When you build a skincare routine, not only what you use is important, but so is the order you layer it. The sequence of your products can influence how well each one works on your skin. One of the most common questions is: should sunscreen go on before moisturizer, or should moisturizer be applied first?

Moisturizer and Sunscreen: Which Comes First?

Sunscreen and moisturizer are two products that dermatologists recommend using every single day. Sunscreen is not only needed when you are outdoors in bright sunlight. Even on cloudy days or when you stay indoors, your skin is still exposed to UV rays that can cause damage over time.

Moisturizer is also a daily essential. It helps lock in hydration, keeps the skin soft and supple, and reduces dryness caused by water loss from the skin’s surface.

The layering order of your skincare products can influence how well your routine works overall. If products are applied in the wrong sequence, they may not absorb properly and can even contribute to acne breakouts or skin irritation.

When you use moisturizer and sunscreen together, it is easy to accidentally apply them in the wrong order. According to Byrdie, the following is an example of a recommended morning and evening skincare routine:

Morning: 

• Cleanse your face with a facial wash, cleansing milk, or cleansing balm

• Toner

• Serum

• Moisturizer

• Eye cream

• Finish with sunscreen

Afternoon or evening:

• Cleanse your face with a facial wash, cleansing milk, or cleansing balm

• Toner

• Exfoliating toner or serum

• Eye cream

• Finish with moisturizer

From the steps above, sunscreen is usually used after moisturizer. Some experts, however, suggest a different order: if you are using a chemical sunscreen, it can be applied before moisturizer. After putting on chemical sunscreen, allow it to sit on the skin for about 15 minutes before going out into the sun.

If you are using a physical or mineral sunscreen, you can apply it as the final step in your morning routine, after moisturizer.

Mineral sunscreen needs to sit on the very top layer of the skin to create a protective shield against the sun. Because of this, it is usually used as the last skincare step before you move on to makeup.

What About Moisturizer with SPF?

For your daily protection, it is generally recommended to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30. These days, many moisturizers also include SPF in their formulas. Although a moisturizer with SPF can be more practical and save time, experts still tend to recommend using a separate sunscreen product.

Using a dedicated moisturizer and a separate sunscreen helps each formula work more effectively and be absorbed as intended, giving better protection overall. Even so, using a moisturizer that contains SPF is still preferable to skipping sunscreen completely.

When choosing skincare products, pick formulas that match your skin type. If you notice signs of irritation after using a skincare product or sunscreen, stop using it for a while and switch to a more suitable option for your skin.

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