Moisturizer and Sunscreen: Which One First?

Sunscreen isn't just for days spent sunbathing on the beach. It's essential to wear SPF daily, even on a cloudy day.

While sunscreens have popped up as an ingredient in many daily moisturizers, it's important to know that studies have found that these combination products are inferior to sunscreen.

This article explains the recommendations for SPF for your face and the best ways to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine.

SPF for Your Face

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying an SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher sunscreen to exposed skin every day—including your face.

Even on cloudy days, the sun's harmful rays can penetrate your skin. So, even if you only plan to be outside for a short time, it's good to get into a routine of applying sunscreen to your face daily.

Sunscreen should have broad-spectrum protection. That means it should contain protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

UV radiation is a proven cause of skin cancer, including melanoma. In addition, damage from UV rays is cumulative, which means it accumulates over time, increasing your risk of skin damage and cancer.

UVA rays can pass through windows, so even if you plan to be inside for most of the day, it's still a good idea to use sunscreen. Using an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily is the easiest way to protect your face from the harmful rays of the sun.

Nowadays, most sunscreens tout broad-spectrum protection right on the label, so finding an effective sunscreen is easy.

The Best Routine

The order in which you apply your sunscreen and other facial products, like moisturizer and makeup, depends on the type of sunscreen you use. For example, sunscreen comes in two different types. They include:

• Chemical sunscreen: These work inside the skin. They absorb the sun's rays and dissipate them with a chemical reaction.
• Physical sunscreen: These are also known as mineral sunscreens. They work like a shield on the skin's surface to deflect the sun.

For instance, since chemical sunscreens must absorb into the skin to work correctly, you want to apply these types of sunscreens before your other products.

Apply the sunscreen to a clean, dry face and allow it to sink into your skin for a few minutes before applying your moisturizer and makeup, if applicable. The order you should apply products is as follows:

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Apply SPF
4. Apply serum or moisturizer

On the other hand, if you use a mineral sunscreen, which shields the skin by deflecting the sun's rays, you should apply sunscreen last.

Best SPF Moisturizers

While it's most effective to use a separate sunscreen and moisturizer, you may find that applying a moisturizer with SPF saves you money and time during your morning routine.

Cost and Skin Type

SPF moisturizers are available at every price point—you can find them at drugstores and department stores.

However, SPF moisturizers, like all personal care products, aren't one-size-fits-all. A product that works for someone else might not necessarily work for you.

Formulation

The skin on your face is different from the skin on the rest of your body. Sunscreen intended for the body often leaves a greasy residue, which isn't ideal for the face.

Therefore, look for a moisturizer or sunscreen formulated for your face. These provide the sun protection you need without clogging your pores or making your skin feel greasy.

SPF moisturizers typically offer benefits in addition to sun protection. For example, the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer in SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and may help improve skin tone and texture.

Summary

Applying daily sunscreen to your face with an SPF of 30 or higher is an integral part of your morning skin routine. Sunscreen is essential even on cloudy days or days that you plan to be mostly indoors, because UVA rays can pass through clouds and windows and lead to skin damage.

The order of application depends on which type of sunscreen you choose. If you use a chemical sunscreen, apply it first; if you use a mineral sunscreen, apply it last.

Combination moisturizers containing SPF might save time and money, but be sure to choose one that works for your skin type and is specially formulated for use on the face.

A Word From Verywell

While stand-alone sunscreen is more effective than combination sunscreen-moisturizers, you should choose whichever product will ensure you use it every day. Also, be sure to select a product formulated for the face. These will be less likely to clog pores and lead to breakouts. Adding sunscreen to your daily routine can reduce your risk of premature wrinkles and skin cancer.