What is the correct way to remove sunscreen?

Doctor's Answers 2

Photo of Dr Joanna Chan
Dr Joanna Chan

Aesthetic, General Practitioner

There are generally 2 types of sunscreens, physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens absorb and reflect UV radiation and usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They tend not to clog pores but can be drying to the skin.

Chemical sunscreens, of which there are many on the market now, absorb UV radiation after they are absorbed into the skin. They have a greater potential to clog pores, cause acne etc. Also, many of them come in sweat-resistant or water-resistant formulas. I would recommend cleaning off sunscreen at the end of the day with an oil-based cleanser or make-up removal to remove the sunscreen completely.

Hope this helps!

Regards,

Dr. Joanna Chan

Sunscreen can be effectively removed using a double cleansing method, just like your make up!

First, use a makeup removal to remove your makeup and sunscreen.

Then, use a water-based cleanser to thoroughly clean away any remnant makeup and sunscreen from your face.

Similar Questions

Is it possible to become reliant on acne products?

I know how frustrating it is to face the issue of persistent acne. There is no real evidence that skin gets resistant to topical products but obviously anecdotal accounts would suggest otherwise. To cut it short, it sounds like you might need some oral medications like doxycycline or isotretinoin to improve the acute flares first, while using a appropriate skin regimen. From personal experience myself, when facing a flare we tend to overdo things, be it using OXY 10 five times a day and having chemical burns, or washing our face 10 times a day.

Photo of Dr Winston  Lee

Answered By

Dr Winston Lee

Aesthetic

Does facial laser treatment trigger psoriasis?

Thanks for the question. If you have a diagnosis of psoriasis, there is a possibility that certain treatments can aggravate it. With psoriasis, damage or injury to the skin can cause psoriasis to develop at the site of the injury. This is know as the Koebner phenomenon. Therefore, you do have to take care that the treatment is gentle and does not cause any trauma or damage to the skin. Likewise, for eczema, the skin is sensitive and more prone to external insults, so you should avoid treatment if the facial skin is still red or irritated as this can be more easily aggravate by treatment.

Photo of Dr Colin Theng

Answered By

Dr Colin Theng

Dermatologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox