Moisturiser or sunscreen first? – all you need to know this spring

Moisturiser or sunscreen first – protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun is essential for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. But, what’s the right way to do it? Should we apply sunscreen first or moisturizer? If you’re confused and looking for answers, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to achieve ideal sun protection by exploring the science behind the decision of whether to apply moisturizer or sunscreen first. So, let’s dive in!

Healthy Skin This Spring

Taking care of your skin during the spring is essential, and the order in which you apply moisturizer and sunscreen can impact their effectiveness. Here are ten best rules to follow:

Cleanse First: Cleansing is the foundational step in any skincare routine. A good cleanser removes accumulated dirt, oil, makeup, and environmental pollutants, preparing your skin to absorb the subsequent products effectively. Choose a cleanser suitable for your skin type to avoid over-drying or causing irritation.
Apply Toner (Optional): Toner is a liquid designed to balance the skin’s pH levels and remove any residual impurities. While not essential for everyone, toners can provide an additional layer of cleansing and prepare your skin to absorb subsequent products better. Look for alcohol-free toners to prevent drying out your skin.
Serum Before Moisturizer: Serums are concentrated formulas with active ingredients that target specific skincare concerns. Applying serums before moisturizer allows these potent ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol, or hyaluronic acid, to penetrate deeply into the skin, addressing concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or hydration.
Eye Cream Next: The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to aging signs. Applying eye cream before moisturizer ensures that the specific ingredients tailored for the eye area, such as peptides or caffeine, are absorbed properly. Gently pat the eye cream with your ring finger to avoid unnecessary pulling on the delicate skin.
Moisturize: Moisturizing is crucial, even for those with oily skin. A good moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin, maintain its natural barrier, and prevent water loss. Choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin type, whether it’s a lightweight gel for oily skin or a richer cream for dry skin.
Sunscreen Last: Sunscreen is your best defense against premature aging and skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as the final step in your morning routine. Ensure you cover all exposed areas, including the face, neck, ears, and any other exposed skin.
Use Adequate Sunscreen: Opt for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a sufficient amount to achieve the labeled SPF, usually about a nickel-sized dollop for the face. Don’t forget areas like the back of your neck, hands, and ears.
Reapply Sunscreen Throughout the Day: Sunscreen effectiveness diminishes over time, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if engaging in water activities. Consider using a setting spray with SPF for convenient reapplication over makeup.
Layering for Additional Sun Protection: If using separate sunscreen and moisturizer, let each product fully absorb before applying the next. This ensures that each product can provide its intended benefits without interference.
Adapt to Your Skin’s Needs: Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and environmental changes. Adjust your routine as needed based on your skin type, any specific concerns, or shifts in weather conditions. If you experience persistent issues, consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Moisturiser or sunscreen first – understanding the importance of sun protection

Moisturiser is an essential part of any daily skincare routine, as it provides hydration to the skin and helps to retain moisture. However, incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine is also important as it helps to shield the skin from UV rays. To best protect your skin, ideally, you should use both, but the question is, do you use moisturiser or sunscreen first?

Here’s a simple seven-step guide that can help you decide what to use first – moisturiser or sunscreen.

1. Determine your skin type: Knowing your skin type is crucial, as it helps you select the best protective product catered to your skin’s needs. For instance, if you have dry skin, a moisturiser will be the best starting point.

2. Apply your morning routine: After cleansing and toning your face, using your serum or any other targeted treatment product would come next in line. If your steps include sunscreen and moisturiser, how do you know which comes first?

3. Apply sunscreen first: If you are going to spend a considerable amount of time in the sun, it is better to apply sunscreen first as it forms a protective layer on your skin that blocks out UV rays.

4. Use moisturiser after sunscreen: After applying sunscreen, give it a few minutes to absorb into your skin before using moisturiser. This is because the lotion might bind to the sunblock, reducing its effectiveness.

5. Consider a combination product: Fortunately, there are moisturisers on the market that contain sun protection ingredients. Hence, if you are short on time or prefer a simpler routine, using a combination product is an ideal option.

6. Re-application of sunscreen: After a few hours in the sun, it’s essential to re-apply sunscreen to maintain optimal protection.

7. Don’t neglect other areas: Ensure you protect other parts of your body from the sun, such as your lips, ears, and hands. Hats and sunglasses work well to protect vulnerable areas on the face.

The debate: moisturiser or sunscreen first?

For those with dry skin, applying moisturizer before sunscreen might seem like the logical choice. Dry skin tends to be more prone to wrinkles and ageing, so a moisturizer can help hydrate and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, applying sunscreen first can help reduce oiliness and prevent pores from clogging, which can lead to acne.

There are some other important factors to consider when deciding whether to apply moisturizer or sunscreen first. The quality of the products used is one of the most critical factors that can impact how effective they are at protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If the sunscreen or moisturizer you’re using is of poor quality, it might not provide optimal sun protection, regardless of the order of application.

Another factor to consider is the environment. If you’re planning to spend an extended period outdoors, especially during peak UV hours, it’s essential to ensure that you apply sunscreen first. Sunscreens have been designed to protect the skin from UV radiation, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Applying sunscreen first also allows the product to fully absorb into the skin, making it more effective.

One of the best ideas, however, is to find a moisturising sunscreen – this way you don’t have to wonder, if you should use moisturiser or sunscreen first – your skin will be ideally moisturized and protected at the same time! This is what Organic Series is all about – our series of moisturising sunscreens is the best choice for your skin!

Conclusion

While there is no definitive answer as to whether apply moisturiser or sunscreen first, one thing is for sure: protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun should be a priority in our daily skincare routine. By following the seven-step guide mentioned above, we can ensure that our skin is well-prepared for sun exposure, while also benefiting from a nourishing moisturiser. Whether it’s using a full-spectrum sunscreen or opting for clothing that provides protection, there are several ways to shield our skin while still enjoying the outdoors. Remember that prevention is key when it comes to sun damage, so make these guidelines a regular part of your routine to reap the long-term benefits of healthy and youthful-looking skin.

Expert recommendation

Organic Series Moisturiser or Sunscreen first SPF20

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