Morgan Donahue
Photo by Javi Sanz / Getty Images
Okay, so we all know wearing SPF daily is non-negotiable—at least, we hope you do (if not, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered). But even the most loyal sunscreen wearers still ask one major question: Do you apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer?
We asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano, MD, to help us get to the bottom of this once and for all. So whether you're layering a full 10-step skincare routine or just doing the bare essentials, here's exactly how (and when) to apply your SPF.
It's about glam time you treated yourself.
Mamina Turegano, MD, is triple-board-certified dermatologist, internist, & dermatopathologist based in New Orleans.
It turns out, it depends on what type of sunscreen you’re using. Yep, your SPF isn’t one-size-fits-all. “If you’re using a chemical sunscreen, it should be applied before the moisturizer, since the sunscreen needs to get absorbed into the skin,” says Dr. Turegano. In other words, if you layer it over moisturizer, it might not sink in properly—and your protection won’t be as strong. But if your SPF is a physical (or mineral) sunscreen, it’s a different story. Physical sunscreens act like a shield. They should be applied after your skincare, but before your makeup.
Still confused about where sunscreen fits into your morning routine? Start from your lightest to heaviest skincare products: cleanser first, followed by toner or essence, then antioxidant serums such as vitamin C (which should be given time to absorb), and then, depending on your sunscreen type, either moisturizer or sunscreen (or vice versa).
Let’s talk science for a sec. Sunscreen’s whole job is to sit on top of your skin and act as a protective barrier against UV rays. If you put it on before your moisturizer, you risk rubbing it off while applying your next step—or worse, making it less effective.
That said, if you’re using a chemical sunscreen, it needs to absorb into your skin to do its job. So you’ll want to apply it on clean skin first, then moisturize once it’s settled in. For mineral sunscreens that physically block the sun’s rays, layering it after your routine works just fine.
It’s a small difference, but it makes a huge impact on how well your SPF works—and your skin will thank you later.
If your dream product is one that moisturizes and offers sun protection in a single step, you’re not alone. SPF-infused moisturizers sound like a skincare jackpot—and they can be! But, they’re only effective if they meet two key requirements.
“As long as it’s SPF 30 or higher and has broad spectrum coverage, it is safe,”” says Dr. Turegano. “SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks around 98%.” And broad-spectrum? That just means you’re covered against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. So if your fave moisturizer meets those standards, you’re good to go. Just don’t forget to use enough (most people don’t!), and reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors.
Thinking about going into DIY mode and mixing your fave moisturizer with your fave sunscreen? Don’t do it. “There can be properties in the moisturizer that could inactivate ingredients in the sunscreen,” warns Dr. Turegano. Plus, you run the risk of diluting the formula or messing with how it sits on the skin—which can mean less protection overall. So, stick to layering your products one at a time, and let each one absorb before moving on to the next step in your routine.
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