Incorporating Sunscreen: Before Or After Moisturizer?

Table of Contents

• What is Sunscreen?
• Benefits of Using Sunscreen
• What is a Moisturizer?
• What's the difference between sunscreen and moisturizer?
• Do I need to use both Moisturizer and Sunscreen?
• What is the correct order of applying moisturizer and sunscreen?
• Can You Mix Moisturizer and Sunscreen?
• To Sum It Up
• FAQ’s

The order in which you apply your skincare products significantly matters. Just like the old traditional riddle “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” It is difficult to understand if we should use sunscreen before or after moisturizer.

We've got the answers for you! Let's look at how sunscreens benefit our skin and where to incorporate it in your skincare.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a product designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV radiation. Sun exposure contributes to sunburns, photoaging, and skin cancer. Sunscreen either absorbs or reflects the rays to prevent them entering our pores and causing damage.

It is crucial for all to apply sunscreen everyday and in any weather or season. It is recommended to opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or greater for daily use and reapply it every 2 hours.

Benefits of Using Sunscreen

Blocks Harmful Sun Rays

Sunscreens create a barrier over the skin and prevent damaging UV rays from penetrating the skin. This helps protect the skin from the negative effects of the sun such as tanning, pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Prevents Sunburn

When exposed to the sun for a long time, the outer layer of the skin is damaged causing redness and inflammation. Sunscreen creates a protective barrier that doesn't allow UV rays from entering the skin.

Reduces Chances of Skin Cancer

UV rays can cause DNA damage in skin cells. Damage accumulation leads to skin cancer over time. Sunscreen minimizes the exposure of UV rays to the skin and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

Keeps Skin Youthful

When UV rays penetrate the skin they break down collagen and form free radicals which leads to fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Sunscreens prevent the damaging rays from penetrating the skin and thus help keep the skin youthful and radiant.

What is a Moisturizer?

Moisturizers are water-based or oil-based skincare products that work to hydrate the skin. They increase the water content in the skin and create a protective barrier which prevents moisture loss. It contains ingredients like humectant and emollients that help retain moisture and keep skin smooth and supple. Moisturizers are a key ingredient for maintaining healthy skin.

What's the difference between sunscreen and moisturizer?

Do I need to use both Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

Incorporating both a moisturizer and a sunscreen in your skincare routine ensures premium care is delivered into keeping your skin healthy. Both serve different needs of the skin and thus skipping one or substituting one for another is not recommended.

Moisturizers help maintain the overall hydration of the skin but do not protect against the sun rays. Similarly sunscreens shield the skin from the UV rays but don't provide any hydration. Using both takes care of your skin's long term needs.

What is the correct order of applying moisturizer and sunscreen?

When to apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer?​ 

It's a big debate that still hasn't been won by either side. As moisturizers are known to create a barrier over the skin, if applied first, it is possible that it may not allow the sunscreen to penetrate the skin. However when applied after the sunscreen it may change the way sunscreens interact with the sun.

But a big percentage of people prefer applying a moisturizer first followed by sunscreen. It is believed that since sunscreens provide protection against the sun, they should be the final step in a skincare.

Sunscreen or moisturizer first also depends on what type of sunscreen you use. If you're using a physical sunscreen then you need to apply it after the moisturizer and if you use a chemical sunscreen you apply that first followed by a moisturizer. Why? Because chemical sunscreens absolutely need to penetrate the skin for them to work effectively.

Can You Mix Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

No lies but we've all taken both, moisturizer and sunscreen, on our fingertips mixed them together and applied it on our face. You might think that doing this is the perfect solution to quickly get done with skincare on “I’m running late!’ mornings but it's not. Mixing the two together neither work as efficiently as they are designed to.

However if you love the concept of a product with both hydrating and protecting benefits then a SPF Moisturizer is your safe option.

Final Note 

Knowing the correct order of applying your skincare products is essential to reap the best of their benefits. Using both the products ensures your skin stays nourished and shielded. 

Keep this in mind, that using a sunscreen after moisturizer or before is better then not using it at all. So keep your head up and face the sun with confidence.

FAQ’s: Sunscreen: Before or After Moisturizer

Can I skip moisturizer before sunscreen?

No, it is not recommended to skip moisturizer at all. Sunscreen, though protects the skin from sun damage, does not provide hydration like a moisturizer does. Moisturizer helps enhance the overall appearance of skin.

How to apply sunscreen correctly?

Take an ample amount of sunscreen (3 fingers) and apply to the skin. Massage the product in gently ensuring all areas are covered. Sunscreen should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine and 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Which is better sunscreen or moisturizer?

Sunscreen and Moisturizer are two skincare products that serve different purposes and cannot be compared. Both are important for hydrating the skin and protecting it. 

What is the time gap between moisturizer and sunscreen?

A small gap of 2-3 minutes before layering your moisturizer and sunscreen will allow the products to absorb into the skin without mixing. This helps them work more efficiently for your skin.

Should I apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer?

Sunscreen should always be the last step of your skincare routine, after moisturizer. This ensures it forms a protective barrier on top of your skin to shield against UV rays.

Does the order of sunscreen and moisturizer really matter?

Yes, it does. If sunscreen is applied before moisturizer, the moisturizer can dilute or block it, reducing its effectiveness in protecting against sun damage.

What’s the best way to apply sunscreen on oily skin?

Choose a lightweight, gel-based or mattifying sunscreen. Apply it after a water-based moisturizer to avoid excess shine and keep the skin comfortable throughout the day.

Should dry skin use sunscreen before or after moisturizer?

Dry skin benefits from layering moisturizer first to lock in hydration, followed by sunscreen on top. This prevents dryness while still providing full UV protection.

Does tinted sunscreen replace moisturizer?

No, tinted sunscreen can even out skin tone but it doesn’t provide the same hydration benefits. You should still apply moisturizer underneath for complete skincare

Does moisturizer reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen?

Not if applied in the correct order. When moisturizer is fully absorbed and sunscreen goes on top, both products work without interfering with each other.

Can I skip moisturizer if my sunscreen is hydrating?

If your sunscreen contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, you can skip moisturizer on very oily or humid days. But for dry skin, both are recommended.

Do I need both sunscreen and moisturizer every day?

Yes, ideally. Moisturizer nourishes and protects the skin barrier, while sunscreen shields against harmful UV rays. Together, they keep skin healthy and youthful.

Should I reapply moisturizer with sunscreen?

No, you don’t need to reapply moisturizer. Just reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours during sun exposure to maintain protection.

Can I apply makeup right after sunscreen?

Yes, once sunscreen is fully absorbed (after about a minute), you can apply makeup. It’s best to use gentle patting motions to avoid disturbing the sunscreen layer.

Is gel sunscreen better layered under moisturizer?

No, gel sunscreens should still be applied after moisturizer. They are lightweight, making them perfect as the final layer for oily or acne-prone skin.

Does SPF in moisturizer replace sunscreen?

Not always. SPF in moisturizer is often lower and applied less generously than dedicated sunscreens. For reliable protection, always use a standalone sunscreen.

Should I change sunscreen order in summer vs winter?

No, sunscreen always comes last, regardless of season. The only change may be using lighter moisturizers in summer and richer ones in winter.

Should sunscreen be applied differently in the morning and evening?

Sunscreen is only needed in the morning and throughout the day when exposed to sunlight. At night, it’s not necessary since there’s no UV exposure.