Skin Health Skin Care & Cleansing Products Moisturizer and Sunscreen: Which One First? By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 17, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD LinkedIn Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents SPF for Your Face The Best Routine Best SPF Moisturizers Frequently Asked Questions 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. Fuse / Getty Images 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. Your lips are also at risk from sun exposure. So, apply a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should have broad-spectrum protection. That means it should contain protection from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA vs. UVB Rays Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays have a longer wavelength and cause skin aging symptoms, like wrinkles and sunspots.Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays have a shorter wavelength and are responsible for burning the skin. 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. Recap Dermatologists recommend applying an SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to your face every day. Does Expired Sunscreen Still Work—and Is It Safe to Use? 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. Considering how the product works to protect your skin will inform the order of application. 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: CleanseToneApply SPFApply 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. Using makeup and other facial products with sunscreen will help ensure that your face is adequately covered and you don't miss a spot. You're Probably Applying Sunscreen the Wrong Way 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. Finding the right SPF moisturizer might take some trial and error, but you can save yourself time and money by figuring out your skin type first. Then you'll know what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. 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. Recap To save time and money, you might want to choose a combination moisturizer and sunscreen. Regardless of whether you choose a combination or stand-alone sunscreen, be sure to purchase a sunscreen specially formulated for the face. These are less greasy and won't clog your pores like all-body sunscreens can. How Ingredients in Sunscreen Protect Your Skin 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. Frequently Asked Questions How long do you wait between applying moisturizer and sunscreen? You should wait until sunscreen is fully absorbed before applying moisturizer or other products. How long does a sunburn last? Sunburn typically resolves in three to five days. Learn More: Tips for Treating Sunburn How do you treat a sunburn? There are several things you can do to treat a sunburn, including:Taking a cool bathApplying moisturizer and aloe veraDrinking waterTaking pain relievers, such as ibuprofenAvoiding sun exposure while your skin healsAvoiding picking at peeling skin Learn What Sunscreen to Choose for Acne-Prone Skin Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Skin cancer. Lourenco EAJ, Shaw L, Pratt H, et al. Application of SPF moisturisers is inferior to sunscreens in coverage of facial and eyelid regions. De Vita V, ed. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(4):e0212548. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212548 American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. Skin Cancer Foundation. UV radiation and your skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Is sunscreen safe? Skin Cancer Foundation. Making your sunscreen work with your makeup. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Sunburn.