Should You Remove Sunscreen Before Bed? The Pros and Cons

The Case for Washing Sunscreen Off at Night

Washing sunscreen off before bed makes sense for a few reasons:

1. Allow skin to breathe

Leaving sunscreen on all night doesnt give your skin a chance to breathe. Your skin regenerates and repairs itself at night, but sunscreen can block these natural processes from occurring.

Washing at the end of the day removes the product layer so your bare skin can function at its best while you sleep.

2. Avoid clogged pores

Sunscreens, especially thick mineral formulas, can more easily clog pores at night when you toss and turn on your pillow. This can lead to breakouts. Hitting the sheets with 100% clean skin minimizes this risk.

Dermatologists also say that once-daily cleansing is best for most skin types anyway to prevent acne.

3. Prevent contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis from sunscreen is rare, but leaving it on day and night raises your chances of developing an irritation or allergy.

Letting your skin go completely product-free overnight gives it a break and lowers risk of inflammation.

The Case for Leaving Sunscreen on Overnight

On the other hand, some dermatologists argue you should leave sunscreen on your skin overnight. Here's their reasoning:

1. Continual protection

UV rays can penetrate clouds and glass to damage unprotected skin. Remaining covered in sunscreen ensures you fend off incidental UV exposure from daylight through windows.

Granted, the amount of UV exposure is very minimal indoors. But some derms contend every little bit of protection counts in the fight against skin cancer and photoaging.

2. Real-world practicality

Be honest: How often do you wash your face and thoroughly remove makeup and sunscreen before bed?

Many of us (rightly or wrongly) just pass out without a proper cleansing routine. And inadequate washing can leave behind sunscreen residues anyway.

In that case, experts say youre better off leaving it on rather than washing poorly and sleeping with partial coverage or irritating soaps on your skin.

3. Hydrating properties

Many sunscreens continue protecting skin overnight by keeping it hydrated and helping retain moisture. The occlusive hydration can be beneficial while you sleep.

Washing off all your products at night requires applying a separate moisturizer to nourish your skin.

The Final Verdict

At the end of the day, there are reasonable cases on both sides here. Theres no universally agreed upon recommendation.

As with most skincare practices, the right approach depends on your specific skin type and needs.

When to wash sunscreen off

Washing sunscreen off nightly makes most sense if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Removing products ensures your pores dont get clogged overnight.

People with dry or sensitive skin likely benefit more from leaving sunscreen on as added moisture and protection.

Tips for washing sunscreen

If you do opt to wash your face before bed, use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping your skin. Avoid soap, which can throw off your skins pH balance.

Make sure to thoroughly remove all residue. Follow cleansing with a moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

In the morning, apply a fresh layer of sunscreen with proper SPF for daytime activity.

Tips for leaving sunscreen on

If youre on team leave it on, take care to apply sunscreen selectively at night.

Use a lightweight gel formula designed for face instead of a thick, pore-clogging body sunscreen. Dispense it sparingly so your skin can still breathe.

In the morning, freshen up with a gentle splash of water or wipe before applying products for the day.

Regardless of which camp you fall into, healthy skincare comes down to paying attention to your body. Notice how your skin looks and feels with different nighttime routines. Adjust your practices based on what works best for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.