Skincare is like science and the application order of your products can make the difference in seeing results. One staple in every skincare routine is SPF protection and we’ve always heard it should be the last thing you apply to your face before leaving the house.
Recently, an article was published about applying it as the first layer and the online beauty community lost their minds. We decided to investigate using sunscreen as your first skincare step and if it’s really safe.
The Type of Sunscreen You Use Matters
Applying sunscreen before the rest of your skincare is possible, but it is a bit more difficult depending on your type of sunscreen. Some sunscreens are chemical while others are made from minerals. If you use a chemical sunscreen, it actually requires absorbing into the skin to be able to protect. That means that applying it over top of other products could change the properties and effectiveness of the SPF and it should always go under your other products.
Mineral sunscreen is protecting your skin but instead of absorbing, it does so by sitting on the surface of the skin to reflect UV rays and keep free radicals from causing wrinkles and damage. If you are using a mineral sunscreen it will matter which order you apply it in and you should always apply it last.
Avoid Two In Ones
While it might seem tempting to just switch to a moisturizer that includes SPF protection, the fact of the matter is that it will never protect your skin as well as using two separate products.
Take the Repair and Release Cream for instance, which is formulated without SPF. Because of its powerful peptides and antioxidants, the chemicals and sunscreen would not only be less effective, but it could actually hurt the results you see. That’s why we suggest keeping your SPF protection and your moisturizer with essential antioxidants and peptides separate.
No Matter What, Re-apply!
Now that you know chemical sunscreen should be your first layer and mineral sunscreen should be your last, we want to remind you that no matter what kind of sun protection you use, it won’t work unless you re-apply! Sunscreen can’t last through sweat or water and can wear off in only a few hours so keep some handy in your car, desk or handbag.
Reapplying your sunscreen all day also requires a little extra attention when cleansing your skin at night. The buildup of sunscreen can cause clogged pores, enhanced wrinkles and breakouts so make sure you’re cleansing thoroughly morning and night with your olive oil cleanser to keep skin healthy and safe.
