Why a Moisturizer with SPF is a Must In Your Morning Routine

Wearing sunscreen is a non-negotiable—every day, rain or shine. But actually remembering to apply sunscreen every day may not come that easily if it’s not already a habit. Swapping your go-to face cream for a moisturizer with SPF can help ensure that you’re protecting your skin, even if you forget to slather on sunscreen before starting your day. These hybrid formulas, also known as SPF moisturizers, pull double duty, hydrating your skin while helping to shield against harmful UV rays. And if you’re not using one in your morning routine yet, we’re here to tell you that you should be. 

Ahead, we’ll explain some of the most notable benefits of using a face moisturizer with SPF and clue you in on what these hybrid products can do. Plus, we’ll share a look at some of our best SPF moisturizers to snag next time you hit the store. Find all the details below. 

Do You Both Need Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

Your skin absolutely needs both moisturizer and sunscreen to look and feel its best—you can’t use just one or the other. On rushed mornings, you may feel like it’d be easier to skip moisturizer and just apply sunscreen, as that’s often described as the most important step in your morning routine. And while SPF is essential, a standard sunscreen is unlikely to provide the moisture your skin needs to feel hydrated, smooth, and comfortable. Moisturizer, however, will—that’s what it’s meant for. If you don’t have time to apply moisturizer, wait for it to absorb, layer on sunscreen, and then wait 15 minutes before heading outdoors (which is recommended for all sunscreens), then an SPF moisturizer can come in handy. It trims the two steps down to one—and minimizes the time you’ll have to wait between skincare steps.

Are SPF Moisturizers Effective?

In theory, a broad-spectrum facial moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher should be enough to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. In practice, though, that’s not always the case, which is why many experts recommend pairing your SPF moisturizer with a standard sunscreen to fully protect your skin. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right formula for your needs (and apply it properly).

Choosing the right formula for your skin

For most people, an SPF 15 sunscreen provides sufficient protection for everyday use. However, if you plan on spending time in the sun or have very fair skin, it may be beneficial to opt for a formula with a higher SPF rating. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF 50 if you plan on spending an extended period of time outdoors.

You’ll also want to decide whether you want to use a chemical sunscreen or a mineral sunscreen. Both have their benefits, so it’s really up to you to decide which aligns better with your needs. If you’re unsure how the two compare, our article The Difference Between Physical and Chemical Sunscreen breaks it all down. And if you’re worried about your SPF moisturizer clogging your pores or feeling greasy on your skin, seek out an oil-free formula labeled “non-comedogenic.” This designation means that it’s unlikely to clog pores or contribute to breakouts.

SPF application tips for adequate protection

Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose, applying it correctly is crucial for ensuring adequate protection. Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, you want to use about one ounce of sunscreen, or a shot glass’ worth, to cover your entire body. For your face alone, you should use a generous nickel-sized dollop. Few people actually use that much product when moisturizing their face, which is why some professionals recommend pairing your SPF moisturizer with a standard sunscreen for added protection. Apply your chosen formula at least 15 minutes before going outside, taking care to cover frequently missed areas, such as the eyelids, lips, and the tops of your ears.

3 Benefits of Using a Moisturizer with SPF

It’s hard not to love a multitasking skincare formula, especially when it offers essential benefits. Using a moisturizer with SPF is a simple change that can simplify your routine and provide skincare benefits. These are just a few incentives to try a daily moisturizer with SPF.

1. SPF moisturizers save time

As we mentioned earlier, a proper skincare routine includes both moisturizer and sunscreen. The busy, lazy, and just plain forgetful among us may find it easy to skip applying moisturizer or sunscreen (or even both of those steps, depending on the day), but your skin needs both. By switching to a daily face moisturizer with SPF, you can knock out two essential steps at once, saving time on rushed mornings without compromising your skin’s healthy look and feel.

2. Moisturizer with sunscreen is cost-effective

If you’re on a tight budget, every penny counts. And while both moisturizer and sunscreen are crucial for healthy-looking skin, it might be hard to rationalize the expense of buying two separate products. With an SPF moisturizer, you don’t have to choose—you’ll be getting the benefits and value of two products for the price of one.

