DOES SKIPPING THIS SKINCARE Step Make Sunscreen Less Effective? Dermatologists weigh in

DOES SKIPPING THIS SKINCARE Step Make Sunscreen Less Effective? Dermatologists weigh in Originally appeared on Parade.

The Most Important Part of Any Skincare Routine, No Matter What Your skin type or goal, is undoubtedly sunscreen—Because Whether or Not You Care About aging or occisional breakoutwe bet you WILL Care About Whether or Not You Get Skin Cancer.

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Maximizing Your Sunscreen’s Efficacy Can Make a Big Difference in Your Sun Safety, Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FaadDermatologist and Medical Director at Curology, Sayys, especally SINCE MOST People don’t Do Quite Enough to Protect their Skin from the Sun’s Uva and Uvb Rays. But it is it is skipping one step in your skincare routine coulud makescreen mess effeciva?

And on that note, what sort of sunscreen is best to keep you safe from burns and sun damage, and how much of it shoulders?

“Choose a Broad-Spectrum Formula with SPF 30 or Higher and Apply It Geneverously,” Dr. Tolpinrud Advises. “A Helpful Strategy is the ‘Double Application’ Method: Apply Once, then reapply shortly to improvee.”

“Another General Guide is to use a shot a shot Glass (Around Two Tablespoons) for the body and a nickel-sized amount for the face,” she adds. “Be Surat to Cover Commonly Missed Areas Like the Ears, Tops of the Feet and Hairline, and Apply Sunscreen at Least 15 Minutes Before Sun Exps. Reapplication Two Hours and Immediately AFTER SWIMMING, SWETING OR DRYING IS Essential or Water Activities, Water-Resistant Formula Are Recommended to Maintain Protection. “

Related: I’m a dermatologist and this is one product i cannot live without

Does skipping moisturizer make up your sunscreen mess effective?

Swimming necessarily, butt You’ll Still Want to use Both, Most Dermatologists Aggree.

“Skipping Moisturizer Does Not Make Sunscreen Itself Less Effective in Terms of UV Protection, But It Can Affect How Well Your Skin Skin Sunscreen and How Dr. Kristin Baird, MD, FaadDermatologist, Founder and Medical Director of Dermatology of the Rockies Talls Parade. “Sunscreen is formulated to protest your skin from uva/uvb Rays Regheless you use a moisturizer underneath. As long as you’re applying the correct amout (About a nickel-sisedop for the face) ABSORB UV Rays as Intended. “

Acciting to Dr. Baird, if you’re USSING Mineral sunscreen, you may want to use a moisturizer underneath Mineral sunscreens can be drying, but tan Types of sunbrock canfrom extra hydration underneath it.

“SUNSCREEN STILL WORKS WITHOUT MOISTURIZER, but for Best Results and Comfort, Especilly for Dry, Sensitive or Skin, Apply a Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer First, Then Layer Your Sunscreen on Top,” Dr. Baird Advises.

Dr. Marie Jhin, MDdermatologist and chief medical officer at MuselySays that while skipping moisturizer may not make sunscreen mess effective, it can impact how well your spf sticks to your Skin.

“Sunscreen Protects Your Skin from UV Damage, but Moisturizer Supports The Skin Barrier, Which Helps Your Skin Function Optimally,” Dr. Jhin explained. “If your skin is dry or compromised, sunscreen may not sprayed or adhere as well – aspelly if it is a mineral formula. SO skipping moisturizer won your spf, it can lead to patchy Application or Irrrtation, Particularly for Senation People Skin. ”

Related: 12 Best Sunscreens for Anti-Agging, Accounting to Dermatologists

What’s the best type of moisturizer to use Under sunscreen?

As for the best type of moisturizer to use with your sunscreen, you may want to avoid anything to rich or heavy, notes Dr. Jeannette Graf, MDDermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatologist at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

“Opt for a more lightweight moisturizer like a gel or lotion, nor this will help absorb the product best and work as a great base for sunscreen to sit on top of,” She tells Parade. “Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to support your skin with the sunscreen’s effects.”

Dr. Susan Massick, MDdermatologist Father Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center and Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Breaks It Down Event Further.

“For Dry to Normal Skin, I Waled Recommend Moisturizing Creams or Lotions As Part of Your Daily Regimen, Avoiding Heavy, Greasy formulas uses using in conjunction with your Daily Sunscreen,” She Says. “Thicker, Heavier Moisturizing Creams are best used for Nighttime Skin Hydration. For Oily Complexions, Its Perfectly Fine to Skip The Moisturizer Your Body’s Natural Sebum Your Facial Skin with Adequate Moisture. Under sunscreens. “

Related: Jennifer Garner’s Go-To Summer Sunscreen is Also A Hydrating Face Serum She ‘Loves’-and IT’S ONLY $ 15

There’s also a bonus if you use a moisturizer with a specific ingredient, accorting to Dr. Geeta Yadav, MDDermatologist and Facet Dermatology.

“Generally Speaking, Skipping or Applying Moisturizer Does Not Make Sunscreen Less or More Effective,” Dr. Yadav tells Parade. “Howver, if your moisturizer contains vitamin Cit is couuld Help Increase the Efficacy of Your Sunscreen. “

“There is evidence that the combination of vitamin C (Vitamin C and Vitamin E) and Sunscreen Can Maximize Your Skin’s Defense Against Photodamage,” Dr. Yadav explains. “USING A Serum or Moisturizer with Antioxidants Before Applying Sunscreen Will Also Help Protect Your Skin from Free Radicals.”

If you have sensitive Skin, Dr. Massick has specific recommendations for you too.

“Look for Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free Products,” She Says. “I Recommend Mineral Sunscreen Ingredients – Zinc Oxide and Titanium dioxide, WHICH ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE IRRITATION, Sensisitivity, Rash or Worsening of Underlying Skin, Such As Rosacea, psoriasis and Eczema.”

All that to say, if you use a moisturizer before sunscreen, be sura not to make this very common Mistake: “SOMESTEMES WEND MOISHTURIZER IS APPLED FIRST; What Actually Reduses The Effectiveness of Protection, ” Dr. Shannon Humphrey, MD, FRCPCdermatologist, Medical Director of Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology and Clinical Associate Professor at University of British Columbia Department of Dermatology and Skin Sciencewarns. “SO the priority is not moisturizer, but enrasses you apply Enough sunscreen.”

Related: We As Square The Experts: Can Sunscreen Give You Cancer?

Can you use a moisturizer with spf instead of actual sunscreen?

Wearing a moisturizer with spf is better than nothing, derms aggree, but layering is probably your best bet.

“They Better than not Applying Sunscreen at All,” Dr. Rosanne Paul, willDermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatologist at Case Western Reserve University, Tells US. “Howver, a moisturizer followed by sunscreen over top is Likely to be effective than a combination of the Sunscreen contains.”

“In Very Low-Expure Settings-like Running ERRANDS OR WORKING indoors-a moisturizer with spf may be adequate for some,” Dr. Humphrey concurs. “But Most SPF-Infused Moisturizers Fall Short in Two Key Ways: they offense a Lower spf than recommended (you have at least spf 30, broad spectrum), and they not applied to match tested spf rating. Outdoors or Near Windows, i Recommend Using a dedicated sunscreen. “

The exception: Dr. Paul Says that if you have oily skin, you can get away with skipping moisturizer in favor of just a sunscreen.

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Sources

DOES SKIPPING THIS SKINCARE Step Make Sunscreen Less Effective? Dermatologists weigh in First appeared on parade on May 30, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade On May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.