Sun block for face - do you put it on before or after lotion?

[Anonymous]

I have a face lotion that I love (G.M. COLLIN - Hydramucine Optimal Cream) but it doesn't have an spf. So if I get sunscreen for my face do I put it on before or after my lotion? And can anyone recommend a facial sunscreen that isn't so thick and greasy? Or a facial lotion with a good spf? My father died of skin cancer so I need to be cautious. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Mine goes on first, then my favorite face cream/ serum. You'll get a lot of personal preferences, but for me, plain jane non-scented, non-greasy sunscreen lotion is all I'm looking for, and I found it cheap in Target's Up brand. I think it was $4, and I like it. I put Olay Regenerist Serum over the sunscreen, and my prescription Retinol cream on top of that.

[Anonymous]

Noooooo, you have to apply facial products according to what they do and how deeply they sink in.

Serums always go on first before any other skincare products. They are made to sink more deeply than other products and if you use them after another product, they will not get to the area they are intended to treat.

Moisturizers go on after serums. Their job is to hydrate skin cells. If you use it after a sunblock, they will sit on top of the block and not be able to get to the skin to be able to moisturize.

Sunblocks have ingredients that do not sink into the skin. If you use them first, anything you apply after, will not be effective because it will not be able to reach the skin. The purpose of a sunblock is to block rays from reaching the skin, so therefore, they must sit on top of the skin.

OP, you need Anthelios XL - 365 days a year. That's what all the skin cancer docs recommend. Formula for oily skin in the "shake it" bottle.

[Anonymous]

Wow, thanks 5:29! I had no idea I was applying a layer of spackle with the sunblock for my more expensive products!

[Anonymous]

It probably also depends on what type of SPF you are using. There are chemical blocks, which need to bond/react with your skin to work (and need to be applied 20 minutes before going outside) and there are physical blocks (zinc oxide is a popular ingredient in these) that create a physical barrier.

For everyday use, I simply use Oil of Olay for sensitive skin w/ SPF. For a day when I'm going to be outside all day (beach, sailing, skiing, yard work), I use something more potent that won't sweat off. I don't use other treatments in the morning, but wait until evening to do any retinol or other stuff. But I'm a less is more kinda gal.

and good for you for taking care of your skin!