How to Remove Sunscreen from Your Skin and Everything Around

Sunscreen is an essential ingredient for healthy skin. You know how important sunscreen is for your skin. But did you know that it can cause multiple skin problems if not thoroughly rinsed off before going to bed?

Sunscreen can make your skin oily and cause pores to become blocked, leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is important to get rid of sunscreen before you go to bed.

Let’s get into the details to learn how to properly remove sunscreen from your skin and what to do about stains on clothes or furniture.

How to Remove Sunscreen from Skin

It is a must-have step in your routine to apply sunscreen before you go out in the sun. Sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV). Your skin could experience many problems without sunscreen, including hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration.

Ultraviolet A (UVA), which can cause damage to your skin’s collagen, connective tissue and other skin cells, speeding up the skin’s aging process. While ultraviolet B (UVB), rays can damage your skin cells and cause hyperpigmentation.

Sonal Singh, SkinKraft’s Product Development Executive, says that if you don’t rinse off sunscreen, it can cause clogged pores. This can also lead to an increase in sebum production which can lead to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Different sunscreens have different properties, ingredients and formulations. Each one caters to different skin types. Some are cream-based and gel-based while others are water-resistant. Water-resistant sunscreens are not as stubborn as physical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens, which can be very difficult to get off. Chemical sunscreens, which are waterproof but not water-resistant, are easy to remove from the skin.

These are some ways to effectively get rid of sunscreen.

1. Use a face wash to clean your face.
2. If the sunscreen is oil-based, you can use a cleanser oil to get rid of it. An oil-based cleanser can deep clean your pores.
3. To remove a water-based sunscreen, you may use micellar water or your regular make-up cleanser.

If you have difficulty removing sunscreen from your skin, there are some options.

1. Use micellar water to remove sunscreen

Micellar water can be gentle, fast, and effective for cleansing your skin. It consists mainly of water and surfactants, or emulsifiers. This light cleanser helps to remove dirt, oil, and sunscreen from your skin. Micellar water is a gentle cleanser that also removes excess oil and dirt from your skin. It can also be used as a moisturizer and toner.

How to use: Use a little bit of micellar oil on a cotton pad to wipe your face. It will also remove any dirt and sunscreen.

2. Use water to wash off sunscreen

Most sunscreens are either water-resistant or waterproof. It is important to wash your skin with water in order to get rid of sunscreen. This can only do partial cleans. To make your skin clean, you can only use water or hot water.

3. Use coconut oil or olive oil to remove sunscreen

Many sunscreens that are water-resistant, particularly those with chemical ingredients, are oil-soluble. You can’t wash them with water. Physical sunscreens, like all oils, cannot be washed off with water alone. You can choose any oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil to remove sunscreen.

How to use: Apply a little oil to your palm. Allow it to sit for about 1 to 2 minutes. Use warm water to soak a towel. Now, wring the towel out. Then, place the damp towel on your face and allow it to dry for 10 to 15 seconds. Next, wipe off the sunscreen with a soft cloth.

Note: You can use regular face washes to get rid of excess oil if you feel your skin is oily.

4. Apply sunscreen with zinc

A study published in JCAD’s Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology shows that sun protection with zinc oxide mineral filters is very effective in reducing skin aging. Sunscreen with zinc oxide (ZnO) is a great choice for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.

Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide can be difficult to get off. Although zinc oxide is a great protective layer for your skin, it can be difficult to wash them off with water or a face cleanser.

How to use: Double cleansing is a good option to remove sunscreen with zinc. To dissolve sunscreen and other dirt, use an oil- or balm cleanser. Apply the oil-based cleanser to your face. Massage it for around 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, wipe it off with a clean piece of cotton. To give your skin a thorough and deep cleansing, you can use either a water-based, traditional, or milk cleanser.

What happens if you don’t remove sunscreen?

Sunscreen has many benefits. It is important to wash your skin with sunscreen before going to bed. Sunscreen products tend to be thicker than usual in order to create a protective layer on your skin. Some formulas can be sticky, making your skin oily and attracting different pollutants, debris, and so on.

Can sunscreen cause stains?

Sunscreen can cause stains to your skin, clothing, and other surfaces due to oily substances. Some cream-based sunscreens can also leave yellow or orange marks on your cloth. Avobenzone is responsible for this. Avobenzone is found in many sunscreen products. It forms rusty brown stains when it reacts with sweat or water. These stains can be very stubborn.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains from Clothes and Furniture

• Skin

You must maintain a routine for skin cleansing to prevent sunburns. You are effectively trapping dirt, microbes and other pollutants onto your skin when you apply and reapply sunscreen. This can cause skin stains and other problems. To keep your skin healthy and clean, use a good cleansing product every night.

• Clothes

Stains on clothing for sunblock users are quite common. It is easy to get rid of sunscreen stains on cloth. These stains tend to be oily and greasy. Before washing your clothes, identify any stained areas.

To absorb excess oil, use cornstarch or baking soda.
Allow it to sit for between 15 and 30 minutes before you brush off the dust.
Use a stain remover to pre-treat the stain and then gently scrub the stain using a soft brush.
Use your regular laundry detergent to wash the cloth.

For sunscreen stains, soak your swimsuit in cold water for 30 minutes with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Next, wash it with your regular detergent.

Lemon juice can also be used to remove sunburnt spots from white clothes. Apply raw lemon juice to the affected area and hang your clothes in direct sun. This will remove the stain naturally by acting as a bleaching agent.

• Furniture

You will need to use different cleaning products depending on the furniture’s outer coat to get rid of the stain.

You can prepare a solution with dishwashing liquid (1 teaspoon), white wine (1 tablespoon) and warm tap water (1 cup). To the solution, add one teaspoon of baking soda. Spray the solution onto a piece of cloth. Use your fingertips to gently wipe off any stains. Allow the fabric to dry, then clean your furniture.
Make a solution with equal parts water, white vinegar and detergent for leather furniture. Use a clean cloth to wipe the leather. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the leather furniture.

Wrapping up

Sunscreen is an essential skincare product that you should include in your daily routine. Sunscreen must be removed from the skin before going to bed. This can lead to skin problems. We have listed some easy and effective ways to wash it off your skin. This will help you keep your skin clean, healthy, and nourished. Depending on your skin type, make sure you choose the right one.