Hey there, beauties! 🌞 When it comes to skincare, we all know how important moisturizing and sun protection are. But what’s the best way to do it? Should you use a combo product that moisturizes your skin and protects against UV rays? Or, is it better to use separate products for moisturizing and sun protection? I was all set to sing the praises of my two favorite combination products, but some new info made me rethink things. Let’s dive into this together and find the best solution for our skin!

Quick takes

1. Combination products are convenient to carry, fast to apply, and offer a good level of protection from sun exposure.
2. Separate products can potentially work better, and you can apply the amount of each product you personally need.

Comparing Combination Products with Separate Products

Combination Moisturizer/Sunscreen

Combination products offer the convenience of two-in-one care. Here’s why you will like them:

1. Convenience: Saves time and simplifies your routine. You only have to put on one product.
2. Consistency: Ensures even application of both moisturizer and SPF. The active ingredients are evenly mixed in, so you just make sure to get some in all the right places, and you’re in pretty good shape.
3. Economical: Generally, cheaper than buying two separate products.

I have a favorite combination product, Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter SPF 30 Face Moisturizer. I have a second favorite, Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30. And now some experts are trying to tell me that’s not good enough? Cut me some slack!

I used to wear a randomly chosen SPF sunscreen maybe five times a year. Now, I apply one of my two favorite moisturizer/sunscreen combination products every single day, even in the winter and on cloudy days. I even reapply every two hours! When you think about it, using a combination product daily is far better than using no product at all. To be fair, most experts who recommend using separate products also admit that wearing a combination product every day is much better than not wearing any sun protection or using it only occasionally.

I’m willing to listen to new information, though, and maybe even change my mind.

Possible problems with combination moisturizer / sunscreen:

1. Compromise on Formulation: Combo products might not excel equally in both moisturizing and sun protection. Ingredients that help moisturize skin sometimes do not mix well with active sunscreen ingredients. This could make the product less effective for both purposes.
2. Limited Application: Can’t adjust the amount of moisturizer or SPF independently. When I apply a good amount of combination product for sun protection, it’s usually a bit too much moisturizer for my type of skin, making me look a bit shiny and feel slightly goopy.

Separate Moisturizer and Sunscreen

Using two different products can seem like extra work, but it has its perks:

1. Customization: You can put the amount of moisturizer that’s right for your skin, and then the right amount of sunscreen separately.
2. Effectiveness: Standalone products often have better, more concentrated formulations.
3. Versatility: Easier to layer with other skincare and makeup products.

Girl Friday says…

I searched for any scientific research providing data to convince me separate products are the way to go. I could not find any actual studies. From what I can tell, the suggestion for separate products is just “experts’ opinions.”

That said, these experts are licensed dermatologists, and for me that holds some water. I respect their opinions, but want more data so I can give you folks better advice. Let’s keep our minds open, and if we discover there’s a better way than what we have been doing already, we can embrace it for our own good.

The Girl Friday Sunscreen Experiment

Right now I’m still using my 2 favorite combination products day-to-day. But, I ordered 2 separate moisturizer and sunscreen products, and will do an experiment to get real data. I read numerous reviews where experts actually used the products and had some opinions on quality.

• Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
• Sunscreen: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – SPF 40

I will write a separate post for you talking about the experiment, how I will proceed, and eventually the results. For now, know I will find a sunny day to test 3 patches of skin on my leg.

1. One patch will have no products on it.
2. A second patch will have my favorite combination product applied.
3. The third area of skin will have the separate moisturizer and sunscreen products.

Be on the lookout for the experiment post, and hope I don’t end up with a big burnt spot on the “no product” patch!

While a moisturizer with SPF can be effective, it often requires a larger quantity to achieve the labeled SPF protection. Most people do not apply enough moisturizer with SPF to get the full benefit. I recommend a separate sunscreen for more reliable protection. Applying a separate sunscreen over your moisturizer ensures adequate and uniform sun protection

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, board-certified dermatologist, via skincare.com

FAQs

1. Which is better for sensitive skin? Separate products, as you can choose formulations suited to your needs.
2. How often should I reapply sunscreen? Every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors. You might find a standalone sunscreen better, since you may not need more moisturizer throughout the day.
3. Is higher SPF always better? SPF 30 is usually sufficient for daily use; higher SPF might be needed for extended outdoor activities.

Wrap it up

Stay radiant, lovelies! 🌟 Remember, great skin care is all about finding what works best for you. Until next time, keep shining bright! 🌺

More from Girl Friday

• The Ultimate Guide To Sunscreen: Stay Safe Under The Sun