Sunscreen and moisturizer become the basic skincare routine people do nowadays. Sunscreen helps to shield our skin from ultraviolet rays, while moisturizer keeps our skin hydrated and calm. Both items are essential in a skincare routine. However, which is the correct order of applying sunscreen or moisturizer first?
In determining the order, we must see how our skin absorbs the product. Of course, sunscreen and moisturizer have different consistency. Some types of sunscreen have a thicker consistency and some moisturizers are gel or cream based. Before we jump into the discussion of “sunscreen or moisturizer first”, let’s learn about types of sunscreens and moisturizers.
Types of Sunscreens
Sunscreens come in various sizes, benefits, and consistency. Usually, sunscreens offer numerous SPF selections depending on your need. Ranging from SPF 30 to 50, sunscreens guarantee skin protection from UV rays. In terms of the types, sunscreen has 2 common types: physical and chemical.
Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreen is a sunscreen that works to create a barrier on our skin in order to protect it from UV rays. Usually, physical sunscreen contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This sunscreen is suitable for outdoor activities with large exposure to UV rays. Due to its consistency, physical sunscreen can quickly; hence helping you take little time to do your makeup.
Since physical sunscreen shelters our skin with a barrier, this type of sunscreen is suitable for you with dry, sensitive, and acne prone skin. However, if you are not friends with a white cast, you might have to reconsider because physical sunscreen leaves a white cast due to its thick texture.
Read also: How to Use Cleansing Oil the Right Way: A Way to Revive Skin
Chemical Sunscreen
In contrast with physical sunscreen that reflects the UV rays, chemical sunscreen works to absorb the UV rays and convert them to heat as well as release them out. The texture of chemical sunscreen is more absorbable, light, and almost translucent. Therefore, it doesn’t leave a white cast on our skin.
Due to its light consistency, this sunscreen is suitable for daily use. You can apply makeup on your face after the sunscreen penetrates well to your skin. Chemical sunscreen contains oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and many substances that filter the UV rays. However, some of you might be allergic to those chemicals because they are considered as irritants. Therefore, if you plan to use chemical sunscreen, make sure to check the ingredients and consult with your doctor.
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Read also: Night Skincare Routine: A Way to Get Better and Healthy Skin
Types of Moisturizers
Similar to sunscreen, moisturizer also comes in various types depending on the benefit and the purpose of the product. It also depends on your skin type, whether you have dry or oily skin. There are 3 types of moisturizers and let’s dig deeper into them.
Emollient
Emollient moisturizer is suitable for skin that needs extra moisture. Some of you might have very dry, cracking, and itchy skin. Emollient can come to your choice since it penetrates into the gap between skin cells that lost their moisture. As a result, your skin will be hydrated, smooth, and supple.
Emollient moisturizer is usually oil-based, with jojoba oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and other types of oil as the primary ingredients. Some of it also contains ceramides to build skin barriers. Almost all emollient moisturizer is suitable for dry skin.
Humectant
Humectant moisturizer is lighter than emollient because it is water-based. Therefore, it absorbs well to the skin. Different from emollients, humectant works to lock the air and water around you to be set to your skin and make your skin hydrated.
Naturally, our skin produces humectant. Yet, we still need additional humectants to lock the moisture of our skin. Humectant moisturizer usually contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and other hydrating ingredients. Because it is water-based, it is suitable for oily, acne prone, and combination skin.
Occlusive
Occlusive moisturizer can be another alternative for you who have dry skin. This type of moisturizer will lock your skin moisture up to 98% and keep your skin hydrated. Usually, occlusive moisturizer comes in the form of balm, giving a greasy finish. Therefore, it is not recommend to spread it all over the face. Occlusive is used on small parts of your body that need care like your elbow, lips, or heel.
Sunscreen or Moisturizer First?
After knowing types of sunscreen and moisturizer, let’s get into the order of using them. The order of using sunscreen and moisturizer has always come to a debate.
Some say that we should use moisturizer after sunscreen to lock the moisture on our skin, and others say that sunscreen must come after moisturizer to protect our skin from UV rays. So, is it sunscreen or moisturizer first?
The answer is we have to put moisturizer first in order to let it absorb well to our skin. That way, you can feel the hydrating benefit it claims.
Since the purpose of using sunscreen is to shield our skin from UV rays, sunscreen should be applied after moisturizer. Moreover, sunscreen takes time to completely set. It is better not to apply moisturizer and sunscreen at the same time.
In terms of wearing makeup, is it sunscreen or moisturizer first before makeup? The answer is still the same, moisturizer comes first. Since sunscreen is the protector, it should come after a moisturizer that works to hydrate our skin. After the sunscreen is set, you can begin your makeup application.
Should I Shave Facial Hair?
Now, have you got your answer to the never ending debate about sunscreen or moisturizer first”? Now to help your skin absorb both products better, make sure to always clean your face, including shaving your facial hair.
By shaving your facial hair, the skincare products you use will be optimally absorbed. It is because when you shave your hair, the clogged pores will be cleansed. Therefore, the skincare will work excellently and give the benefits you want.
You can try the painless Super Hair Removal procedure at Clean & Tidy. With the help of professionals, this treatment eliminates body and facial hair using cutting-edge laser technology. It will get rid of body and facial hair as well as smooth and brighten your skin.
Don’t wait any longer and book the appointment by contacting Clean & Tidy Jurong or Bugis. Embrace your true beauty with Clean & Tidy!
Read also: 8 Face Care Steps: A Guide to Achieving Flawless Skin
