Daily SPF is one of the best ways to care for your skin and support a healthy, luminous glow. Sunscreen is your everyday environmental shield and an essential final step in your morning ritual.
Even when you’re indoors, UVA rays can penetrate through windows and quietly contribute to premature signs of aging. Ahead, we’ll share how to choose, apply, and layer your sunscreen so it feels like a seamless, sensorial part of your certified organic skincare routine.
Should You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Moisturizer?
As a general guideline, sunscreen is best used as the last step in your morning skincare ritual, after your serum and moisturizer. This helps it sit evenly on the surface of your skin so it can form a consistent layer of protection.
There are a few nuances, though. Many chemical sunscreens are designed to be applied closer to clean skin so their filters can work as intended — always follow the product directions. Mineral sunscreens, like our Silky Sun Drops, act as a physical shield and are generally used as the final step before makeup.
What Should You Look For in a Sunscreen?
Not all sunscreen is created equal. Here are three major factors to keep in mind when purchasing a new sunscreen.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF refers to how effective a sunscreen is at protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. No SPF can block every single ray, but a higher number means more protection.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
The next thing to look for is “broad-spectrum” on your sunscreen label. SPF mainly refers to protection from UVB rays (the ones that are most responsible for sunburn), while broad-spectrum means the formula helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to visible signs of aging, while UVB rays are closely linked to sunburn and surface damage. Caring for your skin means shielding it from both types of rays every day.
Water Resistance
If you’ll be outdoors, moving, or near water, choose a sunscreen that’s labeled “water-resistant” to help keep your skin protected for longer. Many formulas are tested to last for 40 or 80 minutes in water. After that, you’ll need to reapply.
As a general rule, reapply your SPF at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating, swimming, or towel-drying. Think of it as a gentle ritual of care throughout your day, renewing your skin’s protection so it can stay comfortable, calm, and glowing.
Modernization
Sunscreen has evolved far beyond the thick, chalky formulas you might remember from childhood. Today’s SPF can feel silky, lightweight, and seamlessly blend into your daily ritual, offering protection and skin-loving benefits.
Alongside shielding your skin from the sun, modern formulas can help support your skin’s resilience, comfort, and overall radiance.
Take Silky Sun Drops, for example. This sheer, non-whitening mineral SPF is designed to tick all the essential boxes of daily sun protection, while also enhancing your natural glow with a smooth, luminous finish. If you’re seeking a sunscreen that feels luxurious and goes beyond basic protection, without a white cast, this may be a perfect addition to your routine.
How Else Can You Keep Your Skin Safe From the Sun?
Applying sunscreen is important, but there are also other ways you can supplement your sun protection without adding another step to your skincare routine.
Simple daily choices can make a big difference to your skin. Before heading out, try adding a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to help shield your face, scalp, and eyes from UV exposure. A lip balm with SPF is also essential — any area with skin can burn, which may increase the risk of future damage.
When you can, gently plan outdoor time. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so extra care and more frequent reapplication of SPF is especially important then.
To Summarize
Wearing sunscreen is important, but so is knowing where it should fit into your existing skincare routine! Does sunscreen go on before or after moisturizer?
Placing it in the right spot in your skincare routine can help it function at its most effective — keeping your skin safe from harmful ultraviolet rays while also helping to slow down visible signs of the aging process.
For more ways to keep your skin healthy and beautiful with organic skincare products that love and support your skin, explore KORA Organics.
Sources:
The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer | NIH