Can I apply sunscreen after exfoliating?

Author: Dr. Alec Stark  |  Last update: Sunday, March 30, 2025

After exfoliating, it's important to remember to moisturize your skin that night and wear sunscreen the next day. Post-exfoliation skin is more sensitive than usual, so taking care of it by using products and tips from the best dermatologist in Delaware is imperative to keep your skin glowing and youthful for longer.

Can I put sunscreen after exfoliating?

Chemical sunscreens like the Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ are made from chemically active ingredients and need to be fully absorbed into skin in order to provide UV protection. So, if you're using a chemical sunscreen, apply directly after cleansing and exfoliating, and before moisturiser.

What not to do after exfoliating?

After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.

Can I apply sunscreen after AHA BHA peel?

Yes you should be using a sunscreen after a chemical peel to protect your skin; however, it would be more beneficial for you to wear a physical blocker sunscreen that contains zinc and/or titanium dioxide. Hope this helps!

How long to wait to apply moisturizer after exfoliating?

After exfoliating or washing your face, it's generally recommended to wait about 10 to 20 minutes before applying moisturizer. This allows your skin to return to its normal pH level and ensures that the moisturizer can be absorbed effectively.

How to exfoliate | who needs it| who should avoid | Dermatologist explains

What happens if you don't moisturize after exfoliating?

Flaky skin can be made worse by not applying a moisturizing product after exfoliating. If you only remove the dead skin without protecting the new skin underneath, it can lead to rough skin and uneven texture. Some people even experience peeling skin because the texture is so dry and rough.

How long should you wait for moisturizer to set before sunscreen?

Generally, waiting for about 5 to 10 minutes allows the moisturiser to absorb into the skin, ensuring that the sunscreen can form a protective barrier. This waiting period also helps prevent any potential interference between the moisturiser and sunscreen.

What happens if you don't use sunscreen with AHA?

AHAs increase skin's sun-sensitivity, meaning that if not used with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, these ingredients can actually worsen the look of dark spots (But you're using SPF already anyway, so there's nothing to worry about, right?).

Can I use sunscreen after chemical peel?

Here are some general tips for recovery after a chemical peel: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after your treatment. This means staying indoors or wearing a wide-brimmed hat and broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you must go outside.

Do I need sunscreen after BHA?

Daily sun protection is an essential part of any effective skincare routine and should be applied every morning, whether you're using salicylic acid or not.

How to tell if you're over-exfoliating?

Check out these five signs that point to a little too much exfoliation, and learn how to give your skin a radiance boost without going overboard.
  1. Irritation and Visible Redness. ...
  2. Increased Oiliness and Shine. ...
  3. Breakouts. ...
  4. Flakiness and Dry Skin. ...
  5. Increased Sensitivity. ...
  6. Give Your Skin a Break. ...
  7. Reassess Your Current Routine.

What is the black stuff when I rub my skin?

The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.

What should I put on my face after I exfoliate?

While you might want to have glowing, freshly-exfoliated skin every day, over-exfoliating can cause damage to your skin and its natural barrier. Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.

Is it better to exfoliate dry or wet?

It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier.

Why do you have to wait 20 minutes after applying sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before exposure to UV in order to create the intended protective barrier. It should be applied liberally and evenly to clean and dry skin.

Should I exfoliate my face at night or morning?

When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.

What does your face look like 3 days after a chemical peel?

Around the third day, you may start to see the initial signs of peeling. Your skin might appear dry and flaky, and small pieces may begin to shed. This is a normal part of the process as the old skin is being replaced by new skin underneath.

Why is my skin darker after a chemical peel?

Factors Contributing to Post-Peel Hyperpigmentation:

Sun exposure immediately after treatment. Using products with irritating ingredients. Picking at peeling skin. Genetic predisposition to melanin production.

What happens if you don't wear sunscreen after exfoliating?

The main reason why sunscreen is essential after exfoliation is because without it, your newly exposed skin will not have enough time to build up its natural defences against UV rays — making it more susceptible to burning and premature ageing from sun exposure.

What happens if I don't use moisturizer before sunscreen?

For instance, regarding short-term impacts, using sunscreen without moisturizer won't cause any harm. However, experts advise not to skip the use of moisturizer when applying sunscreen in the long run, as it can affect the skin. The use of moisturizer will improve protection and assist in delaying the aging process.

Is it OK to put moisturizer over SPF?

The concern is that when a serum or moisturizer is applied before sunscreen, it can create a barrier that prevents the sunscreen from fully penetrating your skin to protect it from sun exposure. However, when your moisturizer is applied after sunscreen, it can interfere with how the sunscreen interacts with the sun.

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

Should you put sunscreen on every day?

Ultraviolet light (UVL) “is our biggest risk factor for skin cancer,” said Dr. Jones. “The UVL rays cause damage to our skin cells increasing the risk of skin aging and skin cancer. Using sunscreen on a daily basis is critical to protect the skin cells from this damage.

Previous article
What muscles do shallow squats work?
Next article
Where not to use massage gun?