3. Moisturizer with SPF can create a great base for makeup

Makeup looks its best when it’s applied to smooth, moisturized skin. Even if you’re using the right foundation and concealer for your skin type, it won’t look even and natural if your skin is dry, which makes moisturizing before makeup a must. Using a moisturizer with sunscreen can be especially helpful, as many formulas are designed to layer beneath makeup. Standard sunscreens, on the other hand, don’t always play well with makeup.

How To Get the Most Out of Your SPF Moisturizer

To maximize your benefits from any skincare product, it’s critical to use it correctly. Though using a facial moisturizer with SPF may seem pretty straightforward, there are actually a few tips that are easy to overlook. Follow these three recommendations to ensure success.

1. Apply your SPF moisturizer daily

We know, this sounds a little obvious, but you’d be surprised by how often people skip one or both of these steps. For a product to work, you have to use it, and when it comes to sunscreen, you must use it every day to adequately defend your skin from sun damage. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cloudy day or you’re not leaving the house—unless you’re spending all daylight hours in a pitch-black room, your skin needs sunscreen.

You may also be curious to know whether you can use SPF moisturizer at night. While you can in a pinch, especially if you don’t have access to a cream without sunscreen, we wouldn’t recommend making a habit of it. SPF is designed for daytime use to protect your skin from environmental stressors, which you’re not exposed to while you sleep. Overnight, skin benefits from the use of ingredients that support its natural regenerative processes, which you’ll typically find in night creams. So while using a moisturizer with SPF before bed is unlikely to hurt your skin, it’s not necessary—you’ll do better with a formula designed for nighttime use.

2. Make sure you’re applying enough

While a dab of regular moisturizer might be enough to nourish your skin, you’ll need to apply more moisturizer with SPF. As we mentioned earlier, you should use roughly a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen or SPF moisturizer to cover your face. A 2019 study published in PLOS One found that people who used SPF moisturizer in place of standard sunscreen used significantly less than they would have otherwise, often missing key areas like the eyelids. If you’re not using enough of your SPF moisturizer, you won’t get adequate protection from UVA and UVB rays.

3. Reapply your SPF moisturizer often

This is an essential (but often overlooked) aspect of using any sunscreen, including moisturizer with SPF. To shield your skin from UV rays, you must reapply your SPF throughout the day, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating. The AAD recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours if you will be spending time outside. Remember that even though UVB rays can’t penetrate through window glass, UVA rays can, so it’s worth reapplying your moisturizer with SPF even if you’re not going outside—better to err on the side of caution.

Our Best Face Moisturizers with SPF

Now that you understand the value that a facial moisturizer with sunscreen can bring to your skincare regimen, it’s time to find the right one for your skin needs and goals. Here, we’re sharing some of our best SPF moisturizers for your consideration.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30

Whether you’re looking to target the visible signs of aging or are simply looking for a reliable daily moisturizer with SPF to add to your routine, this is an excellent option to try. It’s formulated with three top dermatologist-recommended ingredients (vitamin C, pro-retinol, and hyaluronic acid) and helps brighten, firm, and smooth the skin. It’s also intensely hydrating, delivering up to 48 hours of hydration while feeling lightweight on the skin. Plus, it’s made to layer under makeup, so you don’t have to worry about it interfering with your beauty routine.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30

If you prefer lightweight lotions to creams, try this daily SPF lotion. It’s made with the same three dermatologist-recommended ingredients as the RevitaLift Day Cream, and it helps to smooth, firm, and brighten the skin in as little as one week of use.

L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Hydrate, smooth, and plump your skin with this lightweight moisturizer with SPF 30. It provides up to 24 hours of hydration and leaves the skin with a natural-looking, semi-matte finish, without a white cast. You can wear it alone on no-makeup days or wear it under your usual makeup products for hydration and protection.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Day Moisturizer SPF 25

Reach for this luxe day cream next time you want to pamper your skin. The nourishing formula contains patented antioxidants and vitamin E and leaves the skin smooth and soft to the touch without a greasy feel. Broad-spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen helps protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 25

If you’ve noticed your skin becoming less firm over time, consider adding this moisturizer to your morning routine. It’s formulated with niacinamide and collagen peptides and works over time to help redensify maturing skin. The addition of broad-spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen, meanwhile, helps shield your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Apply a nickel-sized dollop to your face each morning for a brighter, healthier-looking complexion over time.

Next Up: Should You Apply Sunscreen or Moisturizer First?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris