Short answer. Sunscreen is the last skincare step of your morning routine. It goes after cleanser, any serum and moisturiser, and before makeup (AAD). The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says to choose SPF 30 or higher and to reapply every two hours when you are outdoors (AAD).
Add the products on your shelf to Oleah and you have one list of what you already own, including the sunscreen you already have.
Published 27 October 2026. Last updated 27 October 2026. Sources checked 24 October 2026. Written by the Oleah team from the sources listed below.
Where does sunscreen go in a skincare routine?
Sunscreen goes last, after moisturiser. The AAD lists the order as wash your face, then anything a doctor gave you, then moisturiser and sunscreen. Makeup comes after that (AAD).
| Step | Morning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle cleanser |
| 2 | Any serum you use |
| 3 | Moisturiser |
| 4 | Sunscreen |
| 5 | Makeup, if you wear it |
The AAD also says to always put sunscreen on after other skin care products and beneath your makeup (AAD). This is the same order as a morning skincare routine.
Do you put sunscreen on before or after moisturiser?
After. Moisturiser goes on first, and sunscreen is the last skincare layer before makeup (AAD). If your moisturiser has a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, the AAD says it can save a step (AAD).
What should the sunscreen label say?
The AAD says to choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water resistant and broad spectrum. Broad spectrum means it covers UVA and UVB rays (AAD). The NHS says to look for SPF 30 or higher and at least 4-star UVA protection on UK labels (NHS).
How much sunscreen do you need for your face?
The AAD says to use at least 1 teaspoon on your face (AAD). That is about the amount that covers the length of your index and middle fingers. The NHS says most people do not apply enough sunscreen (NHS).
When should you put sunscreen on?
Put it on before you go outside. The AAD says it takes about 15 minutes for your skin to absorb sunscreen (AAD). Reapply every two hours outdoors, and straight after swimming or sweating.
What do dermatologists say?
"Your skin is exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays every time you go outside, even on cloudy days and in the winter." American Academy of Dermatology, How to apply sunscreen, updated 15 August 2025
For your routine, this means sunscreen stays in the morning order on grey days too.
How do you fit sunscreen into the routine you already have?
- Find the sunscreen you own. Check that the label says SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum.
- Check the date. The NHS says to make sure sunscreen is not past its expiry date (NHS).
- Put it last in the morning. Apply it after moisturiser and before makeup.
- Add it to Oleah. Add the products on your shelf to Oleah and you have one list of what you already own, including the sunscreen you already have.
- Keep it with you if you are out all day. Reapply every two hours outdoors.
- Test anything new first. The AAD suggests trying a new product on a small patch of skin first (AAD).
If a product stings, burns or makes your skin red, wash it off and stop using it. If a doctor prescribed it, ask them first. If your skin stays sore, see a pharmacist or doctor. If it blisters or swells, see a doctor today. If your lips, tongue or throat swell, or you have trouble breathing, call emergency services now. Oleah is not a doctor and does not give medical advice.
How to check this on your own shelf
Oleah is an iPhone app for the skincare you already own. You add the products on your shelf or in your routine, and each morning you take a quick face scan that takes about 30 seconds. Oleah can flag products on your shelf that may not belong together. There is a check-in on day 3, a report on day 7 and a report on day 14. Oleah is not a doctor and does not give medical advice.
Download the free iPhone beta. Add the products on your shelf, then take a quick face scan in the morning.
Related: How do you tell your skin type? and what order should you apply skincare?
Questions people ask
Is sunscreen the last step in a skincare routine? Yes, in the morning. It goes on after moisturiser and before makeup.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days? Yes. The AAD says your skin is exposed to UV rays every time you go outside, even on cloudy days and in the winter.
Can I use a moisturiser with SPF instead? The AAD says a moisturiser with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher can save a step.
How often should I reapply sunscreen? The AAD says every two hours when you are outdoors, and straight after swimming or sweating.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, "Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?". https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/apply-skin-care-certain-order. Accessed 24 October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, "How to apply sunscreen", updated 15 August 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen. Accessed 24 October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, "How to control oily skin". https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin. Accessed 24 October 2026.
- NHS, "Sunscreen and sun safety". https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/. Accessed 24 October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, "How to test skin care products". https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products. Accessed 24 October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, "Dermatologist-recommended skin care for your 20s". https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-20s. Accessed 24 October 2026.
Oleah tracks how your skin looks. It is not a medical device. See a doctor about skin conditions.
