What Happens If You Don't Wash Off Sunscreen?

Why Leaving Sunscreen on Your Skin Could be Damaging Your Health

You know that using sunscreen is important for protecting your skin from the sun's UV rays. But did you realize forgetting to wash it off at the end of the day could cause some issues?  

While sunscreen is great at blocking harmful UV radiation and preventing sunburns when it's on, if it's left on for too long, it could clog your pores, irritate your skin, and lead to breakouts. 

The active ingredients in sunscreens are oils that need to be removed from the skin before bedtime. As the day goes on and you sweat, the sunscreen breaks down and clogs hair follicles, preventing them from absorbing natural oils.  

Your pores get stuffed and suffocated, leaving rooms for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. Washing thoroughly removes the greasy film, dirt, chlorine, salt and other contaminants that accumulate on your skin over the course of being outside. 

The Effects of Not Washing Off Sunscreen

Not rinsing off your sunscreen at the end of the day can lead to several unwanted effects on your skin and health. 

Clogged Pores Leading To Acne and Skin Irritation

Oil-based ingredients in sunscreens clog pores and hair follicles, trapping dirt and bacteria and causing breakouts of acne, blackheads and irritated papules.  Sensitive skin is especially prone to clogged pores and rashes from sunscreen residue.

Reduced Effectiveness of Sunscreen Over Time

Sunscreen efficiency drastically reduces over time due to wear, sweat and sun exposure.  The initially high SPF rating is no longer effective at blocking enough UV rays to protect your skin, leaving you vulnerable to sunburn. 

Build-up of Dirt, Oil, and Sweat on the Skin

A filmy coating of oil, dirt, salt, chlorine and sweat builds up on your skin, pores and hair.  This creates an environment for bacteria to thrive and multiplies the chances of skin infections or irritation.  Your shirts/clothes will also absorb this unpleasant film, requiring more laundry. 

Skin Irritation, Especially for Sensitive Skin

Irritation and redness significantly increases the longer sunscreen is left unattended on sensitive skin. Itching, stinging and discomfort are common symptoms of sunscreen allergy or intolerance. Proper removal, especially after extended sun exposure, helps eliminate uncomfortable side effects.

Neglecting to wash your sunscreen off at the end of the day can compromise its effectiveness, lead to skin damage, significantly increase irritation and allow trapped dirt/oils greater access to clog pores and spread bacteria. 

Types of Sunscreens

There are two main types of sunscreen - chemical and physical (also known as mineral). The category depends on how it works to block UV rays. 

Chemical sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene and avobenzone. These absorb UV rays to convert them into heat that dissipates and escapes harmlessly.  Chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight, absorbent and expensive.  They can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Physical (mineral) sunscreens

Physical or mineral sunscreens use reflective particles like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to deflect and scatter UV rays away from the skin.  They are non-irritating, hypoallergenic and provide larger-spectrum coverage.  However, mineral sunscreens may appear more opaque or white on application.  

Active ingredients in sunscreens

Titanium dioxide is considered very stable and resistant.  Zinc oxide is also effective and often used for sunburn treatment creams.

Water-resistant sunscreens

Water-resistant sunscreens contain additional polymers that coat the skin to maintain protection after swimming or sweating. 

However, they still need to be reapplied afterwards as the polymers break down over time with water exposure and sun damage.  They also tend to be thicker, greasier and more expensive than regular sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays while mineral sunscreens deflect them. Mineral options are often more gentle but can appear more opaque.  Water-resistant sunscreens provide extra protection from water activity but still require reapplication after prolonged sun or water exposure.  

The best sunscreen is one that blocks all harmful UV rays (UVA and UVB), is non-irritating, offers broad-spectrum coverage and suits your skin type and activity level. 

How different types of sunscreen can affect various skin types

The type of sunscreen you use can make a big difference in how it affects your skin.  Here's how sunscreens may impact sensitive, dry and oily skin types:

Sensitive skin

Chemical sunscreens containing irritating ingredients like oxybenzone can cause stinging, itching and redness on sensitive skin.  Mineral/physical sunscreens with non-irritating zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are better options.  Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) formulas.

Dry skin

Thick, greasy sunscreens can further dry out and dehydrate dry skin.  Look for lightweight, creamy lotions with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or dimethicone.  Mineral sunscreens tend to absorb better into dry skin without a greasy finish.  Apply a humidifier to keep moisture in the air. 

Oily skin

Oily skin needs oil-free and lightweight sunscreens that won't clog pores.  Gel or alcohol-based sunscreens with matte finishes help control shine without exacerbating oiliness.  Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help unclog pores and reduce breakouts.  Wash quickly after sun exposure to remove excess oil and product buildup.

The best sunscreens for any skin type are non-irritating, non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and suitable for sensitive skin. Mineral based sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide tend to be good options for most skin types due to being irritant-free and calming soothing.  

However, skin sensitivities vary from person to person.  The only way to know how a sunscreen affects your unique skin is by patch testing new products on your arm before applying all over.

