Original Relief Sun has a creamy texture aimed at dry and combination skin, while Relief Sun Aqua Fresh is a lighter, watery formula aimed at oily and combination skin. Choosing whether to add moisturizer is general skincare guidance based on your moisture needs, not a requirement to put another cream beneath either bottle. A separate moisturizer is an option, not an admission ticket to wearing sunscreen.13

When should I add moisturizer?

Start with how your skin feels after applying your normal, generous sunscreen layer. If sunscreen alone supplies enough moisture, a separate morning moisturizer can be unnecessary, especially in summer. If your skin still feels dry, add moisturizer underneath rather than treating the sunscreen's hydrating texture as a reason to ignore dryness. Moisturizer helps keep water from evaporating from your skin.12

A moisturizer is particularly useful if products in your routine, including retinol, leave your skin dry. You do not need to remove a useful moisturizer just because your sunscreen also hydrates. In summer, if you want an extra moisturizer without a heavy routine, choose a lighter one for your morning layer. Skipping that morning layer does not mean you must stop moisturizing at night.12

Does the Relief Sun version matter?

VersionTextureMain ingredients highlighted by the brandSkin types targeted
Original Relief SunCreamy and lightweightRice and probioticsDry and combination
Relief Sun Aqua FreshWatery and weightlessRice seed water and panthenolOily and combination
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Choose the original if you prefer a creamier sunscreen, or Aqua Fresh if you want a lighter feel. The two versions share a name, not a job description for your moisturizer. Aqua Fresh still provides hydration: panthenol, also called vitamin B5, moisturizes and supports the skin's moisture barrier. A lighter texture does not automatically mean you need another product underneath.34

How do I layer moisturizer and Relief Sun?

  1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.
  2. 2Apply any medication or skin treatment used at this point in your routine. Follow its prescribed directions.
  3. 3Apply moisturizer if you need the extra moisture.
  4. 4Apply sunscreen afterward. Beauty of Joseon directs users of the Canadian Relief Sun Aqua Fresh SPF50+ PA++++ to apply it generously and evenly as the last step of morning skincare.
  5. 5Apply makeup afterward, if you wear it.
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Do not use less sunscreen to make a layered routine feel lighter: applying sunscreen too thinly reduces protection. Cover exposed areas, including your face, neck and ears. Reapply every two hours, and after sweating, towel drying or contact with water. For swimming or sweating, choose a water resistant sunscreen. Moisturizer is not a substitute for any of these steps.46

What if my skin is sensitive?

Before adding a new moisturizer or sunscreen, test a small amount on your inner forearm twice daily for four to five days. Stop a new cosmetic product if it stings or burns. Prescribed treatments can have different instructions, so follow your dermatologist's advice for those. If irritation develops, stop the offending product and make an appointment with a dermatologist rather than adding more layers to compensate.27

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Facebooknewsroom.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2The Correct Order for Skin Care Productshealth.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Relief Sun Aqua-Freshbeautyofjoseon.com
  4. 4Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Sunscreenca.beautyofjoseon.com
  5. 5Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?aad.org
  6. 6Sunscreen and sun safetynhs.uk
  7. 7Wrinkle remediesaad.org