Angelica Asks:
I`ve always wondered about the process of applying sunscreen to my face each morning and thought you might be able to help me with my quandary. When applying a moisturizer separately from sunscreen which goes on first? I`ve heard conflicting theories for years and I would love to know once and for all. Moisturizer first, sunscreen second or is it sunscreen first, moisturizer second? Help!
The Right Brain Replies:
There`s no way we can give one answer that covers all possible combinations of facial moisturizers and sunscreen formulas. However, we can give you some tips:
3 Things You Need To Know About Applying Sunscreen
- Some ingredients used in certain lotions can inhibit the way sunscreen ingredients deposit/spread on the skin. Based on this fact, we recommend applying sunscreen first to make sure that nothing interferes with the deposition of the active ingredient.
- If you are applying a product on top of the sunscreen, it`s best to wait a little while before applying the second product. Try applying the sunscreen as the first step in your post-cleaning routine, then do the rest of your beauty business. Finally, come back and apply your facial moisturizer. This will give the sunscreen time to soak in and minimize the change for negative interaction.
- To save time and effort, you could solve your problem by using a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, like Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion, SPF 30 or Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. That’s probably the best approach because the sunscreen active has been tested with the rest of the ingredients in the formula.
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Do you have any recommendations for moisturizer/sunscreen combos with an SPF higher than 30?
I skip moisturizer because my sunscreen feels like a moisturizer… same viscosity, same sorta creaminess. And my face doesn’t have any signs of dryness when I just use sunscreen. I figure the sunscreen acts as a moisturizer. But I do use a moisturizer at night.
I really recommend Shiseido’s 55spf lotion for oily skin or cream version for dryer skin. It’ll also control your oilies really well but won’t dry your skin out.
I’ve been using Aveeno’s Positively Ageless lifting & firming moisturizer with good results. It has an SPF of 30, and the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. The lotion is pretty light, non-greasy, has a slight floral scent, and doesn’t interefere with my makeup. Also, it’s about $18.00 for a 2.5 oz bottle. Not bad for a drug store brand.
Great post! I’ve been wondering this same question!
I recently bought ROC Retinol Corrextion moisturizer with spf 30 in it. Can I add a little tint (clinque bronzer) to the moisturizer to give a little color? thank you:)
i tone my face and i apply moisturizer then sunscreen 10 seconds later and move on to my make up in 120 seconds after that, i don’t have the time to wait around… and spf 30 is too weak for me. i use 50 and up.
but i don’t think anything will interact… like eucerin moisturizer and clinique sunscreen.
I think too many people over think the whole issue of sunscreen. Use it regularly, and you will be way ahead. Period.
dear brains, can you be more specific about what ingredients can interfere with the uv filters (names) and are you talking about fysical or absorbing filters (names). toxicologists here in holland do raise their eyebrows by your theory, so if you also have evidence based information, we will be happy.
cheers, monique lindeboom
beautyjournalist from the netherlands
HI, IAM USING SPF30 SUNSCREEN AND AFTER 10 MTS I PASS ON TO MY (HIMALAYA )FAIRNESS CREAM BUT IT LOOKS DULL AND AFTER 2 HRS ITS TOO GREASY AND OILY ON MY SKIN . I DONT KNOW WAT 2 D0 .PLZ HELP………….
This is a great question! I would also add that the reason it is important to wait 10-15 minutes before applying other moisturizers (should you choose to do so) is that if you apply the moisturizer and sunscreen at the same time, you will dilute the effect of the suncreen. This is sort of like marinating a steak in full-strength marinade versus marinating it in marinade that has been diluted to half its concentration. It doesn’t work as well. Probably the best way to avoid this is to your a facial moisturizer with sunscreen during the day, and a moisturizer without sunscreen at night. Also, don’t forget to put sunscreen/moisturizer on your neck, upper chest, and backs of hands!
I recently wrote an article on how to apply moisturizers correctly. Click on my name or go to skinnyonskincare.com for more!
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