How to Wear & Remove Sunscreen

Good job! You wore sunscreen today, and hopefully, avoid getting a sunburn. But don’t pat yourself on the back just yet, there’s still work to be done. You have to remove the sunscreen—the right way. That’s right, your standard cleansing methods might not be enough for getting your skin completely clean after applying sunscreen and reapplying it over top of makeup all throughout the day. Find out how to remove sunscreen in simple steps. But knowing about sunscreen removes and ware you need to know about SPF(sun protection factor), UVB (ultraviolet B-rays) & MEASURED.

WHAT IS SPF?

SPF, or sun protection factor, is the universal measurement of protection against UVB rays. The number is a multiplier that indicates how much longer it takes for you to get a sunburn. Eg. SPF15 means that it will now take your skin 15 times as long to burn, assuming you use the correct amount.

WHAT IS UVB?

UVB is short-spectrum rays with wavelengths around 290-320nm. Prolonged exposure can cause burning, which leads to inflammation and a decrease in collagen level plus potential hyperpigmentation. It also causes direct DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancer.

 HOW IS IT MEASURED?

 By literally applying sunscreen on a person (in vivo) to see how much longer it takes for their skin to become mildly red. There are also in vitro tests that can be done using a spectrophotometer without the requirement for human test subjects.

The thing with SPF is that everyone has a different tolerance for UVB rays – some people just don’t burn, while others turn into a lobster within a minute. Other factors like the variation in solvents, the combination and concentration of the active ingredients, the type of emulsion, the addition of other active ingredients and even the pH level can affect also the actual SPF level (source).

 

How to Wear & Remove Sunscreen

• 1. Wear it as the last step of your skincare routine but before makeup. Make sure your layer your sunscreen, do not mix it into your foundation/moisturizer. This could affect its composition and effectiveness.
• 2. You should wait for chemical sunscreens to work. Apply chemical sunscreens approximately 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure so it has ample time to sink in and form a protective layer. (You don’t have to wait for all-physical sunscreens. See this comprehensive guide to chemical vs. physical sunscreens and stay tuned to part II where we simplify the differences for you!)
• 3. You’re probably using less SPF than you should. More is more for sunscreen. You generally need at least ¼ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon of sunscreen for your face; ½ teaspoon for your neck, and 2 tablespoons for your entire body.
• 4. Make sure you remove it thoroughly. Avoid sleeping with sunscreen on to prevent irritation or clogged pores. Use a makeup remover or oil-based cleanser to remove your sunscreen. Similarly, if your sunscreen is waterproof, look for a makeup remover compatible with waterproof makeup. 

How to remove chemical sunscreen?

Start with an oil-based cleanser and massage it over the skin to remove that long-lasting foundation, blush, and bronzer. Use a soft, damp towel to gently remove the cleanser from the skin. To get every last bit of waterproof mascara off, saturate a cotton pad with eye makeup remover.

                                      

There’s more Right Way to Remove Sunscreen (And It’ll Keep You Zit-Free)

Good job! You have to remove the sunscreen—the right way. That’s right, your standard cleansing methods might not be enough for getting your skin completely clean after applying sunscreen and reapplying it over top of makeup all throughout the day. Find out how to remove sunscreen in three simple steps.

Step: Start By Removing Makeup

Before jumping straight into cleansing, you’ll want to remove your makeup. That way, when it comes time to actually cleanse, your face wash doesn’t have to cut through a layer of makeup to wash the sunscreen off your skin. If you aren’t used to having makeup removal and facial cleansing be two separate steps it may seem like overkill, but double cleansing is actually a standard part of many Korean beauty routines—and you know how popular (and effective) K-beauty techniques are!

Start with an oil-based cleanser and massage it over the skin to remove that long-lasting foundation, blush, and bronzer. Use a soft, damp towel to gently remove the cleanser from the skin. To get every last bit of waterproof mascara off, saturate a cotton pad with eye makeup remover. Hold the soaked pad against your closed eye for a few seconds before wiping away the makeup. You may need two pads, depending on how much makeup you were wearing, but you’ll manage to remove it all without having to harshly rub at your skin—or worse—your eyes.

Step: Pair a Cleansing Brush with a Gel Cleanser

Moving right along, now it’s time to get completely clean. And that means no sunscreen residue left behind! A Clarisonic facial cleansing brush can help you achieve a more thorough cleansing than it’s possible to get with your hands alone (6X more effective, in fact!), so it’s a prime opportunity to break out your Clarisonic. Pop a Deep Pore Brush Head onto the facial cleansing brush of your choice and reach for the Refreshing Gel Cleanser, which helps remove impurities and control excess shine. When you have your cleansing brush and cleanser ready, wet the brush head and add a dollop of cleanser. Then, begin gently gliding the brush over your skin. You only need to dedicate 60 seconds to cleansing—20 seconds for your forehead, 20 seconds for your nose and chin, and 10 seconds per cheek.

Editor’s Tip: Wondering which Clarisonic to use? If you most often find yourself wearing—and removing—sunscreen while traveling, the Clarisonic Mia Fit will be the perfect fit (pun intended) for you. Thanks to its compact size, it will fit into your travel makeup bag with room to spare. Plus, when you return from your trip, it’s still plenty cute enough to display on your vanity!

Step: Complete Your Skin Care Routine

Congrats, you’re no longer coated in sunscreen. Now all that’s left to do is complete your skincare routine. After double cleansing, your skin is no doubt in need of moisture. And no, using a moisturizer with SPF in the morning doesn’t count for your daily hydration quotient. Don’t bother to dry off post-rinse, go ahead and apply your favorite moisturizer directly to damp skin for max moisturizing.