Why you should (absolutely) not mix your day cream with your sunscreen.
It's tempting: to save time in the morning, we think about mixing our moisturizer with our sunscreen.
Two in one, one single application, and presto, we move on to something else!
But in reality, this beauty trick can compromise the effectiveness of your sun protection ... and therefore your skincare in general.
3 reasons why it's best not to play around with your SPF.
Reason 1. Mixing = unbalancing the formula
Sunscreens, whether chemical or mineral, are formulated with great precision. Each ingredient is measured to ensure even distribution of sun filters , guaranteeing optimal protection against UV rays. 💥
When you mix your sunscreen with another product (even a simple moisturizer), you alter this balance . The result:
- UV filters may become less effective .
- The SPF protection advertised on the tube no longer applies .
- The texture can degrade, making the layer less uniform.
🔍 Imagine diluting a medication in water at random: you'll never get the right dosage. It's the same here.
Reason 2: A thin layer = ineffective protection
Another problem: by mixing your skincare products, you tend to apply an insufficient amount of sunscreen.
For an SPF to really work, you need to put about half a teaspoon on your face (yes, it's more than you think).
👉 By combining two products, you often apply less sunscreen than necessary , and therefore:
- The protection is incomplete .
- The skin remains exposed to UVA and UVB rays .
- The risk of premature skin aging or the appearance of pigment spots increases.
Reason 3: Sunscreen is not an option, it's a barrier
Sunscreen is not like other skincare products. It's a protective barrier against external aggressors, just like an umbrella in the rain.
🔒 By mixing it with another product:
- You are altering this barrier.
- You reduce its resistance to sweat or water
- You risk making it unstable , especially in the case of prolonged exposure.
💡 And no, even if you use a moisturizer with built-in SPF, it does not replace a real dedicated sunscreen.
So, how do we apply them correctly?
For an effective and simple routine, here's the right method :
- Cleanse your skin.
- Moisturize with your day cream (or serum if you prefer light textures).
- Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute for the cream to be fully absorbed.
- Apply a generous layer of sunscreen last , before makeup if you wear any.
💡 Sunscreen is always the last step in your morning routine (before makeup, but after skincare).
What if we want to save time?
If you are in a hurry in the morning, opt for a moisturizing sunscreen .
There are many available, particularly in Korean cosmetics, with light and moisturizing formulas that can replace your day cream .
But be careful: do not mix them . Choose a product that does both — already formulated as such.
In summary: Don't sacrifice your protection to go faster
❌ Mixing day cream and sunscreen = ineffective UV protection
✅ Apply your products in separate layers, with sunscreen last
✅ For those in a hurry, opt for a moisturizing sunscreen formulated for this purpose
At Lyssa Select, we offer moisturizing, lightweight, and effective Korean sunscreens, tested for all skin types. Make the right choice to protect your skin without compromise!
