Sunscreen Or Moisturiser First? Know What Should You Use Before!
_2.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Okay—layering your skincare the correct way is sacrosanct. That explains why you start off with something as lightweight as a serum, and conclude with something as thick as a moisturiser. A moisturiser is supposed to come in right at the end to be able to seal in moisture as well as the formulas you layered onto your skin. But, then, when does sunscreen enter the chat? Because you must sun-proof your skin before stepping out, right? Does it form a barrier over your moisturiser? Or do you apply it right under your moisturiser? Also do you know what to apply sunscreen or moisturizer first? And, no, skipping out on moisturiser isn’t an option—especially if you have dry skin.
If your Google search history looks a little like ‘sunscreen or moisturiser first’ or ‘first moisturiser or sunscreen’, we’ve got you. Because we have the answer. We’ve put together an assortment of some of the best sunscreens and moisturisers to invest in too. Time to start saving up for that summer-cart to come in on time!
Types of Sunscreen
Before we discuss sunscreen or moisturizer first, it is important to understand the different types of sunscreen available in the market. There are primarily two types of sunscreen: mineral-based/physical sunscreen and chemical-based sunscreen.
Mineral-Based/Physical Sunscreen
Mineral-based or physical sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting harmful UV rays away from the skin. They provide broad-spectrum protection and are generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Mineral-based sunscreens are known for their immediate effectiveness upon application and are less likely to cause skin irritation.
Chemical-Based Sunscreen
Chemical-based sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. These sunscreens contain chemicals like avobenzone, octinoxate, or oxybenzone. They are lightweight, easy to apply, and often blend seamlessly into the skin. However, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain chemical sunscreen ingredients.
Should You Apply Sunscreen or Moisturiser First?
The order of application of sunscreen vs moisturiser can vary depending on personal preference, skin type, and the specific products used. However, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to apply sunscreen or moisturiser first.
Benefits of Applying Sunscreen First
Applying sunscreen as the first step in your skincare routine ensures that your skin receives maximum protection from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen acts as a shield, preventing sunburn, premature ageing, and the risk of skin cancer. By applying sunscreen first, you create a barrier between your skin and the sun, allowing the active ingredients to work effectively. Additionally, applying sunscreen before moisturiser allows for better absorption and penetration of the sunscreen into the skin.
Benefits of Applying Moisturiser First
Some individuals prefer to apply moisturiser before sunscreen, especially if they have dry skin. A moisturiser helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, creating a smooth canvas for the sunscreen application. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and improving overall skin texture. Applying moisturiser first can also help to minimise any potential irritation or sensitivity that may arise from the sunscreen ingredients.
Experts have varying opinions on whether sunscreen or moisturiser should be applied first. Some dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen first to ensure maximum protection, while others suggest moisturiser first to provide hydration and nourishment. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for your skin. Experimenting with different routines and observing how your skin responds can help you determine the ideal order of application.
Should You Mix The Two Together?
No. It might sound like a smart idea, but it isn’t. If you’re under the impression that one can bolster the efficacy of the other, that’s not how it works. Here’s what happens when you introduce the two to one another:
Mixing can render both formulas ineffective. Your moisturiser might contain properties that could deactivate the U.V filters in your sunscreen.
You’ll just end up diluting the SPF in the process. You could turn an SPF 30 into an SPF 15 by mixing. And you don’t want to do that.
Either way, your skin is more susceptible to U.V-induced damage like spots, photo-ageing, cancer, pigmentation, burns, tanning, and more. Bottom-line? Don’t mix the two. If you want the benefits of both in one product, you can invest in a moisturiser with SPF instead. But ensure that the SPF is 30 or above for it to sun-proof your skin effectively.
Moisturiser vs Sunscreen
There’s not much of a comparison between sunscreen vs moisturiser because they serve very different purposes. A moisturiser creates a barrier over your skin to lock in moisture, and a sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage.
