Should you Apply Sunscreen Before or After Moisturizer?
Finding the ideal skincare routine isn’t as tricky as it seems. If you want the best skincare it comes down to some basic habits and some key products to help your skin thrive every day no matter what season it is. As a highly reputable dermatology clinic, Edmonton Dermatology can help you find which products suit you best according to your needs. We can also plan your daily regimen so that your skin benefits from the right products placed in the right order.
Each person will have a varying routine and prescribed products for the best skincare suited to their unique needs and concerns. However, some things are unchanging from person to person. For example, everyone needs a cleanser, moisturizer and in the morning a sunscreen regardless of skin type or issues. The question becomes not what to use but what order you use the products suited for your skin.
When to apply sunscreen, before or after moisturizer, is one question we get asked frequently. Before we get to the order of products to use for routine skincare, let’s back up and discuss what products are right for your skin based on your unique concerns.
Whether you suffer from dry skin, oily or a combination thereof, you are not alone. Alberta’s harsh climate has many of our Edmonton Dermatology clients ailed with any of these skin conditions. The kind of cleanser you use is important in maintaining a balance for your skin as well as other products that complement your cleansing. There are a few fantastic Skincare lines to choose from and in this article we will highlight the Vivier line. Only highly reputable brands are sold in medical offices, and Vivier is one that we recommend at Edmonton Dermatology.
Choosing The Right Products for Your Skin
Many clients ask about when to apply sunscreen. They know they need it to protect their skin and make it look as young as possible for as long as possible. They are unsure of the order and wonder if its better before or after their moisturizer. The fast answer on what order to use the products in your skincare lineup for best results is as follows, cleanser, target products, moisturizer, sunscreen, and then makeup.
Vivier options
If you choose Vivier for your skincare routine you will want to start with the Ultra Foaming Cleanser. This non-irritating cleanser protects the skin’s moisture barrier. It is great for all skin types and is the first thing you would use in your skincare regimen. It helps remove excess oils and unclogs pores from impurities while at the same time leaving essential moisture.
It has Vitamin C, citric acid, and glycerin which all help brighten your skin. Use this product once or twice a day for best results. Something of note, if you wear makeup follow this step twice before moving to the next.
Another cleanser to try for all skin types including acne-prone skin is the HEXAM gentle cleanser. It rids your skin of dirt and excess oil and even takes your makeup off. The antimicrobial and antibacterial agents purify the skin without drying it out. Use it twice if you are wearing makeup to double up the cleansing power.
Once you’ve cleansed your skin, it’s time to add target products that help with your unique skin needs whether, anti-aging or redness and even hyperpigmentation. Vivier has a solution for you.
Layering tips
A general rule we suggest when layering your skincare products is to start from thinnest and move to thicker textures. Since moisturizer is one of the thickest textures it is best applied after target products since those are a thinner consistency. One of our favorite moisturizers is Vivier’s Daily Age-Defying Moisturizer. This day cream which includes antioxidants will help keep your skin smooth while giving it a glow, nourishment, and hydration. This is one of the best tools to diminish the signs of aging.
If you so desire we recommend adding the Nightly Age-Defying Moisturizer to your skincare routine. This rich cream helps strengthen your skin while giving it a moisture barrier. It includes Vitamins C and E and Hyaluronic Acid. These are known to reduce the appearance of lines but still hydrate the skin leaving it soft and nourished. This is to be applied at night only and is the last step in your nightly skincare routine.
After you’ve applied moisturizer you can now apply sun protection. Vivier has a few options to choose from in this department. The general rule is to apply your sunscreen whichever style you choose after you’ve applied your daily moisturizer and not before. Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted sunscreen is a top choice by many. It leaves your skin looking radiant and gives a more even tone. It boasts of adapting and blending your skin leaving an even complexion all while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
It is worth saying again that this is your last step in your morning skincare routine. Apply ample product to your face, neck and chest and let it set for 15 minutes before sun exposure for full protection. If you are perspiring heavily or washing and towel drying reapply. For general use reapply every 2 hours.
Get Maximum Sun Protection
If you prefer a water-based sunscreen with an SPF 30 then Vivier’s Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is the perfect solution. It has Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5. These ingredients help moisturize and protect against free radicals. This lightweight lotion absorbs quickly into the skin. Again, apply liberally and let it set for 15 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun. The 2 hour reapply rule is best and always reapply after washing, towel-drying and heavy perspiring.
For even higher protection Vivier has Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 45. This sheer but matte sunscreen uses a combination of minerals and chemicals to filter the sun exposure. Vitamin E and silica leave your skin hydrated without feeling heavy. The soft and silky texture on the skin will make you want to use it again and again. The same application rules apply, every two hours or as needed after heavy perspiring, washing and towel drying.