How to Use Both Moisturizer and Sunscreen

When it comes to skincare, using sunscreen and face moisturizer are two of the most important steps you can take to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. While both products are essential, it's important to use them in the correct order to get the most benefit from each one.

Woman applying product to face

Why Use Both Sunscreen and Face Moisturizer?

Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer. By wearing sunscreen every day, you can help prevent these negative effects and keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. Sunscreen is not a moisturizer.

Face moisturizer, on the other hand, helps keep your skin hydrated, soft, and supple. Moisturizer creates a barrier on the surface of your skin that helps prevent moisture loss and protects your skin from environmental factors like pollution, wind, and cold temperatures.

Using a moisturizer can also help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Springtide moisturizer contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids that can help protect the skin from UV damage that occurs even when wearing sunscreen.

Someone recently told me they do not use a moisturizer during the day because they use sunscreen. Sunscreen is not a substitute for moisturizer and it is important to wear a moisturizer under sunscreen.

Why Use Moisturizer Before Sunscreen?

Moisturizer should always be applied before sunscreen because sunscreen is not a moisturizer. Sunscreen is designed to create a barrier on the surface of your skin that reflects or absorbs UV rays, while moisturizer is designed to hydrate and nourish your skin.

Sunscreen should generally be applied after moisturizer so that it is the outer layer where it can reflect the sun's rays away from your skin.  There is however, some controversy about this and chemical sunscreens (vs mineral) might work better if they are applied first and allowed to soak into the skin. Additionally, applying moisturizer before sunscreen can help prevent your skin from drying out or becoming irritated from the ingredients in your sunscreen.

How to Use Sunscreen and Moisturizer Together

Here's how to incorporate these two essential skincare products into your daily routine:

  1. Cleanse Your Skin: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. We recommend Meadow Mist Cleanser.

  2. Apply Moisturizer: Apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer to your face and neck, using gentle, circular motions to massage it into your skin. We recommend one of our Springtide moisturizers. They contain ingredients that can help your skin recover after being in the sun.
3. Wait for Your Moisturizer to Absorb: Give your moisturizer a few minutes to absorb into your skin before moving on to the next ste
    4. Apply Sunscreen: Apply a dime-sized amount of sunscreen to your face and neck, using gentle, circular motions to massage it into your skin. Be sure to cover all areas of your face and neck that will be exposed to the sun.
      5. Reapply as Needed: Reapply your sunscreen every two hours if you're spending time outdoors, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

        Need more moisture throughout the day? You can spritz on one of our face/body mists or us our Elder B Essence with vitamin B.

        Need more information about sunscreen and terminology used? Here is a great article called The Sunscreen Glossary.

        And then there is always the option of wearing a hat with a wide brim to protect your face.

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