Skincare is one of the most rewarding types of self-care.
A good skincare routine includes sun protection and what’s a better way than to use safe mineral sunscreen?
However, removing sunscreen from your skin can be quite a task. You might be looking for an effective way to remove mineral sunscreen which is usually difficult to wash off.
This is where micellar water comes into the picture.
If you’re wondering the following:
Does micellar water remove sunscreen? Is it enough to use just micellar water without cleanser? Does micellar water remove makeup too?
I have got you covered. One of the best ways to remove sunscreen from your skin is to use an oil-based cleanser, micellar water, or a balm cleanser.
Also, allow me to emphasize how important it is for your skin to remove sunscreen at night, otherwise you risk product buildup and dryness, which leads to many skin issues such as acne, dullness etc.
Why It’s So Important To Remove All The Sunscreen Before Bedtime?
As a general rule, it is important to remove all makeup, dirt, excess oil, and all residual impurities from your skin before bedtime.
When it comes to sunscreen, it’s no different. Here are the reasons why you NEED to remove sunscreen from your skin before bedtime:
Product Buildup
If you do not remove sunscreen before bedtime, it will lead to product buildup. Dirt tends to get stuck and all the buildup can lead to clogged pores, acne breakouts, blackheads, and dullness1.
Some people believe that since sunscreen needs to be reapplied during the day, it is easily removed, and they only use water to remove sunscreen.
However, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Just splashing your face with water to remove sunscreen is not enough.
You need a proper cleansing routine to remove it, especially if you wear water-resistant sunscreen.
Skin Dryness
If you do not remove your sunscreen, your skin will not be able to reap the benefits of the moisturizers you apply on your skin- they will just sit on top of your sunscreen.
As a result, your skin might appear to be dehydrated eventually, as it will not be getting the hydration it deserves.
What Is Micellar Water?
Micellar water is a gentle cleanser made up of oil, water, and surfactants to effectively remove sunscreen, makeup residue, dirt, excess sebum, and other impurities from the skin without stripping the natural oils.
It is often used as a part of the double cleansing method, where an oil-based cleanser (balm, oil or micellar water) is used to break down all the gunk on the face followed by a water-based cleanser to remove all residual impurities from the face, leaving your skin refreshed.
This skincare product is a very mild cleanser so it does not cause irritation, hence yielding the best results for sensitive skin and dry skin types.
Due to its water content, it does not dry out the skin. In fact, micellar water is great at balancing and hydrating the skin!
All you have to do is pour some micellar water on a cotton pad or ball and gently wipe it across your face.
Once it removes all the oil, gunk, makeup, and sunscreen, proceed to use your regular facial cleanser.
How Does Micellar Water Work?
As you may know, the main constituents of micellar water are oil and water.
If you’ve seen micellar water in the skincare aisles, you must have noticed that the oil layer sits on top of the water layer.
Once you shake the bottle, the surfactants in the micellar water help to combine the oil and water to form micelles bodies.
Micelle bodies have 2 parts; the hydrophilic (water-loving) head and the lipophilic (water-resistant) tail of the micelle.
Once you dispense micellar water on a cotton pad, the water end of the micelle binds to it, leaving the oil end to come in contact with your skin when you swipe the cotton pad across your face.
The oil helps break down waterproof sunscreens, all sorts of makeup (including heavy eye makeup), excess oil, and dirt, whereas the water component helps to balance the skin’s moisture barrier.
Since micellar water is becoming everyone’s go-to regular makeup cleanser, beauty companies mass-produce micellar water suitable for different skin types.
Although some skincare expert say you don’t need to wash your face fter using micellar water, in my opinion micellar water is not a replacement for traditional cleansers.
Just like any oil-based cleanser or cleansing oil used for double cleansing, micellar water needs to be followed by a proper water-based facial cleanser to remove any residue left behind.
Can Micellar Water Remove Sunscreen From Your Skin?
Yes, micellar water is great at removing sunscreen from your skin.
If you’re wearing sunscreen, you can begin with micellar water to remove it. The oils in the micellar water will break down the oils in the sunscreen, acting like an oil-based cleanser.
No wonder micellar water is often used as the 1st step of the double cleanse method.
Just remember to ALWAYS follow up with a water-based cleanser after using micellar water2.
This is because micellar water, being a gentle cleanser is not strong enough to completely remove sunscreen all on its own.
Besides, sunscreens are often formulated to resist when you try to remove them with water, so you need to use your regular cleanser after using micellar water to remove sunscreen from your face.
Does Micellar Water Remove Waterproof Sunscreen?
Yes, micellar water does remove waterproof sunscreen. The micelle bodies in the micellar water are able to break down oil, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen (yes, even the tough water-resistant sunscreen!).
However, it is recommended to use your regular facial cleanser after using micellar water.
Take it like this: use the micellar water to break down the sunscreen and follow with a water-based cleanser (foam or jelly face wash) to thoroughly cleanse the face, which will leave your skin clean and fresh.
How To Remove Sunscreen Properly
Sunscreens are designed to protect our skin against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Sun damage is the leading cause of skin issues such as pigmentation, dark spots, dullness and others including graves one like skin cancer.
I cannot emphasize how important it is to wear sunscreen.
These days, mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are gaining popularity due to their sun protective abilities.
That being said, mineral or physical sunscreens form a protective barrier across the skin which can be quite difficult to remove.
Now if you leave sunscreen on and go to bed, you are welcoming skin dryness, clogged pores, acne breakouts, and blackheads, to say the least.
Here are a few tips for removing sunscreen from your face:
1. Use Micellar Water
Besides being great for removing makeup, micellar water is a really good choice for removing sunscreen.
The oil droplets help bind and remove makeup and sunscreen, pollutants, debris and other impurities.
Remember to follow with your regular cleansing gel or foam face wash after using micellar water.
If you don’t rinse micellar water, it may lead to acne and pimples, especially if you’re already struggling with breakouts.
2. Double Cleansing / Oil Cleansing + Foam Cleansing
Using an oil-based cleanser is one of the best ways for removing sunscreen. It also effectively removes makeup residue (in my opinion these K-beauty oil cleansers are the most effective and gentle ones).
Since mineral sunscreen are usually thick, the best way for removing them is to use oils, such as jojoba oil, olive oil or even almond oil.
They do wonders for all skin types, including oily skin. Simply massage the oil on your face for a minute or two and rinse off with warm water or use a washer cloth.
If you don’t feel like using natural oils, use an oil-based cleanser that removes impurities, dirt and most importantly, the sunscreen3.
Follow with your usual cleanser for optimal cleaning, leaving your skin feeling soft, clean and fresh.
3. Use Makeup Remover For Water-Based Sunscreen
If you wear a water-based sunscreen, your makeup remover (for example Korean makeup remover balm) will be more than enough to wash off sunscreen.
Just remember to wash your face with a foam cleanser next, to get rid of any oil residue and ensure proper cleansing.
4. Use Facial Wipe
If you’re in a rush, you can opt for a facial wipe. It is quite effective at removing sunscreen as well as traces of makeup, dirt, sebum and other impurities.
5. Use Warm Cloth
Another tip for reaping the effectiveness of cleansing oils for cleaning off sunscreen is to use a face washer cloth/towel.
Hold it under warm water for some time, wring the excess water out andput it on your face to break down the sunscreen and oil. Repeat if necessary.
Don’t forget about regular cleanser afterwards, too.
How To Use Micellar Water To Sunscreen
Though the effectiveness of micellar water to remove sunscreen depends on the type of sunscreen used, here is a general guide to use micellar water to remove sunscreen.
Remember, you are going to use micellar water as the first step of double cleansing to effectively remove sunscreen:
- Grab a cotton pad or ball and soak it with micellar water.
- Gently wipe the cotton pad across your skin, without missing any part of your face. Make sure you don’t rub or tug your skin.
- Follow with a gentle cleanser to remove any traces of sunscreen or makeup residue left on your skin.
- Follow with subsequent skincare routine as usual.
Why Is Sunscreen So Hard To Wash Off?
Sunscreens, especially the waterproof type, are hard to wash off as they are oil- soluble. Therefore, they cannot be washed off with just water.
Zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens forms a protective barrier on the skin, hence it is difficult to remove with plain water4.
You need to use a cleansing oil or micellar water followed by water-based cleansing for effectively removing sunscreen.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Sunscreen?
If you don’t remove sunscreen, you risk the following:
- Clogged pores: When the sunscreen is not removed, it clogs your pores and this can lead to acne, blackheads, pimples and more.
- Product buildup: The sunscreen attracts oil, debris and pollutants and leads to product buildup, which clogs pores, causes acne breakouts, blackheads and dull skin.
- Skin dryness: The barrier effect of sunscreen prevents the moisturizers layered on it to seep into the skin. The result? It dries out your skin in the long run.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
Resources:
- https://weheartthis.com/
- https://theblushingbliss.com/
- https://www.byrdie.com/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
