In today’s world there is a wide array of skincare products that we can choose from. To exploit the potential and effectiveness of the skincare products correctly the appropriate usage of each is key. This is particularly important when you are building your skincare routine. Some of the must have products that are included in many skincare routines are moisturizers and sunscreens. A question that comes up quite often is if you can use a sunscreen with a SPF as a moisturizer at nigh time.
What is the difference between a moisturizer and sunscreen?
To effectively answer the question about if sunscreen can be used as a moisturizer it is essential that we understand the difference between these two products. As we mentioned earlier, they are both essential products that are part of many skincare routines. But they are distinctly different, and they should be used at different times of the day or night accordingly.
Moisturizer
The objective of moisturizer is to provide hydration to the skin and lock in moisture. Moisturizers are also referred to as day creams or night creams and are composed and formulated of various ingredients. Some of these ingredients are hyaluronic acid, glycerine and natural oils. Their aim is to provide replenishment and nourish the skin barrier. By providing this nourishment they fight against dryness, flakiness and provide the skin with softness and flexibility.
Sunscreens
The aim of sunscreens is to protect the skin from harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. They can do this since they are formulated from ingredients that provide protection to the skin barrier. By providing this protection to the barrier they reflect and absorb the UV radiations. This protects the barrier and prevents sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.
Revealing the myth of using sunscreens as moisturizers at night
The conception of belief behind using sunscreens as moisturizers at night comes from wrong advice about proper use of skincare. There is a conception that applying sunscreen all day and night is the ultimate way to protect against sun damage. But this conception is not factual and applying sunscreen at night can even be worthless and counterproductive.
The aim of sunscreens is to provide protection when exposed to sunlight. Applying them at night is not going to offer any protection since we are not exposed to UV rays at night-time. As well sunscreens are formulated of products that may cause our pores to be clogged and irritate the skin if left at night-time. This will lead to breakouts and other skin problems for those who have sensitive skins.
The importance of night-time skincare
So, as we have mentioned applying sunscreen at night-time is not advisable. Although night-time skincare is crucial when it comes to maintaining our skin healthy it must be done correctly. The importance of night-time skincare is mainly because most of the skin regeneration process occurs at night. Due to this night-time is the best time to offer nourishment to the skin.
As we sleep the capability of the skin to absorb is enhanced. This will enable the skincare products and their ingredients to penetrate the skin deeply and more effectively at night-time. Using appropriate night creams can offer the intense moisturization that our skin requires. This will in turn combat dryness and rejuvenate the skin. It also helps with production of collagen and boosts the texture of the skin.
When it comes to going about your night-time skincare routine make sure the skin is thoroughly cleansed before you apply any skincare products. Also, make sure that you apply the right products such as anti-ageing creams for skin that is mature and hydrating products for dry skin. Furthermore, try to be consistent to achieve best results since consistency and persistence are key factors!
