Is Sunscreen More Effective If You Apply It Before Or After Moisturizer?

By now, everyone should know that sunscreen is arguably the most important part of any skincare routine.

As Dr. Samer Jaber of Washington Square Dermatology told HuffPost earlier this year, “It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on oils or retinol and vitaminC.

If you’re not getting good sun-protection, you’re wasting your money.”o matter what time of year, everyone should be using sunscreen, especially on parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun, like the face.

Figuring out when to layer sunscreen into your beauty routine, though, can get a little confusing. There’s one common question you may have asked yourself: Does sunscreen go on before or after your daily moisturizer?

As it happens, even dermatologists don’t always agree on the answer. We asked a few to share their expert opinions on when to apply sunscreen in your beauty routine.

Physical sunscreens contain mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect ultraviolet rays.

Chemical sunscreens, usually containing ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone, rely on a chemical reaction to protect the skin, Dr. Melda Isaac, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C. explained. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and release them as infrared rays.

The simplest way to remember when to apply sunscreen, according to Isaac, is that you want to put it on as close to the end of your beauty routine as possible ― on top of any medicated treatments, antioxidant serums and moisturizer.

A simple rule of thumb? “Cleanse, medicate, moisturize, protect,” she said.
The layering order also depends on what type of sunscreen you use powder or lotion.

If you are using a cream-based or lotion-based sunscreen, which most people do, you want to put that on after your moisturizer. If you mix it in with your moisturizer, you’re diluting your sunscreen and its ability to protect. Then you would put on makeup, if someone’s choosing to wear makeup.

Another reason for using this method, Isaac said, is because sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be a little bit drying. So, if you add your moisturizer first, you won’t be left with sticky or gritty residue.

If you’re using a powder sunscreen, Isaac said it can be applied on top of makeup, much like a finishing powder. A benefit to powders is that they can be easily reapplied throughout the day, without worrying about smudging or rubbing off your makeup.

Dr. Y. Claire Chang at Union Square Laser Dermatology agreed that sunscreen should be part of everyone’s regimen, but shared an alternate opinion for when to apply it.

“In the morning, I recommend gentle cleansing, then applying products with active ingredients (like vitamin C or glycolic acid), then applying a base layer of sunscreen prior to moisturizer and make-up,” she told HuffPost earlier this year.

“There has been a lot of publicity over the past few years of why sunscreens may not be as efficacious as reported. Many times, this is because patients are not applying the amount of sunscreen needed for the level of SPF protection advertised,” Chang added. “I recommend using a thick enough layer and reapplication of sunscreen every 2-3 hours if staying outdoors to ensure optimal protection.”

At the end of the day, just do yourself a favor and wear sunscreen. Your skin will thank you.