Can I put moisturizer over sunscreen?

Does sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?

Use this order for your morning routine:

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then gently pat dry.
2. 2Apply any skin medication or treatment. This is the general routine order; specific medication directions take priority.
3. 3Apply your moisturizer.
4. 4Apply sunscreen after your other skincare products.
5. 5Apply makeup, if desired.

Keep the routine focused on what your skin needs. Using too many products can irritate skin, especially when several are anti aging products.2

Can one product moisturize and protect?

Yes. A facial moisturizer with sunscreen can be part of your morning routine, and sunscreens can include moisturizing ingredients. A moisturizing sunscreen can combine two routine steps, which is a more useful merger than two bottles sharing a bathroom shelf. Choose broad spectrum protection, meaning protection against both UVA and UVB rays, with SPF 30 or higher. Look for water resistance when choosing sunscreen for outdoor use.134

How much sunscreen should I use, and when?

Use about a nickel sized amount of sunscreen for your face. Cover other exposed skin too, including commonly missed areas such as your ears. Putting the layers in the right order does not replace applying enough sunscreen.34

Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, including for a short walk or the trip to work. Allow 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure: everyday guidance uses 15 minutes, while outdoor exercise guidance allows 30 minutes before activity. These timings concern going outside, not a measured waiting period between moisturizer and sunscreen.13

Does sunscreen go on before or after makeup?

Apply sunscreen before makeup. Makeup with SPF adds protection, but should not be your only sunscreen: people generally do not apply enough makeup to get meaningful sun protection. Start with regular sunscreen or a moisturizer sunscreen, then apply foundation or other makeup.4

Does a tinted moisturizer go before or after sunscreen?

If you use tinted moisturizer as makeup, apply it after sunscreen. A tinted sunscreen is different: it is your sunscreen step and can take the place of foundation. Do not rely on a thin makeup application just because the tinted product lists an SPF.14

What if I need moisturizer after swimming?

After swimming in the sea, rinse salt off with fresh water and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. If you are continuing outdoors, reapply sunscreen after moisturizing. Reapply sunscreen whenever you get out of the water, more frequently with heavy sweating, and about every two hours while outside. Moisturizer does not replace that fresh sunscreen application.135

If either product irritates your skin, stop using it. For ongoing questions or concerns about your skincare routine, a dermatologist can help you choose suitable products.12