The Best Practices for Removing Sunscreen from Your Face
After a long day in the sun, washing sunscreen off your face is an important step in your evening skin care routine. Getting it all off thoroughly prevents clogged pores and allows any skin treatments to absorb better. However, you dont want to irritate your skin by scrubbing too aggressively.
Here, well discuss the best practices for effectively yet gently cleansing sunscreen from your face. Follow these simple tips for keeping your skin happy and healthy all summer long.
Why Its Important to Remove Sunscreen
While sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from UV damage, keeping it on your face overnight can lead to clogged pores, irritation, breakouts, and dehydration. Additionally, any serums, moisturizers or night creams wont absorb as well over a layer of sunscreen.
Dermatologists recommend washing sunscreen off your face every evening. This clears away any oil, dirt, pollutants and product residue that accumulated throughout the day.
When possible, take a quick rinse after swimming as well to remove sunscreen that wore off in the water. Reapply fresh sunscreen afterwards.
Cleansers for Removing Sunscreen
The first key is using the right type of facial cleanser. Look for options specifically labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic or micellar. These will break down sunscreen without leaving an oily residue.
Some top choices include:
- Gel cleansers - Refreshing gels that rinse cleanly.
- Foaming cleansers - Creamy foams that lift away impurities.
- Micellar waters - No-rinse formulas that dissolve sunscreen.
- Cleansing oils - Oils that emulsify when mixed with water.
- Makeup remover wipes - Quick cleansing for travel or the gym.
Avoid bar soap or heavily fragranced cleansers which may irritate skin and clog pores. Harsh scrubs can also damage skin by being too abrasive.
Washing Techniques to Avoid Irritation
Once you have the right cleanser, use these techniques to gently and thoroughly remove sunscreen:
- Start with lukewarm water to melt the sunscreen film.
- Massage cleanser into skin with light, circular motions. Don't vigorously scrub.
- Rinse several times to eliminate residue.
- Pat dry gently with a clean towel.
- Finish with a toner to restore pH balance.
Be extra delicate around sensitive areas like your eyes. Never pull or tug at the delicate skin.
Double Cleansing for Water-Resistant Sunscreen
For heavy duty water-resistant sunscreens designed for swimming or outdoor sports, try double cleansing.
Start by massaging an oil or balm cleanser into dry skin. This helps break down stubborn sunscreen. Rinse then follow with a water-based cleanser to lift away any remaining oil and impurities. This one-two punch gets skin perfectly clean.
Exfoliating Strategically
While daily scrubbing can irritate your face, occasional exfoliation helps slough off dead skin and deep clean pores. Use a gentle scrub once or twice a week based on your skins needs.
Look for scrubs with smooth, round beads rather than harsh jagged particles. Avoid exfoliating if your skin is already feeling sensitive or sunburned.
Soothing Irritated Skin
If your skin ever feels irritated after cleansing, try these tips:
- Switch to a more gentle cleanser.
- Use lukewarm instead of hot water.
- Apply a hyaluronic acid serum after to hydrate skin.
- Mix in a soothing mask or cream with aloe, oatmeal or calendula.
- Reduce cleansing to once per day until skin calms.
Irritated skin needs pampering. Be extra gentle and don't pick at any flaking until it heals.
Moisturizing After Cleansing
Once your face is clean, its time to lock in hydration. Apply your evening moisturizer, anti-aging serums or acne treatments. These absorb best on bare skin without sunscreen in the way.
Look for nutrient-rich lotions with hydrating glycerin, plant oils or hyaluronic acid. If your skin is very dry or irritated from cleansing, mix in a couple drops of facial oil before applying your moisturizer.
The Scoop on Makeup Removers
For days when youre wearing makeup, start by removing it before cleansing your skin. This keeps you from tugging at delicate skin.
Use a dedicated makeup remover rather than just your facial cleanser. Cleansing oils, balms and micellar waters work well to dissolve makeup. Cotton pads can help gently wipe away makeup residues.
Cleansing Tip for Acne-Prone Skin
If you're acne-prone, be extra diligent about washing sunscreen away at night. Leaving pore-clogging ingredients on your skin can lead to breakouts.
Use an acne-fighting cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Cleansing devices with spinning brush heads can help cleanse deeply within pores.
Avoid oily sunscreens and opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas made for acne-prone skin.
Keep Your Summer Glow Going Strong
While sunscreen is essential for healthy, protected skin, it can cause problems if left on your face overnight. Make washing it away properly each evening part of your regular skin care routine.
Choose the right oil-free, non-irritating cleansers and be gentle. Soothing irritation, exfoliating occasionally, and moisturizing after cleansing are also important. Treat your skin to some extra TLC so you can keep your summer glow going into fall.
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.
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