How To Wash Off Sunscreen

Sunscreen is designed to stay on your skin so when it comes time to wash off sunscreen you may find it difficult to remove. Water-resistant and waterproof sunscreen are the hardest sunscreens to wash off the face and body. Mineral sunscreens are also hard to get off.

Whether you are washing sunscreen off a baby, toddler, child, or adult- our advice is the same. Be gentle and try to use cleansers that contain oil or are foaming cleansers.

As a thank you for reading our educational content, use the one-time code “STSBlog20” at checkout for 20% off anything in our store.

ntroduction

Be cautious and gentle when you have eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin.

Sunscreens, especially chemical sunscreens, are made with oil. This means they are oil soluble and are best removed with cleansing oils, soaps, creamy cleansers, or foaming face washes.

Soap and foaming cleansers can dry the skin, so if you are removing sunscreen from a baby, toddler, or someone with delicate skin, use an oil, cleansing oil or creamy cleanser. Micelle water and gel cleansers do not do a good job of removing sunscreen unless you wash the face twice.

If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, use an oil or a cleansing oil to get sunscreen off.

If you do not have dry or sensitive skin, you can use a foaming cleanser to remove sunscreen such as one of these:

Cleanser Designed to Remove Sunscreen

This cleanser was designed to remove sunscreen. It was invented to remove the Pavise Dynamic Age Defense Diamondcore SPF- but it works well removing any type of sunscreen. With this sunscreen remover, you do not need to double cleanse as I describe below.

2-step Method to Wash off Sunscreen

Cleansing oil can quickly remove mineral sunscreen, but can feel greasy afterward. This is why a 2 step cleansing method is the best way to remove SPF.

You can choose to use foaming cleansers, oils, cleansing oils or micellar water, but we think 2 different cleansers is the best way to completely remove sunscreen so that it will not clog pores.

Use an oil or oil cleanser first and follow with a cleanser that is right for your Baumann Skin Type.

Baumann Skin Types

Cleansing oils are the best way to remove SPF

Cleansing oils have gained popularity as one of the most effective ways to wash off sunscreen, and for good reason. Sunscreens, by their very nature, are designed to adhere to the skin and provide lasting protection, often making them resistant to removal with just water. Chemically speaking, many of the active ingredients in sunscreens are oil-soluble, which means they dissolve more readily in oil than in water. This principle is rooted in the fundamental concept of “like dissolves like” in chemistry. Water, being a polar molecule, tends to repel non-polar substances like oils and certain sunscreen components. Conversely, oils can effectively dissolve other oils, breaking down the stubborn sunscreen residues that water-based cleansers might leave behind. Thus, cleansing oils effortlessly lift away these oil-soluble sunscreen particles, ensuring that the skin is thoroughly cleansed without the need for aggressive scrubbing or multiple washes. This not only ensures complete removal but also prevents damage to the skin’s natural barrier.

The best cleansing oil to wash of sunscreen is PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil.

Take the Quiz

oil to wash off sunscreen

Oil to Wash off Sunscreen

Your other option for the first wash to remove sunscreen is to apply an oil like baby oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil.

Putting oil on the skin helps surround the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and separate it from the skin. Apply the oil with a soft cloth or cotton pad and swirl it around gently to coat the skin’s surface. This will not remove all of the sunscreen but will help it lift away for the second face wash cycle.

Oils that we like to use to take off sunscreen are:

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

PAORR Argan Oil

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$32.50

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$32.50

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$32.50

Add to Cart

Your other option for the first wash to remove sunscreen is to apply an oil like baby oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil.

Oils that we like to use to take off sunscreen are:

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

PAORR Argan Oil

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$32.50

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$32.50

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$32.50

Add to Cart

How To Remove Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen From Face?

Physical sunscreens are the same as mineral sunscreens. They contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They are the hardest to remove because they are sticky and are actually designed to cling to the skin. You will need to double cleanse the face. Follow the instructions above.

Wash the first time with a cleansing oil or oil and follow with the best cleanser for your Baumann Skin Type.

