When Should You Apply Sunscreen?
Sunscreen with a rating of at least 30 SPF (Sun Protection Factor) should be applied every day and is an essential product for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the signs of age. But when should sunscreen be applied? Straight after showering and cleansing, or just before you go outside? The guide below shows when to apply sunscreen and how it can become a simple part of your daily beauty routine.
Some will say you don’t need to worry about when to apply sunscreen as long as it goes on every day. That’s true to some extent, but understanding how creams interact and the best order of face products with sunscreen gives you much better results overall. There’s a range of different formulations for those who wear makeup every day. The Bioré® UV Aqua Rich SPF 50, a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty award winner, provides the perfect base for makeup, with ‘weightless’ protection that doesn’t clog pores or irritate the skin.
Whatever sunscreen product you decide to use, blocking UV rays is the most important thing you can do to keep your skin looking good. Understanding the risks and following a few essential tips on sun care will help keep your skin healthy and protected from UV damage all day long.
Should I put Moisturizer on Before or After Sunscreen?
Apply moisturizer before sunscreen. Moisturizer, toner, hydration, and skin serums clarify, restore, and soften your skin, creating a smooth base for your sunscreen. But always allow enough time for the moisturizer to absorb fully before applying your broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30-50 or higher.
Moisturizers with lower SPF protection are fine for additional protection but do not substitute for a dedicated sunscreen product. So, do I put sunscreen on before or after moisturizer? Apply your primary SPF 30-50+ broad spectrum sunscreen AFTER all your cleansing, toning, and moisturizing treatments, regardless of whether they have additional SPF protection - but BEFORE applying any makeup or tinted lotions. This ensures your sunscreen forms an even layer that functions properly underneath any makeup products applied on top.
Should I Apply Sunscreen Before or After Foundation?
This applies to foundation and sunscreen. Sunscreen goes on first because it creates a protective layer that shields your skin from dangerous UV rays. If you apply foundation first, it could make the sunscreen less effective. Many foundations contain oils and other ingredients that prevent the formation of an even UV shield.
After applying sunscreen, give it a few minutes to absorb fully, then apply your foundation on top for an even skin tone. This protects you from the sun and provides a clean canvas to create whatever makeup look you want. Once again, be sure to use a broad-spectrum, high SPF (30-50+) sunscreen and continue reapplying throughout the day, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
Can I Put Makeup Over Sunscreen?
Makeup goes over sunscreen easily, and putting on sunscreen first is recommended for optimal UV protection. Once sunscreen absorbs into the skin, makeup is applied as usual.
An everyday sunscreen should feel comfortable, absorb quickly, and not cause any issues with your makeup. Lightweight, non-greasy formulations like Bioré® UV Aqua Rich are ideal for wearing under makeup and particularly helpful for oily and acne-prone skin. ‘Mineral’ sunscreens (which contain natural UV blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are recommended for sensitive skin. And sunscreens with added hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, can help with dry skin.
How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
Reapplying sunscreen over makeup is easy with the right products. A good base layer lasts several hours, but protection starts to wear off after that time. For reapplication, use lightweight formulations that don't leave a greasy residue. Try gently pressing it into your skin with your fingertips or a makeup sponge, rather than rubbing, to avoid disturbing your look.
If you’re not spending a lot of time outdoors, a fine spray or powder sunscreen is an excellent option for UV protection on the go. Finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place for best results. Alternatively, a sunscreen stick will let you dab directly onto the skin and carefully blend in with your makeup.
How Often Should I Reapply Sunscreen?
For complete protection, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours throughout the day, year-round, especially when spending time outdoors. And if you're swimming, sweating, or wiping your face, you’ll need to reapply more often. Even when working indoors, it’s a good idea to reapply sunscreen when you're near windows or under direct sunlight. Keep a bottle handy at work and in the car, and get into a daily routine that prioritizes skin health.
Should I Put Primer or Sunscreen on First?
Next question: Sunscreen before or after primer? Skin primer creates a smooth, even base for your makeup foundation. It prepares the skin by filling fine lines, minimizing pores, and controlling oil. Primers also provide hydration, reduce imperfections, and adjust for your skin type to produce a ‘mattifying’ effect. As a makeup preparation, primers are used AFTER applying SPF 30-60+ sunscreen.
After applying sunscreen, wait for it to fully absorb before applying the primer on top. Use a small amount, applying it with your fingers or a brush in a gentle, pressing motion. Focus on areas that need smoothing or pore minimization. Let the primer set before applying the foundation for a flawless finish.
Should you Apply Sunscreen Before or After Serum?
Skin serums are concentrated skincare products designed to treat and restore damaged skin. They contain active ingredients - like antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides - that penetrate deep into the skin to target wrinkles, dark spots, or acne. Serums are typically used after cleansing the skin and before moisturizing.
As a skin treatment, serums generally come after cleansing and before moisturizer, and your SPF is 30-50+ layer in the order of face products with sunscreen. Some skin serums combine multiple treatments into a single application to manage a range of skin concerns. For example, some offer anti-aging properties, hydration, and skin-brightening treatments all in one. Regardless of their function, all serums should be applied BEFORE your moisturizer and sunscreen for maximum effectiveness.
What is the Best Sunscreen Type for Protecting Your Skin?
The best sunscreen for protecting your skin is one that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30, but preferably higher.
UVA and UVB rays are types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, but they impact the skin in different ways. UVA rays are dangerous all year round and penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging and skin damage at a cellular level. As a result, they can cause skin cancer over time. UVB rays, by comparison, primarily affect the outer layers of skin and are more intense during the warmer months and at higher altitudes. UVB rays trigger the production of vitamin D but also cause sunburn. This direct DNA damage is responsible for most skin cancer development.
Both types of UV radiation will permanently damage exposed skin. Therefore, it’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
When choosing a sunscreen, there are two main types:
Chemical Sunscreens: These absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, offering lightweight, non-greasy protection. Suitable for daily use but may irritate sensitive skin.
Mineral Sunscreens: These use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting UV rays. Ideal for sensitive skin but tend to be more visible (harder to absorb).
For best results, choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type and reapply every two hours or so, more often when swimming or sweating.
For optimal year-round sun protection and a lightweight, easy-to-apply sunscreen to match your makeup routine, try Bioré® high SPF, broad-spectrum UV Aqua Rich sunscreen for invisible protection and weightless moisture daily.
