What happens if I don't apply moisturizer before sunscreen?
Skipping moisturiser before sunscreen will not reduce the sunscreen's UV protection, but it may affect how your skin feels. Sunscreen on its own does not hydrate the skin, and applying it without a moisturiser base can leave dry or sensitive skin feeling tight. For oily skin, this combination often feels fine or even preferred.
Whether you need moisturiser under your sunscreen depends on your skin type. Dry and combination skin generally benefits from having a hydrating layer underneath. Some sunscreens include moisturising ingredients and may work as a combined product for certain skin types. For oily skin, a lightweight gel sunscreen without a separate moisturiser is a common approach that reduces the chance of feeling greasy. The key is that sunscreen protection itself is not affected by whether moisturiser is applied first, only the comfort and feel changes.