remove sunscreen in eyes

How to Quickly Remove Sunscreen in Eyes without Further Irritation

You are either in pain and can barely read this guide or just sick of getting sunscreen in your eyes when you start sweating or go for a swim, right? 

Luckily, there’s no need to suffer in silence or fear applying sunscreen around the eyes any longer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a foolproof, quick-fix strategy to get that sunscreen out of your eyes without causing more irritation. Trust us, your eyes (and your sanity) will thank you!

We will also cover how to pick natural sunscreen so you never have to worry about your eyes stinging again.

If you’re in pain right now, jump to the 6-step guide below… for heaven’s sake! 

Article at a Glance:

Step by step guide to quickly remove sunscreen from your eyes without irritation

How to avoid sunscreen stinging your eyes in future

The best sunscreen products for eye health

Why are your eyes stinging?

So you feel like you have just come off second best at a human rights rally and copped the pepper spray treatment?

It is usually caused by Fragrance or Chemical UV blockers in sunscreen. Avoid spray sunscreens; they seem practical, but they can mean breathing in these chemicals and sloppy application around your eyes!

I’d love to meet the wanker who thought it would be a good idea to put chemicals in sunscreen that studies[1] have shown to enter our bloodstream, throw out our hormone balance, and irritate sensitive skin… OH! And burn your fucking eyes?  Modern science is incredible, isn’t it?

Anyway…Pro-tip for avoiding this circus next time: Switch to mineral sunscreens. 

Zinc sunscreen sits on top of your skin, causing no drama, and it’s way less likely to mess with your eyes. Move away from those aggressive chemicals to something more mellow!

Let’s discuss how you can calm down those eyes and keep them feeling good. And let’s agree to remove chemical sunscreens from our guest list in the future. Trust me, your eyes will thank you big time.

Handling Sunscreen in Your Eyes: Why It Matters

Getting chemical sunscreen is tempting to remove aggressively to end the suffering… but it needs to be approached with care so you don’t end up with pink eye for the next 2 days; 

Seriously, you don’t want work colleagues asking questions; been there, done that!

Here’s what the guide will provide:

  • Immediate Relief: Quick action can reduce discomfort significantly.
  • Protect Your Vision: Safeguarding your eyes from irritation is crucial.
  • Enjoy The Rest of Your Day: Enjoy your outdoor activities without interruption.
  • Prevent Further Damage: Proper removal techniques can prevent additional harm to your eyes.

Step-by-Step Treatment: How to Get Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes

Thanks to bullshit sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone & Oxybenzone , it feels like your eyes are on fire, but chill—it’s not forever. Your eyes just got a bit rattled, and they need some TLC to bounce back. Follow this guide for best results:

Step 1: Ditch the Contacts

Ditch the Contacts

If you’ve got them in, take those contacts out ASAP . They’re basically holding all that bad stuff right against your eyes.

Step 2: Quick Clean-Up

Quick Clean-Up

Gently wipe off any extra sunscreen hanging around your eyes. Be soft—no rubbing! This will only make things worse… Remember, we don’t want pink eye for the rest of the week! 

Step 3: Flush Your Eyes

Flush your eyes

Grab some eye drops if you have them, saline, or just plain clean water and start flushing those eyes out for about 15 minutes. Blink a lot; it helps your eyes do their thing and clean house. 

Step 4: Drop the Good Stuff

Drop the good stuff

To ease the burn, use eye drops without preservatives (sometimes called preservative-free artificial tears) every hour. Stay away from anything with extra chemicals that could make things worse.

Step 5: Take a Break from Wearing Contacts

Give your eyes a solid 48 hours without contacts. They need some space to heal.

Step 6: Cool Down

Cool Down

If things are still feeling spicy, take a timeout. Close your eyes and go for a cold compress or an ice pack to take the edge off.

After doing all this, things might still look a bit fuzzy. Don’t stress—immediate relief might be playing hard to get, but you’re on the mend.

But hey,  if that burn’s sticking around longer than you’d like, make the call to your eye doc. Better safe than sorry. 

Key Considerations to Avoid Sunscreen in Your Eyes in the Future

Check the Labels for These Harsh Chemicals:

Before reaching for sunscreen, take a moment to read the label—your eyes and sensitive skin will thank you. The usual culprits behind that stinging sensation are specific chemical UV blockers like Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. These chemicals can cause discomfort and irritation.

Choosing sunscreens without these ingredients can significantly reduce the risk of irritation, allowing you to enjoy your time in the sun worry-free. A quick label check for these irritants can prevent discomfort and hopefully you never have to return to this blog article… ever again!

Zinc Is Your Friend:

Zinc-based options are your best bet. Not only do they offer broad-spectrum protection, but they’re also less likely to run into your eyes.

Zinc sunscreens sit on top of your skin, forming a barrier against the sun’s rays, rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially disrupting your hormone balance like 70% of the chemical-based sunscreens on the market today that have questionable UV protection anyway…

You wonder why we keep seeing big brands getting their products recalled all over the news… 

UV Blocking Sunglasses & A Wide Brimmed Hat:

Another great solution if you’re not swimming is to wear UV-protective eyewear and a wide-brimmed hat that shades your eye area.

