Moisturiser or Sunscreen: Which One to Apply First?

By The Opinionated Mar 30, 2022, 19:22 IST

A summer skincare routine combines multiple must-have products like moisturiser, sunscreen lotion, day crème, night crème, and more. However, it is crucial to know their correct order of application to have their optimal benefit. If you apply a vitamin-C serum on the bare face first, your skin may end up with visible marks, more so if you have sensitive skin. Whether you're staying indoors during summer or going out in the sun, knowing what to layer first and what to apply after is the key to having healthy and glowing skin, no matter the weather.

 

Do You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Moisturiser?

We are sure you're following a skincare regime to maintain your skin's glow and good health as we enter the hot summer months. But are you layering the sunscreen and moisturiser as you should? For applying skincare products, most people aren't aware of the steps you want to follow. It is essential to know how to layer products one after the other correctly to achieve the desired skin results.

 

So, what to apply first? 

 

Tapping into the million-dollar question – should you put on sunscreen first or moisturiser? Our answer is: Always use a moisturiser first. 

Sunscreens are best used as a top layer because they act as a barrier that protects the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. A vitamin C sunscreen will brighten the skin tone, reduce suntan and pigmentation and give a matte finish to complete your look. So, use your moisturiser and other skincare products before sunscreen. Allow a time gap of 2-3 minutes between applying the two products. This will enable the first product to absorb completely into your skin before applying the second. In this manner, the moisturiser and sunscreen won't react or interfere with each other's functions.

 

Can I Mix Sunscreen with Moisturiser?

Ideally speaking, you should never do that! Mixing two different skincare products with distinct ingredients, functions, and desired results should never be mixed and applied. However, if you wish to combine the two products and make them into one, go for a day crème with SPF 20 and above. It will help you enjoy the benefits of two while applying one product.

 

Recommended – 

  • Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen MatteGEL Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

  • Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Vitamin-C MatteGEL Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

  • Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Dry-Touch Whitening Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

  • Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 PA++

  • Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 PA++


How Long Should I Need to Wait Before Applying Sunscreen After Applying Moisturiser?

There is no exact formula or ideal waiting time to know when to apply sunscreen after applying the moisturiser. However, it is advisable to let the moisturiser sit into your skin for 2-3 minutes before using anything. It allows the next product layer not to get washed away and serve its desired result.

 

Tips for Wearing Sunscreen with Moisturiser?

  • Apply a mineral sunscreen after using moisturiser, or if you're applying chemical sunscreen, wear it before the moisturiser.

  • Use different moisturiser and sunscreen and never mix them both. 

  • Use a good SPF sunscreen with all-natural ingredients like Kakadu plum to reduce the effect of sun damage and give healthy skin. 

  • Wait for 1-2 minutes between applying a moisturiser and sunscreen to maximise benefit.

  • Even if your makeup and other skincare products have SPF, we recommend wearing sunscreen separately.

  • Even if you're wearing makeup, you need to wear sunscreen underneath it.

 

By following the above-mentioned skincare recommendations on using a safe, mineral or chemical sunscreen, you're protecting your skin while you are having fun in the sun. Believe us, the commitment and that extra effort are worth it—you'll end up not stopping to look at yourself in the mirror while having a glowing and radiant complexion.