Can I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost under sunscreen?

What does each layer do?

A moisturizer helps hold water in your skin by reducing evaporation. Sunscreen protects against sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer when applied correctly. Keep those jobs separate: moisturizing your face is not the same as protecting it from the sun. A basic morning routine can be just cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, which is mercifully shorter than most product names.12

How to layer Hydro Boost and sunscreen

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then gently pat it dry.
2. 2Apply any skin medication or treatment after cleansing, before your moisturizer.
3. 3Apply Hydro Boost as your moisturizer.
4. 4Apply sunscreen over the moisturizer. Choose broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.
5. 5If you wear makeup, give the sunscreen a few minutes to dry and sink in before applying it. Starting makeup too soon can undermine sunscreen protection.

How much sunscreen should I use?

Use at least 1 teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and rub it thoroughly into your skin. Cover your ears and neck too, along with any other skin not covered by clothing. Most adults need at least 1 ounce to cover all exposed skin, with more needed depending on body size. Using too little sunscreen is a common reason people get sunburned.2

Apply sunscreen approximately 15 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours while outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating. Cloudy days and winter still expose your skin to UV rays. Check the sunscreen's expiration date as well; an expired sunscreen is another common reason protection falls short.2

Does SPF makeup replace the sunscreen?

No. Makeup with SPF can contribute protection, but the amount people normally apply often falls short of the amount used to test its SPF. SPF makeup can supplement sunscreen, but the foundation's extra job title does not make sunscreen redundant. Keep the separate sunscreen layer underneath your makeup, and remember that wearing makeup does not remove the need to reapply sunscreen.4

What if my skin is sensitive?

Keep the routine simple and introduce as few new products as possible. Test new products before adding them to your routine, and avoid heavily fragranced products. Adding more layers increases the chances of side effects, particularly when several treatments are involved. If a product causes irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction, stop using it and make an appointment with a dermatologist.13