Sunscreen vs. Moisturizer: Essential Skincare Guide

When it comes to skincare, two essential products are often recommended – sunscreen and moisturizer. While both of them are necessary to maintain healthy skin, they have different purposes and should be used at different times.

What Is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a skincare product that protects the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreens work by absorbing or reflecting UV radiation to prevent it from penetrating the skin. They are available in different forms, including lotions, creams, sprays, and gels.

What Is Moisturizer?

Moisturizers are skincare products that help hydrate the skin by preventing water loss. They contain ingredients such as humectants, emollients, and occlusives that work together to trap moisture in the skin. Moisturizers are available in various forms, including creams, lotions, gels, and oils.

When And How To Use Sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be used daily, regardless of the weather or season. UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, so it's essential to protect your skin even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, and hands, at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours or after swimming/sweating.

When And How To Use Moisturizer?

Moisturizers should be used after cleansing and toning the skin, typically in the morning and at night. Apply moisturizer to your face and neck, gently massaging it into your skin. It's essential to to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and addresses your specific concerns, such as dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity.

What Should I Apply First, Sunscreen or Moisturizer ?

Start by applying a generous layer of moisturizer and follow up with sunscreen. Here's why- 

Sunscreen carries ingredients that shield the skin against harmful UV rays – preventing photoaging, burns, tanning, pigmentation and more. To ensure optimal efficacy, your sunscreen formula should atop the dermis after the moisturizer. 

Sunscreen Vs Moisturizer

Sunscreen For Face

The skin on the face is delicate and sensitive than the skin on the body, so it's essential to choose a sunscreen specifically designed for the face. Look for a high-protection sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 PA++++ that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores. 

1. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, choose a matte finish sunscreen that contains niacinamide and UV absorption heroes.This featherlight formula ensures formidable protection while preventing clogged pores. The best part? The gorgeous matte finish this sunscreen bestows upon the skin.  

2. Similarly, if you have dry skin type choose rich dewy sunscreen from Foxtale.It contains D-Panthenol and Vitamin E that moisturize and nourish your skin while giving it a dewy effect.  

3. To double down on glow, use Foxtale’s Glow Sunscreen. Infused with new-gen UV filters – Vitamin C and Niacinamide, the formula gives your skin maximum protection from the sun while ensuring a brightening effect.  

4. To help cover pores and blemishes, might we recommend Foxtale’s Ultra Matte Sunscreen? Available in 3 hues, the formula regulates sebum production and ensures an even texture for your skin. Moreover, this inventive sunscreen is waterproof and sweatproof. You can use it for an evening by the pool or your beach getaway. 

Face moisturizer

Choosing the right moisturizer for your face is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

1. If you have dry skin, choose a moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that help hydrate the skin like Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil that replenish your skin’s moisture content. Moreover, super ingredient Ceramide puts a sturdy lock on this hydration and shields your skin against irritants, allergens, UV rays, and other aggressors.  

2. If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog pores. Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer fits the bill exactly. This Niacinamide-infused formulation blots excess oil, prevents clogged pores and soothes inflammation. Additionally, Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extracts in the cream ensure sustained hydration for your skin’s soft and supple appearance.  

3. If you have sensitive skin, use a moisturizer which is formulated for sensitive skin. Foxtale’s Skin Repair Cream uses ERS technology to nourish, hydrate, and heal your skin. 

Conclusion:

Daily use of sunscreen and moisturizer is essential for healthy skin. Sunscreen shields from UV rays, moisturizers hydrate and prevent dryness. Choose products based on skin type and concerns for youthful skin.

FAQs

1. Can I use a moisturizer with SPF instead of sunscreen?

While some moisturizers have SPF, they may not provide enough sun protection, especially if you spend extended periods outdoors. It's best to use a dedicated sunscreen product with a higher SPF for adequate sun protection.

2. Can I skip moisturizer if my sunscreen is moisturizing?

Even if your sunscreen is moisturizing, it's essential to use a dedicated moisturizer to address the specific needs of your skin. Sunscreen moisturizers may not provide enough hydration, and using a separate moisturizer can help improve your skin's overall health.

3. Can I apply sunscreen at night instead of moisturizer?

No, it's not necessary to apply sunscreen at night. Sunscreens are designed to protect the skin from UV rays, which are not present at night. Instead, use a dedicated nighttime moisturizer to hydrate and repair your skin while you sleep.

4. Can I use the same sunscreen on my face and body?

While it's possible to use the same sunscreen on your face and body, it's better to choose a separate sunscreen for your face. Facial sunscreens are specifically designed to be gentle and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores and causing breakouts.

5. Can I skip sunscreen on a rainy or overcast day.

No. Harmful UV rays from the sun can penetrate even the thickest bands of clouds. Therefore, we recommend wearing sunscreen on a rainy or overcast day too. 

