Taking care of your skin involves more than just washing your face. It’s about nourishing, protecting, and keeping it in the best condition possible for the long term. But with a myriad of skincare products available on the market today—each with their own benefits—how do you know the correct order to apply them? Should you use your sunscreen before your moisturizer, or vice versa? The sequence in which you apply these products can significantly impact their effectiveness. In this article, we will explore why the order of applying sunscreen and moisturizer matters and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to layer skincare for maximum results.
The Importance of Layering Skincare Correctly
The key to a successful skincare routine is layering your products in the right order. When you layer products correctly, each one can work at its optimal level, and you can achieve the best results. Skincare products are designed to work in specific ways—some products are intended to penetrate deeply into the skin, while others provide a protective barrier or hydrating effect on the surface. The order in which these products are applied ensures that they perform their intended function without interfering with each other.
One of the most debated aspects of skincare layering is whether to apply sunscreen or moisturizer first. While both are essential for maintaining healthy skin, they serve different purposes, and the way you layer them can make a difference in your skin’s appearance and health.
Sunscreen: The Protector
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of a good skincare routine, as it provides protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreens typically contain a combination of physical blockers (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) and chemical ingredients that absorb UV rays and prevent them from penetrating your skin. When applied correctly, sunscreen acts as a protective shield, and for it to work effectively, it must sit on the surface of your skin without being blocked by other products.
Most skincare experts agree that sunscreen should be the last step in your morning skincare routine. This ensures that it forms a protective layer on top of your skin and isn’t hindered by any other products you’ve applied before.
Moisturizer: The Hydrator
Moisturizer, on the other hand, is designed to keep your skin hydrated and plump by locking in moisture. A good moisturizer helps to replenish any moisture lost throughout the day or night, which can be crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Some moisturizers also contain other beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants or anti-aging compounds, that can help improve the skin’s texture and appearance over time.
It’s generally recommended that moisturizers be applied after cleansing and before sunscreen. By doing so, your moisturizer can penetrate the skin and provide deep hydration without interference from the sunscreen.
The Right Order: Sunscreen or Moisturizer First?
Now that we understand the functions of sunscreen and moisturizer, let’s address the burning question: which one should you apply first?
The correct order for applying skincare products is to start with the lightest, most easily absorbed products and finish with the heaviest, most occlusive ones. This principle applies to both sunscreen and moisturizer. Here’s why:
- Moisturizer First: You should always apply moisturizer before sunscreen because moisturizers typically contain ingredients like emollients, humectants, and occlusives that create a layer over your skin. This layer can help lock in hydration and protect your skin from environmental factors. Applying sunscreen afterward ensures that it remains on the surface of your skin, where it’s most effective at blocking UV rays.
- Sunscreen Last: Sunscreen should always be the final step in your morning routine because its purpose is to act as a shield, blocking harmful rays from penetrating the skin. If you apply it first, it could be absorbed into your skin or disrupted by other products, rendering it less effective.
Therefore, the correct order should be: cleanser → toner (optional) → serum (if used) → moisturizer → sunscreen.
This ensures that your skin is adequately moisturized and protected from the sun’s harmful effects.
Why the Order Matters
Effectiveness of Sunscreen: If you apply moisturizer after sunscreen, the sunscreen will be diluted or disrupted by the thicker layer of moisturizer, meaning it will be less effective at protecting your skin. Sunscreen needs to sit on top of your skin in order to form a protective barrier, and if something else is layered over it, it could cause it to wear off or become less effective.
Hydration and Absorption: Moisturizers contain ingredients that help to hydrate and lock moisture into the skin. When applied first, your skin is better prepared to absorb these beneficial ingredients. Applying moisturizer on top of sunscreen can prevent the sunscreen from doing its job of protecting your skin from UV rays, while also potentially creating a barrier that blocks the moisturizer from penetrating deep into the skin.
Texture and Application: When layering skincare products, the texture of each product plays an important role. Light, gel-based products (like serums or toners) should be applied first because they are more easily absorbed. Thicker products, such as moisturizers, come next because they are designed to sit on top of the skin to lock in hydration. Finally, sunscreen, being the most occlusive product, should be applied last to provide a protective shield.
Additional Tips for Layering Skincare Products
Now that you know the basic order of applying sunscreen and moisturizer, let’s look at some additional tips for effective skincare layering:
- Choose Lightweight Products in Hot Weather: In the summer or in warmer climates, opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and sunscreens. This will prevent your skin from feeling greasy or weighed down by heavy products. Gel-based moisturizers and sunscreens are ideal in these conditions.
- Use Sunscreen Every Day: Sunscreen should be applied every day, even if you’re staying indoors, because UV rays can penetrate windows and cause skin damage. Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Use Products That Are Compatible: Some sunscreens and moisturizers are designed to work well together, while others might not be as compatible. Be sure to choose products that won’t pill when applied together. If you notice your skincare products are not layering well, try switching to a different brand or formulation.
- Incorporate Serums: If you’re using a serum, it should be applied after toner and before your moisturizer. Serums are concentrated treatments and need to penetrate the skin to deliver active ingredients. By applying them before your moisturizer, you help lock those ingredients in.
- Be Mindful of SPF: Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, while others might only protect against one. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that has an SPF rating of at least 30, which is the minimum recommended by most dermatologists.
- Avoid Overloading Your Skin: Layering too many products can overwhelm your skin. Stick to the essentials: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and any specific treatments like serums or toners that suit your skin’s needs. Too many layers can cause pilling, irritation, or clogged pores.
Conclusion
Layering your skincare products correctly is key to ensuring they work effectively. While sunscreen and moisturizer both play vital roles in keeping your skin healthy and protected, their order of application is crucial. Always apply moisturizer first to hydrate and nourish your skin, followed by sunscreen to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. By following this order, you can ensure your skin stays hydrated, nourished, and shielded from the sun, helping you achieve the best possible results from your skincare routine.