Do I Use Moisturizer or Sunscreen First?

Do you know how to layer your sunscreen and moisturizer? To settle the debate of what goes first sunscreen or moisturizer, the golden rule is to always apply your hydration layers before your sun protection. Applying an all-mineral sunscreen as the absolute final step creates an unbroken protective barrier against UV rays while sealing in all the clean, organic hydration underneath. In fact, doing it in reverse can dilute your SPF or prevent your face cream from absorbing properly.

Keep reading if you aren’t sure of the best way to use sunscreen, what to look for in a moisturizer or if you should apply your moisturizer before or after sunscreen.

Key Takeaways

• In your morning routine, apply moisturizer first and sunscreen as the last step to help seal in hydration and protect your skin.
• For the best daily protection, use enough sunscreen for full coverage and reapply every two hours ideally.
• If layering feels too heavy, simplify your morning routine by using a 2-in-1 day cream with built-in mineral SPF. Save your richer and reparative night treatments (containing organic humectants and occlusives) exclusively for your evening recovery routine.

Which Comes First: Sunscreen or Moisturizer?

When it comes to layering products, we recommend applying sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine, after your favorite serum, oil and moisturizer. Applying sunscreen on top of your other products provides a protective SPF barrier and helps seal in moisture, keeping your skin soft, supple and hydrated.

When it comes to your makeup routine, always apply makeup primer after SPF. After completing your skin care regime, allow your SPF to fully absorb for about one to two minutes. Then smooth on your makeup primer and other products.

How To Use Sunscreen Correctly

As noted in an article from Prevention: “Nine out of 10 people don't do a good enough job when applying sunscreen. Just 25% of people got complete coverage of sunscreen over any one area.” Every morning, but especially if you plan to spend a day in the sun, we recommend applying one teaspoon of sunscreen to your face. And for the body? Approximately one ounce to coat your entire body effectively, with reapplication every two hours. Dr. Darrell Rigel reminds Good Housekeeping of the areas most commonly missed in sunscreen application, including “around the eyes, the tip of the nose, the tops of the feet, the lips and near the hairline and scalp.” Ensure that you take just as much care applying to these places as you do to other areas of the body.

When picking a sunscreen, you can choose from one of two categories: chemical or physical (mineral) sunscreen. Both provide effective sun protection but differ in their active ingredients and the way they protect the skin. Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, then release them from your skin. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays and reflect them from your skin's surface.

Sunscreen or Moisturizer With SPF?

Alternatively, you can simplify your routine by swapping out your regular moisturizer for a moisturizer with SPF. This will provide protection that is just as effective as sunscreen alone, and you’re more likely to remember to apply daily!

There are three basic categories of moisturizer: occlusive, humectant and reparative. Reparative moisturizers are also known as third generation moisturizers as they include the properties of both occlusive (first generation) and humectant (second generation) moisturizers.

As Dr. Lily Talakoub of McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center says: “Moisturizers need to have all three properties. Humectants hold water in the skin. Occlusives prevent moisture from evaporating off the top of the skin. Reparative moisturizers deliver moisture to the skin. All three properties are essential for proper hydration of the skin.” So what are some key ingredients to keep an eye out for? Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends to “look for a moisturizer that contains jojoba or sunflower oil (popular occlusives) and a lactic acid or honey (popular humectants).” Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay says: “There are some fantastic day creams that contain SPF and are a good two-for-one option.” Favorites include Eminence Organics Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40.

or our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid. Don’t forget to protect your lips as well. Moisturize and protect dry lips with our Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF 15. The natural SPF 15 in this hydrating lip balm stick defends lips against harmful UV exposure, while soothing rosehip oil relieves dryness for a perfectly protected pout.

Reparative Moisturizers for Night

Nighttime skin care is the perfect time to include a reparative moisturizer to heal dry skin caused by sun damage and environmental stressors. Natalie suggests our Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck to heal dry skin and address the visible signs of aging. Another option is our Linden Calendula Treatment, a cream that can be used either as a masque or as a night treatment. The extracts derived from fresh linden and calendula plants deeply nourish and refresh the skin’s appearance, and fine herbal oils restore the look of youthfulness and elasticity while you sleep. 

The Importance of Sunscreen

Both UVA and UVB rays play a key role in accelerating the visible signs of aging, including the development of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and pesky dark spots. Skipping sunscreen not only contributes to premature aging but also puts you at risk of developing skin cancer. Top dermatologists recommend sunscreen as the most important element of any skin care routine. In addition to SPF protection, they advise staying out of the sun during its peak hours (10 am. to 2 pm.) and wearing hats, sunglasses and clothing that protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

All Your Questions Answered: Sunscreen or Moisturizer First?

How long should I wait to apply sunscreen after moisturizing?

Allow your moisturizer to fully absorb for one to two minutes before smoothing on your sunscreen. This brief pause ensures that your skin has locked in the hydrating ingredients and created a settled, smooth canvas. Giving your cream time to sink in helps your mineral sunscreen apply evenly without pilling or sliding. 

Can you mix sunscreen and moisturizer together to save time?

No, it's not recommended because blending the two separate formulas disrupts the emulsion, dilutes the active sun-protection ingredients and compromises the sunscreen's ability to form an even, unbroken film over your face. If you want a faster morning skin care routine, you can opt for a dedicated 2-in-1 moisturizer with mineral SPF instead. 

Can I skip moisturizer if my mineral sunscreen is already hydrating?

Yes, if you have oily or combination skin, a nourishing mineral sunscreen formulated with hydrating botanicals could provide enough moisture on its own. But, if you have really dry, mature or dehydrated skin, layering a dedicated day cream beneath your sunscreen is essential to keep your skin barrier strong and fully nourished.

Does sunscreen go on before or after makeup primer?

You should always apply sunscreen before your makeup primer. Sunscreen is the absolute final step of your skin care routine and primer is the opening step of your makeup application.

Wanting to test out the products mentioned in this article? Find your favorites at an Eminence Spa Partner near you and tell us about them in the comments below! Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media.