6. Do I need to reapply sunscreen?

Experts suggest that one should reapply sunscreen after every two hours. 

7. Can I skip moisturizer at night?

We recommend using moisturizer in your nighttime too. A potent moisturizing formula creates a protective barrier on the dermis, sealing treatment and hydration overnight. It helps optimize the repair and rejuvenation activities of your skin when the lipid barrier is most absorbent. 

8. What is the best formula to remove SPF from the pores?

Try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash to remove every trace of SPF and makeup. The gentle, pH-balancing formula contains gentle surfactants that dissolve sunscreen from the pores without making your skin feel stripped. 

9. How much sunscreen is enough for the body?

Experts suggest that one should use 30ml (or one shot glass) of sunscreen to cover their arms and legs. 

10. What is the best moisturizer for oily skin?

If you have oily skin, try Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. It contains Niacinamide that blots excess sebum, alleviates inflammation, and soothes acne with use. The lightweight, gel-based formula also carries Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extracts for intense and sustained hydration for the skin. 

11. What is the best sunscreen for the combination skin types?

Folks with combination skin can try Foxtale’s Ultra-Matte Sunscreen. The lightweight formula regulates sebum production and prevents clogged pores while ensuring an even skin tone. The best part? This potent formula is waterproof and doesn’t run when you are sweating. 

12. I have oily skin. What moisturizer and sunscreen should I use?

First and foremost, use Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash to remove excess sebum, grime, and other impurities to ensure a healthy microbiome. Follow up with a potent serum to address your primary skin concerns. 

Next, use the Oil Free Moisturizer generously to seal hydration without clogging your pores. Niacinamide in the formula prevents oil control for soft, balanced skin. 

Now whip out Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen. Apply two fingers’ worth of the formula to shield your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Apply it 20 minutes before stepping outdoors for best results.

13. What is better, sunscreen or moisturizer? 

Both sunscreen and moisturizer are non-negotiable in your skincare routine.  A potent moisturizer prevents TEWL or transepidermal water loss, helps soothes inflammation, and ensures smooth, supple skin. On the other hand, sunscreen safeguards the skin against harmful UV rays to keep episodes of burns, tanning, photoaging at bay.

14. When to use moisturizer, day or night? 

We recommend using moisturizer during the day and night after cleansing. This formula keeps skin hydration intact by preventing TEWL, or transepidermal water loss. Additionally, a potent moisturizer soothes redness, defers signs of ageing, and enhances your skin’s youthful appearance.

15. Can I use moisturizer at night? 

Yes. Your skin’s lipid barrier is most absorbent at night, leading to dramatic water loss. To prevent skin dryness and dehydration, use a high-performing moisturizer in your PM routine.

16. What are some benefits of applying moisturizer at night?  

Here are some benefits of applying moisturizer at night   

1. Since the lipid barrier is most absorbent at night, using a moisturizer with active ingredients (re: Peptides, Ceramides, Retinol) will bear the best results. 

2. Your skin is prone to becoming dehydrated at night, due to an extremely absorbent lipid barrier. To avoid this problem, slather an even layer of moisturizer before calling it a night.  

3. The skin's circadian rhythm prioritizes repair and rejuvenation activities at night. Applying moisturizer at night helps optimize the renewal process by maintaining ample skin hydration.  

4. The lipid barrier (or acid mantle) is the first line of defence for your body. It keeps pollutants, UV rays, and pathogens at bay, ensuring a balanced microbiome for the skin. Using barrier-loving ingredients like Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Niacinamide, etc., in your nighttime moisturizer boosts barrier health and functionalities.  

17. Difference between moisturizer and sunscreen? 

Moisturizer keeps your skin’s hydration intact by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. It alleviates inflammation, prevents ageing lines, and helps revive lacklustre skin. 

Sunscreen shields your skin against harmful UV rays to prevent burning, premature aging, tanning, and pigmentation. 

18. Can I use sunscreen as a moisturizer?  

No. Before you apply two fingers’ worth of sunscreen for sun protection, slather a generous amount of moisturizer. A moisturizer prevents water loss from the skin, keeping it hydrated for prolonged hours – something a sunscreen cannot achieve. Moreover, a good moisturizing formula prevents fine lines and wrinkles, soothes flare-ups, and revives lacklustre skin. 

19. What is the difference between hydration and moisturization? 

Hydration involves binding water molecules to the skin to improve its water-holding capacity. The process is achieved by humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine, and Lactic Acid that pull moisture from your immediate surroundings into the skin. 

Moisturization puts a big, sturdy lock on hydration. Aced with emollients, this process prevents your skin’s moisture bank from running low. 

20. Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes, moisturizer is a non-negotiable in a routine – regardless of the skin type. A potent, gel-based moisturizer keeps hydration intact in oily skin, preventing the sebaceous glands from slipping into overdrive mode.