How to Remove Sunscreen the Right Way
Discover how to remove sunscreen thoroughly to avoid clogging your pores, which can result in acne.
We all know how important it is to apply sunscreen, but what about how to wash off sunscreen? You see, the best sunscreens are designed to stay on your skin—and last. That means it requires a little more than soap and water to remove the layers of sunscreen. You’ll need a cleanser that can do a bit more heavy lifting to wash away the thick coating of SPF.
Ahead, we show you how to remove sunscreen from skin so you can maintain clear, healthy skin.
How to Remove Sunscreen From Face and Body
If you want to avoid clogged pores and breakouts, it’s always a good idea to wash off your sunscreen before going to bed. That mixture of sunscreen, sweat, sand, and other debris must always be thoroughly removed at the end of the day to keep skin healthy, clear, and blemish-free. Here are some of the best ways to remove sunscreen.
#1: Remove Mineral Sunscreen with an Exfoliating Cleanser
How to remove mineral sunscreen? Exfoliating cleansers are particularly effective for removing mineral sunscreens, which can leave a stubborn white cast on the skin. Mineral sunscreens contain physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on the surface of the skin to reflect UV rays. These ingredients can be difficult to remove with regular cleansing.
Exfoliating cleansers help to physically or chemically slough off dead skin cells and sunscreen residue. In addition to preventing clogged pores, they also allow your other skincare products to absorb better into the skin—and ultimately perform better.
Shop Exfoliating Cleanser
Truly’s 24K Gold Black Soap Luxury Impurity Cleanser offers both physical and chemical exfoliation with its base of sugar supercharged with salicylic acid, a powerful exfoliating acid that targets acne. It’s also infused with charcoal to absorb impurities and deep clean the pores.
#2: Remove Water-Resistant Sunscreen with an Oil-Based Cleanser
Oil-based cleansers are great at breaking down the water-resistant components of sunscreen. Sunscreen often contains oils and silicones that are designed to adhere to the skin, making it resistant to water and sweat. An oil-based cleanser, or cleansing oil, can dissolve these ingredients, making them easier to wash away.
Apply the oil-based cleanser to dry skin and massage it in circular motions to dissolve the sunscreen. Rinse with warm water and follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to ensure all residues are removed.
#3: Remove Oil-Based Sunscreen with Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms are a luxurious and effective way to remove sunscreen, particularly for those with dry or sensitive skin. These balms typically contain nourishing oils and emulsifiers that dissolve sunscreen, excess oil, and makeup while deeply hydrating the skin. It’s best to use a cleansing balm if you’re applying an oil-based or chemical sunscreen.
To use a cleansing balm, take a small amount and apply it to your face and neck. Leave it to sit for a minute. The balm will melt into an oil, dissolving the sunscreen. Add a little water to emulsify the product, turning it into a milky consistency, and then rinse thoroughly with water.
Shop Cleansing Balm
Truly’s Glass Skin Cleansing Balm is a 2-in-1 cleanser + makeup remover that penetrates deep into the pores, lifting the day’s dirt, sebum, sweat, and sunscreen for a clear, poreless complexion. Enriched with jojoba oil, niacinamide, aloe, and shea butter, this cleanser removes buildup without stripping the skin for long-lasting hydration.
#4: Use Foam Cleansers for Oily or Combination Skin
Foam cleansers or face washes are the best option for those with oily or combination skin. These cleansers create a rich, foamy lather that can penetrate pores and lift away sunscreen, dirt, and oil.
To use a foam cleanser, dispense a small amount into your hands and create a lather. Apply the foam to damp skin and massage gently, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
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Truly’s Vegan Collagen Booster Facial Cleanser intensely cleanses skin while infusing it with powerful anti-aging ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Besides unclogging pores, this cleanser instantly brightens while softening fine lines and fading dark spots and discoloration.
#5: Double Cleanse for Acne-Prone Skin
Double cleansing is a method that involves using two cleansers to deeply cleanse the skin and it’s highly effective for removing sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend starting with a micellar water, which picks up excess oil, dirt, and sunscreen residue on the skin’s surface.
Then follow up with an exfoliating cleanser. Exfoliation lifts away dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, which unclogs pores and keeps blemishes away. For acne-prone skin, you definitely want to look for a cleanser formulated with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, which chemically exfoliate the skin to clear pore-clogging dead cells and dirt.
Shop Acne-Fighting Cleanser
Truly’s Cherry Jelly Body Cleanser is an award-winning bacne-fighting formula that unclogs pores, fights body acne, and leaves skin visibly clearer. Powered by a blemish-busting, hydrating blend of niacinamide, cherry, and mandelic acid.
How to Remove Sunscreen Stains
Stubborn sunscreen stains can be tricky to remove but we’re going to show you how it’s done. Because sunscreen contains moisture-resistant oil, it can leave a mark on dark clothes or yellow stains on white clothing. Here’s how to remove sunscreen stains.
On Clothing
To remove sunscreen stains on clothes or other washable fabrics, start by gently scraping off any solid residue with a blunt knife. Next, spot treat the stained area with a pre-wash stain remover. Then apply a small amount of laundry detergent to the affected area, and machine-wash on a high temperature.
On Delicate Fabrics
If you’ve accidentally spilled sunscreen on a delicate fabric like satin or silk, the sunscreen removal process will need to be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the fabric. Use a stain remover that’s safe for delicates, pre-treat with a gentle cleaning solution, and then machine wash or hand wash with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fabric.
On Carpets
Spilled sunscreen on your carpet? First of all, act fast. Start by removing the excess sunscreen with a damp cloth. Then, use a stain remover on the affected area. Finally, wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Sunscreen is an essential step in your skincare routine. It protects your skin from sun exposure which can lead to premature signs of aging and skin cancer. Daily sunscreen protection is a must for keeping your skin safe. That being said, you also need to remove it properly to avoid ending up with other skin concerns like clogged pores and acne. Especially oily and acne-prone skin types.
Now you know how to remove sunscreen properly, make sure you always thoroughly wash it off before going to bed. Then follow up with a hydrating face cream or body lotion to keep your skin barrier strong.
