Sis a vital component of every skin care program, whether of age, gender, or skin tone. Daily application of sunscreen protects the skin from UV damage, which can produce obvious signs of premature aging and skin cancer.
However, when sunscreen is combined with other skin care products, such as moisturizer – something else to consider using regularly — the sequence of application does matter.
Here is why this order is important, as well as some suggestions for maximizing the efficacy of sunscreen in your regular skin care regimen.
Should sunscreen be used before or after moisturizer?
Chemical sunscreen should be applied before moisturizer and mineral sunscreen after moisturizer.
You can determine the type of sunscreen you have by examining its ingredients. Mineral sunscreen, sometimes referred to as physical sunscreen or sunblock, contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Sunscreen containing chemical compounds, including avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone.
Why does order matter?
Chemical and mineral sunscreens offer distinct skin protection.
Chemical sunblock
This form of sunscreen absorbs harmful UV rays from the sun before they can cause skin damage. Its active components absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat.
In order for a chemical sunscreen to be effective, it must be rubbed into the skin and allowed time to absorb. Therefore, it should be applied before moisturizer.
Important: wait 15 minutes after using chemical sunscreen before exposing yourself to the sun. This sort of sunscreen cannot provide protection until it has been fully absorbed by the skin.
Mineral sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen will comprise zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals protect your skin from the sun’s rays by acting as a shield.
Since mineral sunscreen must sit on top of the skin to filter UV radiation, it should be used at the end of your skin care regimen. In other words, it should be applied after any moisturizer.
What about alternative products for skin care?
Any skin care products used as part of your daily cleansing process, such as toners and serums, should be applied before using either form of sunscreen.
Dermatologist and Better Goods board member Dr. Alpana Mohta recommends applying goods in this order:
1. actives for skin care, such as serums
2. Toner
Using a chemical sunscreen,
4. moisturizing lotion, eye cream, and topical treatments
5.
6. Cosmetics, such as foundation
Mohta recommends waiting at least two minutes after applying a product before applying the following product in your routine.
Mohta also suggests waiting 3 to 5 minutes before applying makeup after applying mineral sunscreen. This is due to the fact that makeup can act as a barrier and hinder sunscreen from protecting the skin fully.
Some facial moisturizers and cosmetics contain sun protection factor, sometimes known as SPF, so they may protect against some UV damage. Dr. Alain Michon, Medical Director of the Ottawa Skin Clinic, advises using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 in addition to these products, as their SPF is typically lower than that of sunscreen.
SPF, or sun protection factor, assesses the effectiveness of a sunscreen or other skin care product in blocking the sun’s rays.
Sunscreen tips
You have numerous alternatives when selecting a sunscreen for your face. These expert-recommended guidelines will assist you in selecting the most effective protection and sunscreen for your skin type.
Always choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30: For prolonged outdoor activities, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests selecting a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Mohta suggests selecting a sunscreen with “wide spectrum” protection, which protects both UVA and UVB radiation.
Choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you will be swimming or perspiring: A “water resistant” label on your sunscreen indicates that it provides protection for up to 40 minutes in water, while a “very water resistant” label indicates that it provides protection for up to 80 minutes.
Outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours: You should also reapply sunscreen immediately after swimming or heavy perspiration. Mohta advises that sunscreen can be reapplied over makeup, as it is impractical to remove makeup so frequently.
Utilize sufficient sunscreen: Use approximately two tablespoons of sunscreen, or the equal of a shot glass, for application to the entire body. When applying sunscreen to the face, a nickel-sized amount should be uniformly distributed across the skin.
Mineral sunscreens are typically the most effective for sensitive skin: According to Michon, their components may minimize stinging and burning when applied and are less prone to irritate facial skin.
Choose a sunscreen marked “noncomedogenic” if you have acne-prone skin. This word indicates that it will not clog your pores, therefore it may lower your chance of acne breakouts, as stated by Michon.
Try a tinted sunscreen if your skin tone is darker: Tinted sunscreen may reduce the whitish cast that mineral sunscreen can occasionally leave on your face, particularly if you have darker complexion.
Choose a sunscreen without oil if you have oily skin: If you have oily skin, it can be quite difficult to find the correct sunscreen, as sunscreen is typically thick. “Your best bet is to look for an oil-free sunscreen with an oil-absorbing protecting base and a matte finish,” advises Michon.
Best sunscreen
Our guides to the best sunscreens and tinted sunscreens offer UV protection alternatives for all skin tones and types.
Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50, available for $10 at Sephora and Supergoop.
Thinksport’s SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen, available for $12.49 at Amazon and Target.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $46, available at NARS and Ulta, is the best tinted moisturizer with a wide choice of colors.
Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, $29 at Amazon and Madewell, is the best tinted mineral sunscreen.
Applying sunscreen during your morning skin care regimen and throughout the day will protect you from potentially cancer-causing radiation.
If you prefer a chemical sunscreen, apply it before your moisturizer and other skin care products. Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, should be applied as the final step of your skin care routine.
With so many sunscreen alternatives on the market, you’ll more than likely have enough to select from, regardless of your specific skin care needs; nevertheless, you’ll want to ensure that the sunscreen you purchase has an SPF of 30 or more and provides broad spectrum protection.