Can we replace moisturizer with SPF? Spoiler: yes, but not in all cases

In summer, skincare, especially the morning skincare, suddenly seems to become too much. In the heat, the skin starts to ooze as soon as you leave the house and the idea of adding layer after layer of products on the face seems almost torture. And it is precisely at this time that a question returns: can you replace moisturizer with sunscreen? Because, let's face it, if it were really possible to eliminate a step from the routine without compromising skin health, it wouldn't be so bad.

Can we replace moisturizer with sunscreen?

Long story short: yes, in some cases you can. Especially in summer, when heat, humidity and sweat make it hard to put up with too many layers on your face, using only hydrating sunscreen can be a totally sensible choice. The new SPF formulas, in fact, are no longer limited to protecting against UV rays, but often contain ingredients and active ingredients borrowed from skincare, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and vitamins, which help keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. So, especially for those with normal, combination or oily skin, eliminating a step from the morning routine can be safely possible, without having the feeling that something is missing. On the contrary, in the warmer months, a more essential skincare may be just what the skin is asking for.

When can't SPF replace hydration?

However, there are exceptions: not in all cases sunscreen can work alone. The point is to understand what your skin needs at that moment. The most recent formulas are certainly able to offer a good level of hydration, but if the face needs a more targeted action, perhaps it is better to review your routine. If the skin is particularly sensitive, is in a period when the skin barrier is a bit compromised or tends to be very dry, an SPF, even if enriched with skincare ingredients, may not be enough to provide all the comfort it needs. The solution, however, does not necessarily mean returning to a skincare full of layers: instead of a rich and dense moisturizer, you can opt for a more performing serum or a milky tonic rich in active ingredients, choosing the product based on the specific problem of your skin. What is certain is that the only product that should never disappear from the morning routine remains SPF.