Skin is the largest organ possessed by humans. The skin also functions as a protector for the body from various external factors that can damage health, such as bacteria, viruses, pollution and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Therefore, taking care of your skin is a very important thing to do.
One way to care for your skin is to use skin care products or skincare. There are many types of skincare available on the market, ranging from cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, to sunscreen. But do you know what the differences and functions of each of these products are?
In this article, we will discuss two skincare products that are often used by many people, namely sunscreen and moisturizer. What are the differences between sunscreen and moisturizer? Which is more important for your skin? Check out the full explanation below!
What is Sunscreen and Moisturizer
Sunscreen is a skincare product that functions to protect the skin from exposure to UV rays which can cause skin damage, such as redness, irritation, premature aging, black spots, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen contains active ingredients that can absorb or reflect UV rays, so they do not penetrate the layers of the skin.
Moisturizer is a skincare product that functions to maintain skin moisture, so that the skin remains soft, supple and elastic. Moisturizers contain ingredients that can hydrate the skin, such as water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and others. Moisturizer can also help lock in skin moisture, so it doesn't disappear easily.
Difference between Sunscreen and Moisturizer
Sunscreen and moisturizer have quite significant differences, both in terms of benefits, content, form, method of use, and frequency of use. The following are some of the differences between sunscreen and moisturizer that you need to know:
Benefit
Sunscreen has the main benefit of protecting the skin from UV rays, while moisturizer has the main benefit of moisturizing the skin. Both are equally important for healthy skin, but sunscreen plays a greater role in preventing skin damage, while moisturizer plays a greater role in improving skin condition.
Content
Sunscreen contains active ingredients that can absorb or reflect UV rays, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Moisturizers contain ingredients that can hydrate the skin, such as water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and others. Sunscreen can also contain ingredients that moisturize the skin, such as aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E. Moisturizers can also contain ingredients that protect the skin from UV rays, such as SPF (Sun Protection Factor) or PA (Protection Grade of UVA). ).
Form
Sunscreen and moisturizer can have different forms, depending on the type and formula. Sunscreen can be in the form of lotion, cream, gel, spray, or stick. Moisturizers can come in the form of lotions, creams, gels, or emulsions. Sunscreen usually has a thicker and oilier texture, while moisturizer usually has a lighter and softer texture.
How to use
Sunscreen and moisturizer have different ways of using them, depending on the order in which you use your skincare. Sunscreen should be used as the last step in your skincare routine, after using cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. Moisturizer should be used after using toner and before using sunscreen. Sunscreen must be applied evenly to all parts of the face and neck, in sufficient quantity, namely about half a teaspoon. Moisturizer can be applied by gently patting the skin, or by rubbing the skin in an upward direction.
Frequency of use
Sunscreen and moisturizer have different frequency of use, depending on your skin needs and activities. Sunscreen must be used every day, especially if you often do outdoor activities or are exposed to sunlight. Sunscreen should also be reapplied every two hours, or after sweating, swimming, or removing it. Moisturizer can be used every day, or according to your skin condition. If your skin is dry, you can use moisturizer twice a day, namely morning and night. If your skin is oily, you can only use moisturizer at night, or use a light, oil-free moisturizer.
Benefits of Sunscreen and Moisturizer for Skin
Sunscreen and moisturizer have different benefits for the skin, depending on the function and content of each product. The following are some of the benefits of sunscreen and moisturizer for the skin:
Benefits of Sunscreen
Sunscreen has the main benefit of protecting the skin from UV rays, which can cause skin damage, such as redness, irritation, premature aging, black spots, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen contains active substances that can absorb or reflect UV rays, so they do not penetrate the layers of the skin. Some of the benefits of sunscreen for skin include:
- Prevent skin wrinkles, because UV rays can damage collagen which makes skin firm.
- Prevent skin spots and blemishes, because UV rays can increase melanin production which makes skin dark and spotty.
- Evens out skin tone, because sunscreen can prevent pigment problems and brighten darker skin.
- Prevent sunburn, because sunscreen can reduce the risk of sunburn due to UV rays.
- Prevent black skin, because sunscreen can prevent the skin from producing more melanin.
- Reduces the risk of skin cancer, because sunscreen can prevent DNA damage in skin cells due to UV rays.
Benefits of Moisturizer
Moisturizer has the main benefits of moisturizing the skin, hydrating and providing nutrition to the skin. Moisturizers contain substances that can hydrate the skin, such as water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and others. Moisturizer can also help lock in skin moisture, so it doesn't dry out easily. Some of the benefits of moisturizer for skin include:
- Improves dry, dull, rough or sensitive skin, because moisturizer can restore keratin protein and balance the skin's pH.
- Brightens the skin, because moisturizer can help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the formation of new skin cells.
- Overcome and repair skin problems, such as acne, scars or irritation, because moisturizer can reduce inflammation and infection of the skin.
Conclusion
Sunscreen and moisturizer are two skincare products that have differences and different functions. Sunscreen functions to protect the skin from UV rays, while moisturizer functions to moisturize the skin. Both are equally important for healthy skin, but sunscreen plays a greater role in preventing skin damage, while moisturizer plays a greater role in improving skin condition.
To get optimal benefits from sunscreen and moisturizer, you must choose products that suit your skin type and needs. You also have to use sunscreen and moisturizer in the correct way, namely by following the recommended order, quantity and frequency. That way, you can keep your skin healthy, moisturized and protected from UV rays.
