’d definitely use a physical sunscreen then. They last a lot longer on the skin and, if you don’t spend much time in the sun, you probably won’t need to reapply it throughout the day.
Hi, thanks for responding! Is there a sunscreen you recommend? I recently purchased La Roche Posay 30 spf (the matte fluid one). I like it a lot as it doesn’t make my skin oily. However, it contains titanium dioxide and I’d possibly like to find one with zinc oxide. I’d appreciate any recommendations =^..^=
Mao, the best sunscreen with zinc oxide I’ve found so far is sunumbra. It’s natural, gentle and effective. You can read my review here: http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2013/04/10/product-review-sunumbra-sunkids-spf-40/
hi.. im 18 years old.. my skin type is dry.. i tried 3 more sunscreen and moisturizer.. but it doesnt works for me.. pls suggest me honestly which r the sunscreen and moisturzer is best to use and works really..
Rahi, have you tried Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Moisturizer for Normal to Very Dry Skin or Osmotics TriCeram? They are great moisturizers for dry skin. As for sunscreen, I’d suggest you try Paula’s Choice Extra Moisturizing Sunscreen or Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30. Hope this helps.
Hi,
My skin is normal but my nose and forehead get oild through the day.. I’m making a trip this summer to an extremely hot place and I honestly do NOT wanna get a tan! I love my yellow skin! What sunblock/sunscreen can I use that will be effective? Is clinique’s sunscreen good?
Secondly, I apply the sunscreen/sunblock before my moisturiser right?
Thanks, God bless..
Oge, yes, Clinique’s sunscreens are pretty good. Also, Paula’s Choice has a nice sunscreen for normal to oily skin. As for the order of application, a chemical sunscreen should always be applied before moisturizer, while a physical one can be applied afterwards.
Do I have to reapply my sunscreen even if I am barely outside throughout the day? I apply my sunscreen right before school and I go just about all day without reapplying. The sunscreen is chemical, but it has pretty stable ingredients such as mexoryl and avobenzone… I know your suppose to reapply every two hours, but is that two hours of sun exposure or two hours period??
Gabby, that’s two hours of sun exposure. You’re supposed to reapply sunscreen often because the active ingredients degrade when exposed to sunlight and, after a couple of hours, become ineffective. But if you’re not exposed to sunlight, then the sunscreen ingredients will degrade much slower and, if you barely spend any time outdoors and away from big windows, reapplication may not be necessary. You may want to retouch it at least once with a powder with SPF though, just to be on the safe side.
hi, since past 8months before steping out of house, I apply (Neutregena Ultra sheer sun block spf 50) on my skin to beat the Indian sun. i have loved the results, its suiting my skin type too..I apply this sunscreen without applyin a moisturizer. But off late i feel my skin getin dry due to weature change so im planin to start using (Neautrgene Oil free moisturizer spf 15) before i apply the neutregena sunblock,
would it be fine ? or too much of spf(15+50=65) wud lead to skin damage.
im okay if u suggest other moisturizer but dont want to discontinue neutregena sunblock.
Please suggest
Veniska, is it a chemical sunscreen (ie one that doesn’t contain only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide)? If so, it would be better to apply the sunscreen first and then the moisturizer.
And there’s no need to worry about too much SPF. You can’t really add SPF, so if you apply a sunscreen with SPF 50 and a cream with SPF 15, you’re only getting SPF 50 anyway. I’ve written a post about that. If you’re interested, you can read it here: http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2012/06/19/sunscreen-math-can-you-add-up-spf/
Hmm, I have been applying my sunscreen right after moisturizer for a very long time. I did not know that chemical ingredients need so much time to work. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
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Maria, you’re welcome. That’s one of the reasons why I prefer physical sunscreens. You can apply those after moisturizer without problems.
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