By this point we all know the importance of SPF and hopefully, we are all aware by now that SPF should be worn on the face, regardless of how sunny it is outside, right?
Well, for those of us that do apply SPF every day and will tell anyone who’ll listen how simple it is, I have an Earth-shattering revelation for us.
Sorry.
It turns out that depending on the order of your skin routine, you could be completely undoing the benefits of SPF and leaving your skin at risk of sun damage.
When to apply SPF in your skincare routine
According to facial masseur and skin specialist Campbell Watt, we should never apply our beloved hydrating oils in the morning as they can disrupt and dilute SPF.
He added: “If you do want to use facial oils to boost hydration, use it in the evening”.
Watt advises only using oils 2-3 a week as if you use them daily, the skin gets “lazy” and stops producing its own oil.
So, when should we be applying SPF?
In the morning, skip the oils as part of the morning skincare routine and use them sparingly throughout the week as Watt says as this will ensure that the oils don’t interact with the SPF.
To get the absolute most out of your SPF, L’Oréal Beauty Magazine advises putting it on after moisturiser and before your makeup, saying: “Since products with SPF are specifically formulated with certain sun-protective ingredients, layering one on after your moisturiser will help block out any harsh rays. So, in other words, SPF always goes on after moisturiser (and before makeup) in the morning.”
So, in summary: SPF in the morning, oils in the evening only and no more than three times a week. Got it.