How to Wash Off Zinc Sunscreen from the Face and Skin

After spending a long day under direct sunlight, it’s essential to know how to wash off zinc sunscreen effectively.

Zinc oxide is a popular ingredient in face and body sunscreens due to its broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. However, it’s more difficult to remove than the compounds in chemical sunscreens, which are typically easier to wash away. Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb harmful UV rays and are more water-soluble, making them easier to rinse off. In contrast, mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are hydrophobic and water-resistant.

The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier on your skin’s surface to reflect UV rays. While this protective layer offers excellent sun protection, it can be challenging to remove due to its resistance to water and sweat. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the right steps to thoroughly cleanse your skin and effectively remove zinc sunscreen without causing irritation.

The Best Way to Wash Off Zinc Sunscreen

Why Double Cleansing is Essential to Wash off Zinc Sunscreen

Double cleanse by firstly using an oil-based cleanser (or cleansing balm), and follow up with a water-based cleanser.

The oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm emulsifies the hydrophobic zinc oxide particles by disrupting their lipid coating. The lipophilic components in the oil cleanser target the weak intermolecular forces acting on the lipid coating of the zinc oxide particles. This makes them soluble and easier to lift from the skin. The second step, involving a water-based cleanser, then removes the remaining particles suspended in the cleanser’s emulsion, along with any excess oils.

Use a double cleansing method to ensure any remaining zinc oxide sunscreen residue and excess oil from the first cleanser is thoroughly washed away. For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, use a gentle, non-foaming water-based cleanser to avoid irritation.

Double cleanse to wash off zinc sunscreen — *Photo by mearlywan from Pexels.*

First Step to Wash Off Zinc Sunscreen

Oil-Based Cleanser: Double-Cleanse Step 1 for Normal to Dry Skin

The best way to begin to wash off a water-resistant sunscreen like zinc sunscreen is with an oil-based cleanser. This is particularly ideal if you have normal to dry skin, since they cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

This first step is crucial because oil-based cleansers work via solvent affinity. In the context of cleansing, the oil-based cleanser has a chemical affinity to the lipid-based components of the zinc sunscreen. In other words, it attracts and emulsifies the oily substances in zinc-based sunscreen.

When applied to the skin in gentle, circular motions, an oil cleanser mixes with the sunscreen, breaking down the zinc oxide particles and making them easier to remove. Then use warm water to rinse away the emulsified sunscreen, leaving your skin prepared for the next step.

Cleansing Balms as Step 1 for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, a cleansing balm is an ideal alternative to a cleansing oil. Some oil-based cleansers interact with excess sebum and clog pores. A balm cleanser offers the same emulsifying benefits as oil-based cleansers. Though, balms tend to have better adherence to impurities in the skin with more thorough removal, and so are less likely to clog pores. Though, the specific formulation and non-comedogenic properties are relevant.

How to Wash Away Zinc Sunscreen with Cleansing Balms’ Solid-to-Liquid Transformation

Cleansing balms have a solid or semi-solid texture that melts into an oil upon application. A balm cleanser typically contains a blend of natural oils, including jojoba oil, waxes, and emulsifiers. The waxes help maintain the balm’s solid form at room temperature, and contribute to a less greasy feel on applications.

Additionally, the solid-to-liquid transformation by cleansing balms can help them cling to the skin and spread more uniformly over thicker layers of makeup and sunscreen that are more stubborn to remove. The balm’s ability to melt into a liquid and then emulsify with water allows it to break down and melt away impurities more thoroughly.

Choose a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) formula if you have oily and/or acne-prone skin. look for balms with lightweight oils and without heavy waxes or excessive oils. They are a great way to remove zinc sunscreen without exacerbating oily skin.

Editor’s Recommendations: Cleansing Balms to Wash Off Zinc Sunscreen

Clinique Take-The-Day-Off Cleansing Balm

This dense yet luxurious cleansing balm feels like giving yourself a facial.
It is formulated with safflower seed oil, which is rich in linoleic acid. This key ingredient helps to dissolve makeup and sunscreen while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.
The balm is also free of fragrances and essential oils, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Heimish All Clean Balm

This balm features a blend of shea butter, coconut extract, and white flower complex.
These ingredients not only help to deeply cleanse the skin by breaking down zinc oxide sunscreen but also provide hydration and soothing benefits.
Its convenient packaging has a separate compartment for the spatula.
It’s free of parabens, artificial colorants, and fragrances for sensitive skin.

