Can Sunscreen Be Used as a Moisturizer or Lotion?

Yes, you can use sunscreen in place of moisturizer if the formula you’re using includes hydrating ingredients. In fact, many daily sunscreen products provide both hydration and sun protection. Both are important elements in any skincare routine but it’s perfectly fine to combine them as long as it works for your skin type.

Oily and acne-prone skin types are often able to skip moisturizer and just use hydrating sunscreen. If you find that layering sunscreen over your daily moisturizer clogs your pores or leads to breakouts, it might be worth a try. Skipping moisturizer in favor of hydrating sunscreen also tends to work well in warm, humid climates versus cold, dry climates.

Many people find that sunscreen infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides provide adequate protection against moisture loss during the day. Keep in mind, however, that you may still want to apply moisturizer after your evening cleanse to support hydration overnight.

Whether you need to apply moisturizer under sunscreen largely depends on your skin type. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, sunscreen alone may not be enough to protect the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss throughout the day.

Similarly, if your skin barrier is already compromised due to harsh skincare treatments or a chronic skin condition, that extra dose of moisture could be crucial.

Remember, sunscreen is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting your long-term skin health. Keeping your skin hydrated is another important piece. If the sunscreen you’re using isn’t meeting your skin’s needs, it’s better to add moisturizer to your daily routine than to risk compromising your skin health.

All sunscreen products are not created equal. Experts recommend wearing sunscreen with a SPF 30 rating or higher, but that’s only one factor to keep in mind. If you’re planning to use sunscreen instead of moisturizer, choose a hydrating formula. Here are some tips for choosing a hydrating sunscreen:

• Prioritize hydrating ingredients. Look for sunscreen infused with ingredients that support the skin barrier and deliver lasting moisture, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and ceramides.
• Consider a mineral formula. Mineral sunscreen forms a physical barrier on the skin’s surface instead of absorbing into it, so it may help prevent moisture loss throughout the day.
• Avoid irritating ingredients. Moisturizer helps boost the skin’s protective barrier, so if you’re going to skip it make sure to avoid potentially irritating ingredients like artificial fragrances.
• Find the right texture for your skin type. Lightweight textures work well for oily skin types while dry, sensitive, or mature skin may require something a little bit heavier to lock in moisture.

If you’re switching to a new sunscreen product, make sure to patch test it on a small area of skin to check for sensitivity before applying it to your whole face. This is key if you’re applying it to your bare skin.

Choosing the right skincare products is a must but don’t underestimate the importance of applying them in the right order. Sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine, whether you’re using a standalone moisturizer or not.

Here’s how to properly layer sunscreen and moisturizer:

1. Cleanse your skin as the first step in your skincare routine, so you’re starting with a clean canvas.
2. Apply treatment products in order of weight, working from lightest (things like toner and serum) to heaviest (things like moisturizer and barrier cream).
3. Use a dime-sized amount of moisturizer for your face and neck, spreading it evenly on your forehead, cheeks, and chin without rubbing or tugging the skin.
4. Give your moisturizer a few minutes to absorb before applying sunscreen, so your skin obtains the full benefit of both.
5. Use a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen for your face and blend it as evenly as possible, giving it a few minutes to set before applying makeup.

For an added boost of hydration, apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin. Sunscreen, however, is best applied to dry skin to ensure even coverage.

When deciding whether to skip moisturizer and just use sunscreen, it comes down to how your skin feels. If your skin feels dry or tight after a few hours, you might be more comfortable with a layer of moisturizer under your sunscreen. On the other hand, if you find your skin feels slick or congested when you’re wearing both, it might be perfectly fine to stick with sunscreen alone.

Ready to up your sun protection game? Check out our top picks for the best sunscreen for your face to get started.