In What Order Do You Apply Sunscreen

Episode #74 / Aug 25, 2009
OTHER VERSIONS:
Many people are confused about what order in their skincare regiment they should be applying sunscreen. Dr. Schultz will tell you when to apply it in order for it to be most effective.
Anson Ng on August 25, 2009 at 3:20pm

Hi Dr. Schultz,

What if the sunscreen is a physical sunscreen, one made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide?

Lanny on August 25, 2009 at 3:23pm

Very good vid, thank you! But when you talk about exfoliation here, you are talking about quimical exfoliation, the one you don´t have to scrub the cream on the face d thake it off with water, right?

Lanny on August 25, 2009 at 3:35pm

d thake it off = and take it off. Sorry!

davida simon on August 25, 2009 at 7:23pm

what's the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Neal Schultz, M.D. on August 26, 2009 at 9:53pm

@Anson Ng: In my opinion, for maximum protection, you should apply physical sunscreens first as well. For my reasoning behind this, please see today's (August 26th, 2009) video on Why You Should Apply Sunscreen First.

Teri Stodd on August 27, 2009 at 1:18pm

Thank you Dr. Schultz for providing further illumination on this issue.

BC on August 27, 2009 at 10:58pm

Dr. Schultz:

I use toner every morning. Since it's a liquid...can I apply it before sunscreen...or does it need to go after? Thanks.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on September 2, 2009 at 4:26am

@Lanny: You are correct. Chemical exfoliants are left on the skin. Only physical abrasive granular exfoliants are washed off.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on September 2, 2009 at 4:28am

@BC: Cleanser and toner are both used to prepare the skin for your other products like sunscreen, antioxidants, moisturizers, etc. The toner helps to remove any debris that the cleanser fails to remove and also helps to remove any residual cleanser.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on September 3, 2009 at 4:21pm

The topic of when to apply sunscreen is complex -- I've noticed people discussing it not only on this forum but in other places as well -- and thus I've written a more in-depth article that discusses the intricacies of the subject. (I thought an article would be a more appropriate vehicle for an in-depth discussion than a short few minute video.) You can read this article at: http://www.dermtv.com/questions/why-applying-sunscreen-first-provides-be...