If you are deciding between moisturizer or sunscreen, stop! Before you toss one or the other, we’re filling you in on everything you need to know.
Most morning skincare routines involve multiple steps and the use of more than one product. Depending on your skincare goals, some of these steps can be skipped. However, some are crucial steps in your regimen, and neglecting them would only hurt your skin. Two of these steps are moisturizer and sun protection.
Aside from their textures and consistencies (in some cases), sunscreens and moisturizers are much different from each other and are responsible for entirely different things. These two must-have skincare products play special and unique roles in your routine, making each of them essential to the overall health of your skin.
So, which one do you need— moisturizer, sunscreen, or both? Continue reading to find out.
Are Moisturizers and Sunscreens the Same Thing?
No, moisturizers and sunscreens are totally different from each other. We mentioned above that their consistency could be similar; otherwise, they have totally different functions and purposes. And our skin needs them both! Here’s what you need to know:
Moisturizer: Moisturizers are specialized products meant to seal in existing moisture in your skin and make evaporation of moisture from the skin more difficult during the day or night.
Moisturizers come in various consistencies and are formulated to tackle multiple skin conditions and problems. Whether you have dry, oily, normal, or combination skin, a moisturizer for your skin type is a crucial step in your skincare routine. But it’s important to note that moisturizers for people with oily skin may not be ideal for dry-skinned individuals.
Chemical Sunscreens: Chemical sunscreens can contain ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, oxybenzone, etc. They soak up the sun’s UV rays and convert them into heat energy to be removed from your skin. Formulations of chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin at a fast rate and are typically water-resistant.
Physical Sunscreens: Physical sunscreens, also referred to as mineral sunscreens, often have ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients act as protective shields and deflect the sun's harmful rays, not allowing them to enter your skin. Some mineral sunscreens can feel heavy on the skin and leave a whitish hue known as a white cast.
Physical sunscreens are ideal for those with sensitive skin since they sit on the surface of your skin (rather than being absorbed), making them less irritating. If you’re looking for a good mineral option, a Korean sunscreen is a perfect choice for you. Korean sunscreens are enriched with a unique ingredient list that helps improve the overall skin tone and texture.
Moreover, ingredients found in some chemical sunscreens have been linked with carcinogens, making physical sunscreens, specifically Korean sunscreen, a better, healthier option for individuals concerned about their health.
Moisturizers with SPF: Here’s maybe where the confusion between moisturizers and sunscreens began: some moisturizers contain SPF as an ingredient, making them a two-in-one product. Moisturizers combined with SPF can be an effective and convenient way to get sun protection. However, two-in-one products might not provide the amount of necessary sun protection as pure sunscreen can.
Sunscreen or Moisturizer First?
Have you ever wondered if you should apply sunscreen or moisturizer first? Well, the verdict is still out. Some people say moisturizer then sunscreen, while others say sunscreen then moisturizer.
We believe this entirely depends on the type of sunscreen you are using. Some experts say chemical sunscreens must be applied directly to your skin before anything else. This allows the sunscreen ingredients to be absorbed better, making its protection more effective. A moisturizer applied before a chemical sunscreen behaves as a barrier, preventing the sunscreen from doing its job most effectively.
Physical sunscreens, however, work as a protective barrier to reflect away sun rays and work best after moisturizers. Since we prefer mineral sunscreen, we suggest applying moisturizer then your physical sunscreen, so you’ll never have to wonder about sunscreen or moisturizer first again.
Moisturizer and Sunscreen: How Long to Wait Between Applications
If you want to get the most bang for your buck in terms of sun protection, it is best not to mix your moisturizer and sunscreen. Moreover, you might not want to use one right after the other, either! Ideally, you will allow a 15 or 20-minute gap between your moisturizer and SPF. This enables the first product to fully absorb into the skin before applying the next one, so they do not interfere or cross-react with each other.
Sunscreens and Moisturizers: Key Things to Remember
Regardless of how you apply them, keep these things in mind:
- Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Ideally, your SPF will be water resistant.
- Make sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day as needed.
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UV A and B rays.
- In addition to your face, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, neck, chest, shoulders, the backs of hands, and any other exposed area.
- Even if you don’t plan to go outside that day, or it’s overcast or winter, wear sunscreen every day. The walks to your car or your mailbox can really add up when it comes to sun damage!
Need a Moisturizer or Sunscreen? Find Both at GetGlowing Skincare Today!
Not sure where to start with moisturizer or sunscreen? It’s essential to incorporate both into your skincare routine, and the experts at GetGlowing Skincare can help!
All of the products we carry, including Korean sunscreen and must-have moisturizers, are expertly formulated and innovative. These unique formulations can help you achieve that beautiful, flawless skin of our skincare-obsessed Korean pals.
We believe that every single person, regardless of their beauty budget, deserves to use high-quality Korean skincare products that are jam-packed with exotic, effective ingredients! You’ll only find K-beauty products that are effective, clean, and affordable on our online store.
Be sure to check out our online selection of moisturizers and sunscreens today!