Take the Quiz

Wash Your Face Twice To Remove Sunscreen

The very best way to remove sunscreen is to wash your face 2 times with a different cleanser for each wash cycle.

First facial cleanse to remove sunscreen:

Wash the first time with a cleansing oil. This helps change the positive and negative forces that are holding the minerals to your skin’s surface. You can also use any oil to wash your face (except not essential oils). The best oils to use to wash of sunscreen is Argan oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and almond oil.

Second facial cleanse to remove sunscreen:

After using a cleansing oil or an oil to solubilize the sunscreen, use a cleanser that is right for your Baumann Skin Type. Learn more about how to know which cleanser is best for your skin type here. This cleanser will remove sunscreen and prep your skin for the rest of your skin care routine.

The Best Foaming Cleansers To Wash off Sunscreen

Foaming cleansers can also be used to remove sunscreen from the face. These work especially well to get chemicals sunscreens off and are best for oily skin types.

Choose a foaming cleanser that is right for your skin type.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

$16.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Murad Refreshing Cleanser

$42.00

Out of Stock

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

$5.49

Out of Stock

DefenAge 1-Step Multi-Cleanse

$44.00

Add to Cart

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

$18.00

Add to Cart

Filorga Foam Cleanser Fash Wash and Makeup Remover

$34.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

$16.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Murad Refreshing Cleanser

$42.00

Out of Stock

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

$5.49

Out of Stock

DefenAge 1-Step Multi-Cleanse

$44.00

Add to Cart

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

$18.00

Add to Cart

Filorga Foam Cleanser Fash Wash and Makeup Remover

$34.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

$16.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Murad Refreshing Cleanser

$42.00

Out of Stock

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

$5.49

Out of Stock

DefenAge 1-Step Multi-Cleanse

$44.00

Add to Cart

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

$18.00

Add to Cart

Filorga Foam Cleanser Fash Wash and Makeup Remover

$34.00

Out of Stock

Best Sunscreen Remover For Sensitive Skin or Rosacea-Prone Skin

This is our favorite gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen. Use it for babies, toddlers, or when you have eczema or sensitive skin.

Shea Terra Argan Oil & Acacia Honey Facial Wash is a safe organic way to wash sunscreen off babies.

Other good ways to remove sunscreen from delicate baby skin are:

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser

Medature Plantract Cleansing Gel

Shea Terra Argan Oil & Acacia Honey Api-Therapy Facial Wash

best cleansers to wash off sunscreen

Best Cleanser To Remove Sunscreen in Normal Skin

The best and most effective sunscreen remover when you don’t have sensitive skin is a foaming cleanser. We like the Nolio Foaming Cleanser but there are several good options that you can find below.

These same cleansers can be used to wash sunscreen off the face or body.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

$16.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Murad Refreshing Cleanser

$42.00

Out of Stock

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

$5.49

Out of Stock

DefenAge 1-Step Multi-Cleanse

$44.00

Add to Cart

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

$18.00

Add to Cart

Filorga Foam Cleanser Fash Wash and Makeup Remover

$34.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

$16.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Murad Refreshing Cleanser

$42.00

Out of Stock

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

$5.49

Out of Stock

DefenAge 1-Step Multi-Cleanse

$44.00

Add to Cart

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

$18.00

Add to Cart

Filorga Foam Cleanser Fash Wash and Makeup Remover

$34.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

$16.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Murad Refreshing Cleanser

$42.00

Out of Stock

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

$5.49

Out of Stock

DefenAge 1-Step Multi-Cleanse

$44.00

Add to Cart

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

$18.00

Add to Cart

Filorga Foam Cleanser Fash Wash and Makeup Remover

$34.00

Out of Stock

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Off Sunscreen?

Do you need to wash off sunscreen? Yes!! You will develop clogged pores and milia if you do not wash your sunscreen off at night before bed.

Comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) form when sunscreen, dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells clog pores. Many sunscreens have silicones in them that must be washed off before you go to bed to prevent acne breakouts.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected