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Have Dry Skin And Acne. Prescribed Cetaphil Moisturizer. Want To Know Whether To Apply Moisturizer Before Or After Sunscreen

Posted on Fri, 7 Sep 2012

Question: Hello Doctor,

I have dry skin and used to get acne. I consulted a doctor 2 days back.He prescribed me SUNSTOP sunscreen and CETAPHIL moisturizer. I wanted to know when to apply moisturizer. That is before sunscreen or after sunscreen.

Also he asked me to apply sunscreen in every 4 hours. so if i apply moisturizer too then do i need to wash my face with soap and then apply sunscreen and moisturizer or just like that can i apply in every 4 hours.

Thanks,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Rohit Batra (4 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
Acne usually occurs in oily skin and is rare in dry skin.
If you do get acne, you should not apply oily creams and lotions as they will add to your problem
A sunscreen needs to be applied half an hour before sun exposure and the effect lasts for one hour so you need to apply again and again. However, this can aggravate your acne.
Cetaphil moisturising cream is a non comedogenic cream and does not causes acne. This can be applied in minute quantities in an acne prone skin for dryness.
I would suggest that you to use a physical sunscreen like umbrella , scarf or a dupatta to protect yourself from sun.
If still you want to use a sunscreen, use a sunscreen gel and use the moisturisers before applying the sunscreen.
You need not wash your face every time you are about to apply a sunscreen.
I hope I have addressed your concerns. I will be available for follow up queries. If you have no more queries, please close this discussion.
Regards
Dr.Rohit Batra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Rohit Batra (15 hours later)

I have a dry skin but gets acne only in my forehead, nose and chin. I consulted a doctor and he prescribed me the below creams.
1. ACNELAK soap to wash the face
2. SUPATRET - to be applied in night om acne lesions
3. SUNSTOP sunscreen
4. CETAPHIL moisturizer

Please advice if i can continue with this medication or should i consult someother doctor.

Answered by Dr. Rohit Batra (2 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX

Thanks for your follow up query.

Sunstop Sunscreen is not required for treating acne and will rather increase acne lesions. You can stop the sunscreen and continue with the rest.

If lesions still persist after a week then you need to be taking some oral antibiotics for treating the acne.

Regards

Dr.Rohit Batra

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E