Moisturizer Before or After Sunscreen

The global skincare industry is now worth billions of dollars. You have countless options and products to choose from when it comes to protecting your skin. Cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc. have become an integral part of a daily skincare routine. The order of applying these to your skin is as important as the products themselves. The chemicals present in them need to get absorbed by the skin for the best effects. Any experiment or change in the sequence of applications can be dangerous for the health of your skin.

It is of utmost importance to protect your skin from the harshness of the sun. The harmful UV rays can cause irreversible damage to your skin. Today, with the increase in pollution and outside exposure, using sunscreen is no more an option but a mandatory skincare activity. Similarly, it is equally important to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. However, the big question still remains to be answered.

What goes on the face first Sunscreen or Moisturizer?

To answer this you need to first understand the working logic behind them. Also, are there any alternatives that can help you dodge the question once and for all?

What Does A Moisturizer Do?

A moisturizer is a skin-friendly beauty product. It hydrates your skin. A must-have for people with dry skin issues! You can enhance your skin texture and feel with a good moisturizer.

How Does A Sunscreen Protect Your Skin?

Sunscreen blocks the harmful UV rays from the sun. It is a shield that protects the skin cells from any damage. It does not get absorbed in the skin. It simply acts as an umbrella for the skin.

The Right Order of Application

There is a simple rule you need to follow when layering your skin with essential products. The lightest consistency product always goes first followed by the thicker ones. When two products have the same consistency, use the water-based product first and then the oil-based one! If you are suffering from any underlying skin problem such as acne, pimples, etc. then the acne cream is the first thing that should rest on your skin. More to the point, anything that you apply on the skin must get absorbed for it to deliver its benefits.

So, to answer “sunscreen or moisturizer first?” sunscreens are the last thing that should be applied to the skin. Sunscreen is not meant to be absorbed by the skin. It acts as a protective shield between your skin and the external world. These days sunscreens are mostly oil-based. If they are applied in the very beginning then whatever you add on top of it becomes useless. The strong chemicals present in sunscreen will even block the healthy agents including the ones from moisturizers. If you wish to apply makeup then the layering process becomes a little tricky. Apply the moisturizer first then sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), the makeup sits on top of all the other things. It is recommended to use an SPF based highlighter or blush that ensures sun-blocking properties in the top layer.

The Alternative

The advancement of technology has now simplified many things, especially for the healthcare and beauty industry. Many top-line manufacturers offer sunscreens with anti-aging and hydrating properties. These sun blocks contain zinc and titanium oxides that deflect the harmful UV rays from the sun. Their SPF count is also above 30 which ensure the desired level of isolation. You do not really need anything else if your physical sunscreen is loaded with all the active ingredients that perfectly block the UV rays and at the same time nourishes the skin.