Moisturiser with spf or two separate products?

[MissyB1]

So I'm trying to decide the above really. Do I buy a moisturiser with added spf ( ideally 30), or use a facial sunscreen as well as my normal moisturiser? What do you all do? Any recommendations for products would be great, I'm 57 with dry skin.

There was an article on Lorraine last year....layering is fine they say moisturiser with SPF all year plus syrum, foundation and sun cream topped up with sun cream over the day.

Yeah some days it would be tricky to find the time to let all of those products sink in though, otherwise there will be "Pilling" I suspect.

I'm very fair skinned so need more than spf 30. I find that the moisturiser with spf (even at 50) isn't enough so I use that to start with and then top up with proper spf.

Can I ask which spf you use?

minimum spf 50 on face and neck, separate from moisturiser. Put this on and leave 5-10mins to absorb into skin then can apply other products/makeup etc

I always use separates. I would recommend the La Roche Posay (spf 50) - a small bottle but lasts ages. I am currently using Beauty of Joseon which I do love, I find it very hydrating!

I use the Clarins face SPF instead of moisturiser in the morning in spring/summer (i.e. a very rich sunscreen). I used to work in a clinic selling a relatively well-known facial brand and all our sales training was that if we only sold customers one product, it should be the sunscreen (I felt the implication was that that was the most effective product), so I figure doubling up isn't making much of a difference.

Until recently i used cerave moisturiser with spf 50 and it worked well but made my eyes weep. I've moved to a simple moisturiser (clinique dd+) with a spf 50 afterwards (biore watery essence) and no my eyes are fine and no moisture issues.

Id expect if you want to use a mineral sunscreen it is better separate to your moisturiser.

If your SPF is hydrating enough you can just wear that over serum. There is very little difference between SPF 30 and 50. The most important thing is to find one that you like and will use.

For me it depends on what I'm doing. For normal day to day things I use a moisturiser with SPF. If I know I'll be spending time out in the sun (as opposed to just incidental exposure) I use a proper SPF. I also have an over make-up spray for days when I either haven't already used proper SPF or if I need a top-up. I've yet to find a proper SPF that is genuinely light and non-greasy enough to wear under make-up and to work etc.

Right it sounds like a proper facial spf is the priority, especially if I'm going to be outside much. I need to start researching which are best for older drier skin.

Thsi one as its quite light (given its sitting on top of a moisturiser). It comes in a spray which I'm trying to track down - none of my local shops stock it - which I think would be good for top ups during the day. Previously I've used Byoma which is also quite light https://www.boots.com/biore-uv-aqua-rich-water-essence-sunscreen-spf-50-50ml-10356353?srsltid=AfmBOooA55qTEHMyil8pKs4Pr-fBDBMGQdM94fATeWFxJxhhcvKTIrTI

https://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/category/moisturisers/ultra-facial-cream-spf-30/KHL398.html

Or a more budget option (but higher SPF)

https://www.boots.com/cerave-am-facial-moisturising-lotion-spf-50-for-normal-to-dry-skin-52ml-10311334

Both are brilliant moisturisers and work fab in the sun (I always use these on holiday in hot countries as well as in the UK)

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2022/jul/30/ive-found-a-remarkable-sunscreen-and-it-costs-less-than-a-tenner
I haven't tried these, but Sali Hughes is 50 and has very dry skin and raves about them. The link in the article is to the Boots website where they are currently 2 for 1.
If you want to spend more, I'm currently using the Ultra Violette mineral SPF 30 which is excellent on my dry skin and works well under make up. Medik8 do an SPF 50 moisturiser which I recommend too.

So I've ended up ordering an e.l.f one that is a moisturiser plus spf 30, and Nivea Q10 spf 50 for when I'm sun worshipping! Both good value and great reviews.

You can put serum moisturiser and sun cream at the same time. Foundation should be on moisturised skin. Personally I'd put sun protection spray on as going out not a cream

I use a factor50 sunscreen instead of a moisturiser.. my dry skin is perfectly happy.

Always separate products. You will never use enough moisturiser to get the amount of spf your skin needs from a 2 in 1 product.

There shouldn’t be pilling. I use hyaluronic acid, a moisture spray, vitamin c, serum or moisturiser and than an spf. All applied one on top of the other, then make up a few minutes after. I never have a problem with pilling.

Thanks, I do want to continue using my serum.

I use Nivea dark skin spot facial cream which is spf50. I’m 44 and not a sun worshipper - if anything I’m a big avoider (I’ve had melanoma)

Oh that’s an interesting point. Can you recommend a separate SPF @CrispEatingExpert ?

@familyissues12345 I use La Roche Posay Anthellios 400 SPF 50. It’s quite often on offer in Boots. They do a spray version as well which I use to top up over make up.

Fab thank you!

It blows my mind that someone would use SPF AND moisturiser at the same time tbh. That just seems like so much product, I feel like my face would sweat.

I only wear a good SPF cream in summer...I have very dry skin but there's no way I'd need moisturiser on top as well.

I use a very light tri ceramide moisturiser to protect my skin barrier. My SPF is a serum, so that is light too. I never have issues with my face sweating or applying make up.

I wouldn’t use a rich moisturiser and then a traditional SPF though.