Avoid applying sunscreen around your eyes altogether… But combining these with sunscreen on the delicate skin around your eyes is best for ocular health!

Skorcha’s “No Eye Sting” Face Sunscreen:

Introducing “Skorcha Face”: the ultimate non-greasy, no-eye-sting, no BS SPF 50 face sunscreen. Crafted with 100% organic ingredients and a natural tint, it’s designed for uncompromised protection without the irritation. 

Plus, it’s reef safe, ensuring your sun care is as kind to the environment as it is to your skin. Say goodbye to sunscreen woes and hello to pure, effective sun defense.

Organic Face Sunscreen Tinted Mineral SPF 50

(80 customer reviews)
Original price was: AU$40.00.Current price is: AU$34.99.

Hydrating, antioxidant-boosted natural face sunscreen crafted for adventure and endurance sports.

The Importance of Using Gentle Zinc-Based Sunscreen Around Your Eyes

No irritation, No Eye Sting AND all the skin health benefits below! What’s not to love?

Also, check out the 43 reasons to wear sunscreen every day for more skin health benefits of regularly using the right sunscreen!

Natural Barrier Protection :

The key ingredient, zinc oxide, provides a strong barrier against UV rays. It sits on the skin’s surface, preventing deep penetration and minimizing irritation. This makes it a gentle yet effective option that can still be applied around the eye, which is recommended for eye health.

Anti-inflammatory Properties :

Zinc oxide is known for calming irritated skin and reducing redness. Its anti-inflammatory qualities are beneficial for soothing sensitive skin areas, particularly around the eye!

Non-comedogenic :

Unlike some sunscreens that can clog pores, zinc-based formulations are non-comedogenic. This means they help maintain clear skin without contributing to acne or breakouts.

Broad-Spectrum Coverage :

Zinc sunscreens offer protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and are essential for preventing premature skin aging and lowering the risk of skin cancer.

Wrapping Up: Handling Sunscreen in Your Eyes from a Roofer’s Point of View

After spending countless hours under the sun, laying metal roofs and knocking on doors, I’ve had my fair share of battles with sunscreen sneaking into my eyes.

It’s not just an annoyance; it can throw you off for the day. But through all the trials, I’ve figured out a few tricks to remedy harsh sunscreen in your eyes quickly and how to never deal with this again.

I wanted to share what I’ve learned with you… Hope it’s been helpful!

Choosing zinc-based sunscreens and understanding how to flush out irritants without worsening things has been a game changer. It’s meant less time dealing with discomfort and more time doing what I do best.

Why take advice from a metal roofer and door-to-door salesman? Because when it comes to the sun, I’ve seen it all. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to keep going, rain or shine. Here’s to making those sunny days a bit easier on the eyes, from someone who’s been there…

FAQs

How do I prevent sunscreen from getting in my eyes?

To minimise runniness, go for stick or mineral-based sunscreens. Apply carefully, avoiding direct eyelid application. Extra barriers like hats or sunglasses can help, and choosing “non-irritating” sunscreens for sensitive skin reduces the risk of discomfort.

What to Do If Sunscreen Gets in Your Eye?

Stay calm and gently rinse your eye with lukewarm water or saline solution. Remove contact lenses first, if applicable. Refrain from rubbing your eyes. Lubricating eye drops can help with persistent discomfort. Seek an eye doctor if pain continues.

My Sunscreen Burns My Eyes When I Sweat. Which Sunscreen Should I Use?

Select mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to avoid eye irritation from sweating. “Sport” or face-specific formulas are usually designed to resist sweating and water.

Chemical vs. Physical: What’s the Difference?

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, while mineral sunscreens block UV rays physically. Mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate sensitive areas, making them a safer choice for your eyes.

What sunscreen lasts all day?

No sunscreen truly lasts all day. You’ve gotta reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re sweating or taking a dip. Look for “water-resistant” labels for longer staying power, but remember, there’s no such thing as a one-and-done when it comes to sun protection. Keep that bottle handy!

How to Choose Sunscreen Safe for the Eye Area?

For eye safety, choose sunscreens labelled for sensitive skin or safe for eye use. Mineral formulas with zinc oxide are preferred. Sunscreen sticks offer precise application without running. Apply cautiously, complement with sunglasses for added protection.

Mick Wadley

Mick Wadley – Founder of Skorcha

After a decade in the scorching sun as a roofer and going door-to-door in sales – I was forced to take my skin health seriously following a skin cancer scare before the age of 30.

So began my passion for suncare, which is both effective and natural. Crafted for adventure and endurance sports, Skorcha formulas are non-greasy, have no eye sting and absolutely no bullshit (100% Organic).

My goal is to share what I’ve learned about skin health and safe ingredients, inspiring happier, healthier lives through adventure, organic goodness and conservation!

Help us plant a mangrove tree with every Skorcha product sold to protect fragile marine ecosystems and support underprivileged communities around the world.


Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health. Skorcha recommends that you consult with your healthcare providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or condition.