Role of cleansing in skincare

Cleansing is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine.  Here are the key benefits of cleansing:

Benefits of Cleansing	Description
Removes excess oil, dirt, debris and pollution that builds up on the skin surface throughout the day.	Without cleansing, pores can get clogged, leading to breakouts.
Removes makeup residues like foundation, mascara, lipstick and sunscreen that clog pores and stain the skin if left unattended.	Thorough makeup and sunscreen removal helps prevent acne and keeps skin clear.
Unclogs pores and removes blackheads. Deep cleansing with transport keratolytic ingredients like salicylic acid helps unclog pores, reduce blackheads and improve skin's texture.	Deep cleansing can unclog pores and reduce blackheads with the help of ingredients like salicylic acid.
Removes dead skin cells. Cleansing helps gently buff away dead, dull skin cells and promote cell turnover for a healthy glow.	Cleansing can help exfoliate and promote cell turnover, leaving skin with a healthy glow.
Clarifies and brightens skin tone. By removing surface impurities, cleansing helps clarify skin and brighten complexion by allowing natural glow to shine through.	Cleansing can clarify skin and brighten complexion by removing surface impurities, allowing natural glow to shine through.
Balances oil production. While cleansing removes excess oil, it does not strip skin of its natural oils. Gentle, pH-balanced cleansers help regulate oil production and prevent over-drying.	Gentle, pH-balanced cleansers can remove excess oil while still regulating oil production to prevent over-drying.

 The double cleansing method uses an oil-based cleanser or coconut oil to dissolve makeup/sunscreen followed by a water-based gel or cream cleanser for second cleanse. 

Cotton pads, micellar waters and oil balms can also be used for spot-cleaning as needed.  Look for fragrance-free, hydrating and non-irritating cleansers that suit your skin type. 

Cleansing thoroughly yet gently twice a day is key to keeping skin clear, balanced and healthy.  

Tips for Properly Removing Sunscreen

Here are some helpful tips for properly removing sunscreen from your skin:

Wash your face with warm water. Warm water helps open pores, softens the skin and allows cleansers to work more deeply.  Cold water can close pores and prevent effective cleansing.

Gently massage cleanser onto skin. Use your fingertips to massage a small amount of cleanser onto your face and neck.  Gently massage in circular motions to loosen sunscreen and unclog pores.  Do not scrub harshly. 

Pay extra attention to problem areas. Gently massage cleanser over forehead, nose, chin and between eyebrows where pores can get clogged more easily and sunscreen may get reapplied unevenly. 

Rinse thoroughly with water. Rinsing helps wash away all traces of loosened sunscreen, dirt and cleanser residue. Run warm water over your face for at least one minute to ensure everything is rinsed away completely.

Pat dry with a clean towel. Gently pat face and neck dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing vigorously.  Allow skin to air dry the rest of the way to retain moisture.  Blotting makeup and excess sunscreen on a towel will prevent re-transferring product onto skin.

Double cleanse if needed. Using an oil cleanser followed by a gel or cream cleanser can help lift away even the most stubborn sunscreen residue for those with oilier skin or who use water-resistant formulas.  Patch test any new products first to avoid irritation.

Moisturize while skin is still damp. Applying moisturizer while skin is still damp helps seal in hydration and continue the cleansing process at a deeper level.  Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic and sunscreen/SPF 30 options for daytime.

Avoid harsh skincare products. Harsh scrubs, astringents with high alcohol and fragranced products can irritate skin and damage skin barrier.  Stick to mild, hydrating products to maintain healthy skin.

Connection Between Sunscreen, Sun Exposure, and Skin Cancer Risk

There is a direct link between sun exposure, sunscreen use and skin cancer risk.  Here are the key points about their connection:

• Too much sun exposure and UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer.  Over time, excessive sun exposure or sunburns damage the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. 
• Not using sunscreen properly puts you at higher risk of skin cancer.  Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is needed to block roughly 97% of UVB rays that cause sunburns and skin damage.  Reapplication is also needed every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
• Intermittent sun exposure adds up skin damage over years and decades.  Even if sun exposure seems moderate, the cumulative effect on skin over many years makes skin cancer risk high for those who don't regularly protect their skin.  The damage is irreversible. 
• Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and often caused by sun damage and sunburns especially from UVB rays.  Detecting melanoma early is critical to successful treatment with minor surgery. 
• Other types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  These develop from sun damage and age-related changes in specific genes that control skin cell growth (e.g. tumor suppressor genes).  Early detection and treatment leads to high cure rates.
• Sun protection like hats, shades, and covering up further reduces skin cancer risk alongside sunscreen.  UV rays can also cause damage on cloudy days and in reflections/refractions.  No skin should be left unprotected.
• Genetics plays a role in skin cancer risk as some people are born with higher susceptibility.  However, sun safety practices can still help prevent skin cancer regardless of genetics.  Damage is damage.

The relationship between sun exposure, sunscreen and skin cancer is clear.  Too much sun or not properly protecting skin from the sun's UV radiation over many years significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.  

Regular sunscreen use, limiting sun exposure during the peak UV hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, covering up and seeking shade help prevent sun damage and reduce skin cancer risk for people of all skin types and genetic backgrounds.

Healthy Skin Starts with Cleansing: Insights from Dermatology & Skin Health

Washing off sunscreen thoroughly after sun exposure and following a proper skincare routine is essential for skin health, clear complexion and long term sun safety.  

While sunscreen protects from sun damage when applied, it must be removed completely at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores, breakouts, skin irritation and reduced effectiveness. 

Cleansing, hydrating and protecting skin on a consistent basis are the keys to fending off skin cancer risk, premature aging and chronic skin conditions. Developing good skincare habits goes a long way in maintaining beautiful, healthy skin for life in the face of environmental damage and aging. 

If you would like to learn more about skin cancer prevention, signs of skin damage or dangers of UV radiation exposure, schedule an appointment with Dermatology & Skin Health.

Establishing a strong sun safety foundation with help from experts is the best way to achieve lifelong skin health, prevent needless suffering and maintain a youthful glow for years to come.  Protect the skin you're in!