glambeauty People often wonder can sunscreen and moisturizer be used together? The short answer is yes. Even if you only use a small amount of sunblock, like the amount found in a typical cream or lotion, your skin will benefit. Sunscreens are not water-based, so they prevent water from evaporating into the air. Moisturizers, on the other hand, are.
A moisturizer works by attracting moisture from the air and keeping it locked into your skin. When you shower or bathe, some of that moisture gets locked into your pores. If you use a moisturizer, you can reduce the amount of time that your skin is exposed to the sun. And, depending on the type of moisturizer you’re using, that exposure can be significantly reduced.
Some moisturizers are oil-free. Those types aren’t good for your skin. They can clog your pores and make your skin more likely to develop acne or breakouts. So, if you have oily skin, stay away from sunscreen lotions that claim to keep your skin “sundry” or “free.”
Most lotions and creams contain moisturizers. That’s why the lotions and creams are also calling lotions, while water-based cosmetics don’t need water to make them work. Sun Lotion and lotions can even be soothing to the skin.
But, as we already know, moisturizers do get absorbed into the skin. So, if you apply lotion on your face, you can expect that some of the oil will escape into your pores. What’s more, the molecules in lotions and moisturizers are tiny enough that they can actually get trapped in your pores. When pores get clogged with dirt, oils, and bacteria, inflammation occurs. That inflammation can lead to pimples and zits.
If you’re asking can sunscreen and moisturizer used together, the answer is yes. You can use a moisturizer after you wash your face. And, you can also apply some on damp skin right before you go to bed. Just remember that oil changes can make your skin look even drier than it was before the oil change.
So, can moisturizers and sunscreens are used together? Sometimes. Just make sure that you know what the products contain and read the labels carefully. And, start with the moisturizer.
Many moisturizers contain petrolatum, a waxy substance. It provides a thin barrier on your skin. It doesn’t absorb moisture, but it does clog the pores. So, if you have acne, use a non-oily moisturizer. Petrolatum will clog your pores, too, so it may not be the best choice for a moisturizer.
Many creams and lotions contain natural oils like grape seed oil. Those oils can be compatible with the skin’s sebum. They’re easily absorbed and don’t clog the pores.
Sunscreen and moisturizers can be bought in separate products. Some sunscreens contain PABA (para-bromine) to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Others contain PABA as a protective measure. But, they’re really the similar thing. Lotions that contain PABA are supposed to be better than sunscreens containing benzophenone. But, that’s been controversial. Researchers have shown that both types of sunscreens can cause damage to cells. In one study, wrinkles appeared more often on those who used lotion containing benzophenone. But, on people who used moisturizers containing PABA, there was no difference in the number of wrinkles.
That doesn’t mean that lotions that contain PABA are ineffective. They may be helpful in preventing damage to the skin. But, using them to prevent wrinkles from sun exposure is like putting band-aids on cracks. If you don’t address the problem, the cracks will just keep getting deeper. It’s better to get rid of the crack than to cover it up and make it worse. Using moisturizers that contain PABA can help prevent the skin from becoming too dry, so it can repair itself.
