Can I use sunscreen at night?

What would sunscreen do overnight?

Sunscreen protects skin by absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet radiation before it causes damage. Broad spectrum sunscreen covers both UVA and UVB, the two forms of ultraviolet radiation involved in sun damage. That is a sun protection job, not a reason to add another layer before sleeping. Sunscreen is a sun protection product, not a compulsory closing ceremony for every skincare routine.3

What if my moisturizer contains SPF?

A combined moisturizer and sunscreen can serve both purposes during the day. At bedtime, the part your routine needs is moisturizing: helping prevent water from escaping from your skin. A combined moisturizer and sunscreen can save a daytime step, but the SPF is not an overnight upgrade. If you are choosing a product specifically for evening use, choose a moisturizer that suits your skin's needs rather than choosing by its SPF number.145

What should I put on before bed?

1. 1Wash your face gently. Wet your skin with warm water, apply a mild cleanser with your fingertips, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a clean towel. Evening cleansing removes makeup and grime that collected during the day.
2. 2Apply any medication or skin treatment you already use at this point. The general layering order puts treatment after cleansing and before moisturizer; follow your treatment's own directions.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. Without a treatment in between, you can apply a moisturizing lotion or cream while your skin is still damp.

What if my skin is sensitive?

Use gentle products and avoid heavily fragranced formulas. Adding more products increases the chances of irritation, especially when several products target signs of aging. There is no need to introduce a separate nighttime sunscreen into that mix. If a product causes skin irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction, stop using it and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Do not scrub your face to make it feel cleaner; scrubbing itself can irritate skin.125

Does an evening outing count as nighttime?

Bedtime and an outing while the sun is still up are different situations. Early evening sunlight is less intense than midday sunlight, but the decision is about sun exposure, not what you call your routine. If you are heading outdoors into sunlight, use sun protection. Cloudy weather does not rule out sunburn. You can check the UV index on a weather app: a reading of 3 or higher is a reason to protect your skin. Use shade and suitable clothing alongside sunscreen rather than relying on sunscreen alone.36

Apply sunscreen for the next day's exposure

Apply sunscreen in the morning rather than treating a bedtime application as preparation for tomorrow. Choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher, with water resistance if you will sweat or swim. Follow the product's application directions; general FDA directions call for application 15 minutes before sun exposure. Cover exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears, while avoiding your eyes and mouth. Reapply at least every two hours during sun exposure, and more often when swimming or sweating. SPF describes protection against sunburn, not a fixed number of hours you can stay outside.1356