SPF in Skincare: When to Apply Sunscreen in Your Skincare Routine

There’s plenty of debate about which ingredients we should or shouldn’t be using in our skincare routines. And while the specific products we use are dictated largely our unique skin concerns and types, sunscreen is one must-have product that is never up for debate.

It’s the gold standard of skincare, but when do you apply sunscreen in your skincare routine? Using SPF in skincare always straightforward; there are many factors that can impact its efficacy and compromise your sun protection. In this guide, we’ll explore where SPF should sit in your skincare and makeup routine so you can safeguard your skin against UV rays.

What are the benefits of SPF in skincare?

 Sunscreen should be a fixture of any skincare routine – and for all skin types.

 Using SPF in skincare helps shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as protect your skin from:

  • Sunburn
  • Skin cancer
  • Premature ageing

UVB rays are responsible for surface damage like sunburn and skin cancer, whereas UVA rays penetrate deeper layers of the skin and alter skin cells (which leads to wrinkles and loss of collagen). While this all happens naturally as we age, sun damage can exacerbate these concerns – so in some ways, SPF is one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients of all.

This is why some of L’Oreal Paris’s most iconic anti-ageing formulas have added (a low level of) SPF, like Age Perfect Cell Renewal Revitalising Day Cream SPF15 50ml - For Mature Skin 55+ and Age Perfect Golden Age Day Cream SPF15 50ml - For Very Mature Skin 60+.

 

Find the right facial sunscreen for your skin

Australia has one of the highest UV levels in the world1, which puts our skin at high risk of sun damage. So, when it comes to choosing a facial sunscreen, seek out a UVA/UVB sunscreen with a high protection factor – like SPF50 or SPF50+. 

Cosmetically, there are other factors you might consider. For example, some sunscreens can feel heavy or greasy on the skin, which is particularly cumbersome for oily and combination skin types. In this vein, it’s important to know your skin type so you can find a compatible sunscreen – like a hydrating sunscreen for dry skin.

Since the primary aim of SPF in skincare is UV protection, not all formulations are going to sit comfortably under makeup. That’s why we recommend testing your sunscreen under foundation to make sure it doesn’t leave a white cast and that the textures play well together.

 

When should you apply sunscreen in your skincare routine?

You should apply sunscreen at the very end of your skincare routine.

This leaves time for all your previous skincare products to be properly absorbed into your skin – and ensures they won’t interfere with the effectiveness of your sunscreen.

It’s also important to apply SPF at least 20 minutes before sun exposure; this allows you to harness SPF’s full protective benefits for your skin.

 

How much sunscreen should you apply to your face?

The Australian Cancer Council recommends applying 5ml of sunscreen to your face2 – which is about the equivalent of one teaspoon. Remember that you cannot rely on SPF in skincare or makeup alone: it doesn’t cover all sun-exposed areas of your face and neck.You should always apply a broad-spectrum high SPF sunscreen before makeup or after skincare.3

 

When should you apply sunscreen: before or after moisturiser?

Not sure when to apply sunscreen – before or after moisturiser? We’ve got you covered.

Sunscreen should always be applied after moisturiser, as this prevents other skincare products from diluting the efficacy of your SPF. A moisturiser will also help seal in hydration at the skin surface, which is essential for protecting the skin moisture barrier – your first line of defence against stressors like UV rays.

The order of your skincare routine should be as follows:

  1. Wash your face with a cleanser.
  2. Use any targeted face serums.
  3. Hydrate with a moisturiser.
  4. Apply your SPF.

It’s important to note that even if you use a moisturiser that’s formulated with SPF – like Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Day Cream SPF15 50ml – we still recommend that you follow it up with an SPF50/SPF50+ sunscreen for maximum protection.

 

When should you apply sunscreen: before or after primer?

To correctly use SPF in skincare, you need to apply sunscreen before primer. Sunscreen is ultimately the last step in your skincare routine, while primer is the first step of your makeup routine. Once you apply sunscreen, it’s important to wait at least five minutes before applying any products over the top – this gives your sunscreen enough time to sink in and prevents other ingredients from diminishing the protection factor.

 

When should you apply sunscreen: before or after makeup?

Now that you know when to you apply sunscreen in your skincare routine, let’s take a look at SPF in the context of your makeup routine. Even if makeup is formulated with SPF, this likely won’t be enough to fully protect you from UVA and UVB rays. So, make sure you always apply sunscreen before you apply any makeup products.

It also doesn’t hurt to seek out cosmetics that are formulated with SPF. Our personal favourite is the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Tinted Daily Fluid SPF 50 Light, which provides the finish of tinted makeup along with added SPF.

 

Regularly using SPF in skincare can help protect you from a number of skin concerns – like dark spots. Next, discover how you can use SPF alongside other ingredients to reduce dark spots on your face.

 

1https://media.bom.gov.au/social/blog/1862/not-just-sunburn-theres-more-to-uv-than-meets-the-eye/

2https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen/sunscreen-faqs

3https://medicine.uq.edu.au/article/2023/10/how-should-i-add-sunscreen-my-skincare-routine-now-it%E2%80%99s-getting-hotter

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