Does face oil go before sunscreen?

How to apply face oil and sunscreen

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.
2. 2Apply any medication or treatment that belongs in your morning routine after cleansing.
3. 3Apply face oil before moisturizer, if you use an oil.
4. 4Apply moisturizer and let it fully absorb before sunscreen.
5. 5Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face.
6. 6Let your skin dry before applying makeup.

Keep the layers separate and follow each product's directions. The useful checkpoint before sunscreen is that your moisturizer has fully absorbed; before makeup, let the sunscreen layer dry. There is no need to add toner, essence, eye cream or other products just to complete the sequence.35

Why does sunscreen go last?

Sunscreen forms a protective layer on your skin that absorbs ultraviolet radiation, the sun's damaging rays. Finish the skincare part of your morning routine with that layer rather than putting face oil over it. Makeup comes afterwards, so "last" means the last skincare step, not necessarily the last thing you put on your face.245

Use the same general order for mineral, chemical and hybrid sunscreens. Mineral sunscreen is not an exception that needs to sit underneath face oil: mineral filters also protect primarily by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. Choose broad spectrum protection, which covers UVA and UVB rays, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.346

Do you need face oil underneath?

No. Face oil is an optional step, mainly worth considering for dry skin. Oils can be too occlusive, meaning they form a covering layer, and can contribute to acne. If you have oily or acne prone skin, skipping the oil is a reasonable choice; cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen make a simpler morning routine.1

For dry skin, a cream sunscreen is another option. For an oily complexion, a gel sunscreen can be a better fit. If sunscreen feels greasy, look for a facial formula labeled oil free or noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores. Those labels are selection clues, not a promise of zero breakouts.47

A moisturizer formulated with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can combine moisturizing and sun protection in one step. Apply separate moisturizer and sunscreen products separately rather than blending them yourself. A combined formula can shorten the routine without appointing your palm head of product development.3

What if you use acne medicine or have sensitive skin?

Apply daytime acne medicine after washing and before sunscreen, using a thin layer. Your dermatologist can tell you which acne medicines belong in the daytime. For sensitive skin, introduce new products slowly and patch test on your inner arm before applying them to your face. Avoid heavily fragranced products. If a new product causes irritation or an inflamed rash, stop using it and make an appointment with a dermatologist.157

Do you repeat the oil when reapplying sunscreen?

The step to repeat outdoors is sunscreen, approximately every two hours and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions. That also applies to moisturizers containing SPF. Cover exposed areas such as your neck and ears, too. Sunscreen is only part of sun protection: use shade, protective clothing and a hat as well.34