The Verdict
So what to apply first sunscreen or moisturizer? To reiterate—it depends on the type of sunscreen you’re using. If you’re wearing a chemical sunscreen, it must be layered under your moisturiser to be able to trickle into your skin. Make sure you’re waiting for about thirty minutes before stepping out into the sun—chemical sunscreens require a little bit of time to absorb into the skin. Physical sunscreen should be applied after your moisturiser as it merely sits on the surface of your skin. And you can step out immediately after application.
MyGlamm Recommendations For The Best Physical And Chemical Sunscreens
We’re putting together a couple of (physical and chemical) sunscreens for you—along with a list of moisturisers that hydrate and nourish your skin intensely.
POPxo Glow Goals Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++
If you are looking for a magical sunscreen that not only protects your skin but also makes your skin glow, this one is for you. Formulated with feel-good ingredients, this sunscreen blocks 97% of UVB rays, provides up to 5 hours of UVB protection, boosts skin radiance, keeps the skin hydrated and it’s all free from toxins! Best part? It’s non-sticky on the skin too!
MyGlamm Superfoods Kiwi And Coconut Sunscreen (Physical Sunscreen)
With SPF-30 PA+++ protection, the MyGlamm Superfoods Kiwi And Coconut Sunscreen doesn’t just protect you from UVA rays and UVB rays. It’s enriched with kiwi to boost the production of collagen in the skin; chlorine to restore the elasticity of the skin; coconut to hydrate and moisturise; and Vitamin E to soothe and calm. Pretty much embodies the ‘superfoods’ tag, doesn’t it?
Organic Harvest Sunscreen For All Skin Types SPF 50 (Physical Sunscreen)
This SPF 50 sunscreen protects you against the effects of UVB and UVA rays, and melts into your skin seamlessly for a matte-like finish. It’s formulated in a way that it doesn’t leave behind a white-ish residue on the surface of your skin—and it’s sweat-proof and water-resistant. It’s India’s first certified Organic sunscreen that offers you protection from man-made sources of blue light as well—in other words, protection from light emitted from your screens. Because, yes, they can have long-term effects like premature ageing on the skin.
Price: INR 465
St. Botanica Vitamin C SPF 75 Dry Touch Sunscreen (Chemical Sunscreen)
If you’re looking for a broad-spectrum formula that offers the highest levels of protection against sun-induced damage, the St. Botanica Vitamin C SPF 75 PA+++ sunscreen is ideal for you. This multi-purpose sunscreen, apart from forming a protective barrier over your skin, is infused with the richness of Vitamin C, retinol, shea butter, and extracts of cucumber as well as green tea. Are you sold? Because I know I am.
Price: INR 799
H3: Oriental Botanics Nature's Vitamin C Brightening Sunscreen SPF 50
A sunscreen derived straight from the most abundant source of Vitamin C, kakadu plum, this one sun-proofs and brightens your skin. Known to prevent sunburn and photo-ageing, it contains potent botanical ingredients like orange peel, lemon, raspberry, kiwi fruit, and grapefruit extracts as well as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and pro-vitamin B5 that, in conjunction with one another, improve the texture of your skin, nourish, prevent wrinkles and lines, and preserve your glow. And if that isn’t enough, this one is infused with another set of skin-loving ingredients like raspberry extract, carrot seed extract, and avocado oil that protect and brighten the skin. Why do we love it? It leaves chemicals like parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, silicone out of its formulation, and it’s hypoallergenic (not likely to trigger an allergic reaction) apart from being PETA-certified as cruelty-free and vegan. Hands down one of the best sunscreen lotions for dry skin.
Price: INR 749
MyGlamm Recommendations For The Best Moisturisers
MyGlamm Glow Iridescent Brightening Moisturising Cream
Looking for a moisturiser that brightens your skin? Try this out. Apart from reviving dullness and dryness, this illuminating formula is infused with antioxidant-laden rosehip oil that strengthens, heals, and brightens the skin over time.
