Moisturizer and SPF sunscreen are two most important skincare products which help in maintaining skin health. The major issues lies in how you are incorporating them in your skincare routine; Like how much to use, when to use, should be reapplied, and everything might cause confusion.

Moisturizer is nothing but a skin hydrator that helps in supporting the skin barrier while reducing the water loss. and SPF sunscreen is a protector which keeps skin safe from UV radiation. Both give unique benefits, and do not replace each other.

The simple rule is using moisturizer first, and SPF sunscreen as a step after hydrating skin. Get to know more about these products and how this combo helps skin be healthy!

Why Do You Need Both Moisturizer And Sunscreen?

Both play a different role and have different jobs when getting in contact with the skin. 

What moisturizer does to your skin?

The moisturizer works on keeping skin hydrated without any kind of dryness and flakiness caused by moisture loss. They contain humectant which attracts water, emollients which helps in softening skin, and occlusive ingredients that helps in reducing the water loss.

Every skin type from dry skin to oily skin and combinational skin needs hydrating moisturizer in their everyday skincare routine.

What does sunscreen do?

SPF sunscreen helps in protecting skin from the harsh radiation. Regular application helps in reducing the sunburn and also helps in preventing the signs of ageing while reducing pigmentation.

After cleansing skin, using a moisturizer and then SPF should be two different steps, which when followed in the right pattern gives a healthy skin.

Which Comes First: Moisturizer Or Sunscreen?

Always moisturizing comes first followed by SPF sunscreen!

The right AM routine looks like Cleanser, Toner/Serum, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen

When the SPF sunscreen is applied first, it will tend to disturb the layering and the way SPF protects the skin.

What if your sunscreen feels moisturizing?

Yes, this is the case where a few sets of formulations are made. Some of the modern SPF contain humectants, emollients, and others which helps in keeping skin well hydrated. But this does not mean, SPF sunscreen can replace moisturizer.

How To Use Moisturizer And SPF Sunscreen In The Morning

Step 1: Cleanse your face

Using a gentle face wash or cleanser as the first step in skincare routine helps in setting the proper and clean foundation for upcoming products. This is because when the skin is dirty or oily, the product will not sit on the skin!

Step 2: Apply your skincare treatments

When using serum or treatment based products, using them initially is a better option. This is because the lighter texture like toner or serum should go first before moisturizing skin.

Let them sit for 30 - 60seconds, before moving into the next skip care step or skin layer.

Step 3: Apply moisturizer

Take the required amount, like a coin size and apply them evenly on your face and neck. Focus on areas like around the mouth, cheeks, under eyes,and even along the jawline.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, then opting for light-weight and non-comedogenic moisturizer is a better choice.

Step 4: Apply sunscreen

Once the moisturizer is well absorbed into the skin, use a finger rule and apply SPF sunscreen all over your face and neck. Few areas to focus are ears, under eyes, neck, and back for better protection.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Use?

This is where most of the people go wrong. When using sunscreen you should not use a tiny amount or just dab and use; Take a generous of 2 to 3 fingers based on under-application. Using a thin layer since you don't like the texture might obviously give you less protection than indicated in the label!

If you find a sense of discomfort or too much of whitecase, ensure to use a different formulation or change brands and pick the one which suits your skin the most!Also ensure to use SPF before your makeup routine. Yes, This is one of the simple yet effective methods for keeping skin from UV and also from makeup products.

Wait until the SPF is absorbed into the skin; Like 2 - 3 mins if needed, and then follow with your makeup routine. 

Do You Need Moisturizer Under Sunscreen If You Have Oily Skin?

Not necessarily. But oily skin needs hydration and moisturization as like every skin type. But if your SPF sunscreen has good moisturizing ingredients in the formulation, yes you can skin them!

If your sunscreen leaves your skin comfortable without dryness or flakiness, then yes you can use: Cleanser and sunscreen alone!

Can You Use Aloe Vera Instead Of Moisturizer?

This is also one of the misconceptions most of them have.

Yes, aloe vera do have soothing and hydrating properties, but this also cannot replace your everyday moisture. Aloe vera gel cannot help in providing the barrier-supporting ingredients as properly formulated moisturizer.

If your skin is dry, you will need a product which has a combination of emollients, humectants, and occlusives rather than relying solely on aloe.

How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen?

This is also one of the mistakes most people make. Using them in an AM routine before stepping out alone is not enough. If you have planned your entire day outside, then it is important to reapply every 2 to 3 hours based on the sun rays, if it's high or low.

Reapplication becomes particularly important when you're:

• Outdoors for prolonged periods

• Sweating heavily

• Swimming

• Towel-drying your skin

• Physically active outdoors

And if you are indoors, then reapplication is not necessarily as important as people spending outdoors.

Can You Skip Moisturizer And Use Only Sunscreen?

In most of the cases, it's a no. The SPF sunscreen even though they have nourishing ingredients, does not match the nourishment the moisturizer gives.

But sometimes yes, when you have extremely oily or combinational skin, and when your SPF has hydrating formulation. For example, in the morning, cleanser and SPF sunscreen is better. But if your skin becomes dry, tight or flaky, adding a moisturizer before is mandatory.

Can You Skip Sunscreen If Your Moisturizer Has SPF?

When your moisturizer has properly tested SPF, then yes they do provide SPF protection. But since most of them use a tiny amount of product(moisturizer), the SPF usage seems to be mandatory.

For dedicated daily sun protection, a separate sunscreen can make it easier to apply an adequate amount without using an excessive amount of moisturizer.

A Simple Routine For Different Skin Types

Conclusion

Both moisturizer and SPF sunscreen are two different products, and it is actually not okay to choose one between both!

Moisturizer helps in supporting the skin barrier, SPF sunscreen helps in protecting against UV exposure. If your sunscreen is sufficiently moisturizing, you can simplify the routine considering your skin type in the first case.