Soap and Glory Glow Your Mind Nourishing Face Cleansing Balm

I find this the least dense of the balms, instantly melting into an oil that is easy to work with. It’s also great value for money, making it a highly effective and affordable option to remove zinc oxide sunscreen while leaving the skin soft and residue-free.
The balm features ingredients like sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and shea butter.
These nourishing components help to soften and hydrate the skin while effectively breaking down and removing zinc oxide sunscreen.

Second Step to Wash Off Zinc Sunscreen

The Role of Water-Based Cleansers in Washing off Zinc Sunscreen

Water-based cleansers’ formulations remove water-soluble impurities, and are perfect for the second step in your cleansing routine. They effectively cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils by using surfactants that act as emulsifiers.

Surfactants, like cocamidopropyl betaine, lower the surface tension between the water and any remaining impurities. This thereby allows for the effective removal of sweat, sebum, and water-soluble residues.

How are Water-Based Cleansers Gentle on the Skin?

Water-based cleansers are gentle on the skin due to their micellar structure that targets impurities. Micelles are composed of hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails. The hydrophobic tails surround and bind to oil, dirt, and other impurities on the surface of the skin. Meanwhile, the hydrophilic heads remain in contact with the water.

This binding action effectively encapsulates the impurities within the micelles. Then, rinse the skin with water to be lift these micelles away. This process ensures only water-soluble debris is removed. The skin’s natural lipids remain preserved and its moisture balance maintained.

Editor’s Recommendations: Water-Based Cleansers to Wash Off Zinc Sunscreen

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Murad Clarifying Cleanser is an excellent choice as a second step in double-cleansing.
The cleanser contains both free-form and encapsulated salicylic acid that releases into the pores after the cleanser is rinsed away to unclog pores over time and help reduce future breakouts.
This makes it an ideal facial cleanser for those prone to acne, especially after a day of wearing zinc sunscreen.
See my review of the Murad Clarifying Cleanser here.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a pH-balanced, water-based gel cleanser.
It is enriched with soy proteins, rosewater and cucumber extract to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The amino acids in the soy proteins support the skin’s elasticity, while rosewater helps soothe and calm the skin.
This cleanser is renowned for its ability to cleanse without stripping the skin.
The gentle formula is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Elta MD Double-Cleanse Duo

When seeking what to use to wash off zinc sunscreen, why not consider a professional sunscreen brand’s skin care?
The EltaMD Double Cleanse Daily Duo consists of the Oil-in-Gel Cleanser and Foaming Facial Cleanser.
The former lifts away environmental pollutants, water-resistant sunscreen, long-wear makeup, sweat and excess sebum.
Meanwhile, the latter product contains enzymes to help reduce inflammation, and cleanses gently for daily use.

Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin Types

However, if you have sensitive skin, micellar water can also be a gentle alternative for removing zinc sunscreen. To use it, simply soak a cotton pad with micellar water and gently wipe your skin in upward strokes. Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover is recommended by many dermatologists for its efficacy in removing all makeup, including waterproof mascaras, and its gentleness on sensitive skin.

Micellar water also contains micelles—tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water—that attract dirt, oil, and sunscreen particles. It is ideal for sensitive skin as it cleans away impurities without any need for harsh scrubbing motions or rinsing. However, a cleansing balm may still be more thorough in removing heavy makeup and sunscreen.

Although micellar water is effective for sunscreen residue, it’s still advisable to follow up with a gentle water-based face cleanser to ensure complete removal.

*Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover*.

Understanding the Importance of Sunscreen Removal

Preventing Skin Irritation and Breakouts

Properly removing zinc sunscreen at the end of the day is vital for maintaining healthy skin. If sunscreen residue remains on your skin, it can lead to clogged pores, which may result in breakouts and irritation. Moreover, thorough cleansing ensures that your skin is fully prepped for any nighttime skincare products, allowing them to penetrate more effectively.

Maintaining the Skin’s Protective Barrier

While it’s important to remove all traces of sunscreen, it’s equally important not to strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid over-cleansing and use the right cleanser for your skin type, whether it’s an oil-based product, cleansing balm, or a water-based cleanser. Always make informed decisions to help maintain your skin’s protective barrier whilst ensuring complete removal of zinc-based sunscreens.