MyGlamm Youthfull Hydrating Moisturising Cream With Water Bank Technology
Want a moisturiser but don’t like the sticky feeling many of them leave behind? Look no further. This formula continues to hydrate your skin throughout the day. Lightweight and non-greasy, it uses a bi-layer hyaluronic patch system with natural oils for maximum hydration along with healing and repairing damaged skin.
St. Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Age Defying & Skin Clearing Moisturiser
This ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid-infused moisturiser boasts brightening and anti-ageing properties that fade spots and pigmentation, and tighten and firm the skin—thanks to vitamin C and vitamin E. And it doubles as a broad-spectrum sunscreen too! With SPF 30 and PA+++ rating, it protects your skin from UVA rays and UVB rays.
Price: INR 1,499
How Long Should I Wait Between Applying Sunscreen & Moisturiser?
Ideally, you should wait for your moisturiser to fully absorb into the skin before applying sunscreen. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to around 15 minutes, depending on the consistency of the moisturiser. Waiting allows the moisturiser to form a protective barrier and ensures that the sunscreen is not diluted or compromised when applied on top. However, if you're short on time, gently patting the moisturiser onto the skin and giving it a minute or two to settle should suffice.
Here’s a quick recap of the article. Chemical sunscreen must be applied before moisturiser; and physical sunscreen must be applied right after. You shouldn’t mix your moisturiser with your sunscreen as this does more harm than good. So what are you waiting for? Now that we’ve settled the ‘first sunscreen or moisturiser’ dilemma, it’s time to do some shopping!
.jpg)
Related Blogs
Benefits Of Sunscreen For Face: While you’re busy sun-proofing your body, you’re missing out on protecting your face from sun-induced damage. Isn’t that counter-productive? Here’s why you must incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine ASAP.
Difference Between Mineral And Chemical Sunscreen: Now you know that there are two different types of sunscreen. And that they work in very different ways to protect your skin from sun-induced damage? But which one’s better for you? An expert decides.
Best CTM Routine For All Skin Types: There’s so much skincare-related jargon out there, and it confuses us more than anything else. All you need to do is follow a consistent CTM routine to maintain the health and appearance of your skin. But what is a CTM routine, and how do you build one that’s ideal for your particular skin type? Read on to find out.
- retinoid vs retinol: Read on to know what is Retinoid and how is it different from Retinol. This guide will help you make the right decision for your skincare.
- Lumi cream: If you’re a glow seeker, a lumi cream is for you. But do you know what it is? Let us first help you know what is a lumi cream and how to use it!
- What is SPF: One of the most common questions about sunscreen is what is SPF. Read on to know about it in detail and how it works on your skin.
- How To Prevent Sun Tanning - Discover how to prevent sun tanning, whether using sunscreen or natural methods. Learn how to protect your skin from tanning naturally at home.
Also, Look For
Popular Categories
Makeup Products | Skincare Products | Hair Care Products | Bath & Both Products | Sanitizing Care Products | Lip Makeup Products | Face Makeup Products | Eye Makeup Products | Nail Makeup Products | Makeup Kits | Bridal Makeup Kits | Lipstick Set | Makeup Accessories | Cleansing Products
Trending Searches
Lipstick | Cleanser | Foundation | Nude Lipstick | Highlighter | Matte Lipstick | Liquid Lipstick | Nail Polish | Lip Balm | Sunscreen | Face Wash | Compact Powder | Lip Gloss | Eye Kajal | Eyeliner | Face Blush | Concealer | Lip Tint | Shampoo | Mascara | Eye Shadow | Face Primer | Crayon Lipstick | Face Serum | Hair Serum | Lip Liner | Hair Oil | Loose Powder | Pink Lipstick | Brown Lipstick | Purple Lipstick | Red Lipstick | Peach Lipstick | Sheet Mask | Night Cream | Sindoor | Moisturizer | Makeup Remover | Tinted Sunscreen
_2.jpg&description=)