These days, SPF has gotten so much good press that it seems like almost all of us have got the memo on how important it is in our daily skincare routine. While it’s extremely important to apply SPF, let’s not forget about how to remove sunscreen in the best way for our skin. However, for those of us who aren’t yet convinced why it’s needed daily, just haven’t found ‘the one’ yet, or - confessions - are a bit lazy on this front, let’s start with the stats.
Ever noticed that your balmy summer days on a beach in Europe hit different? That’s because the Australian sun is actually 7-10% stronger than similar altitudes around the world - it quite literally burns. This is one of the main reasons why Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world - and 95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. Every 30 minutes someone is diagnosed with melanoma in Australia, and it's also estimated that over 17,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, according to the Melanoma Institute of Australia. So if you still needed some convincing, we hope this got you over the line. Even cloudy days and those cheeky 5pm sunny dips can pack some heat, which is why we should be wearing SPF every single day of the year. While us Aussies have gotten better at protecting ourselves against the sun, these unfortunate statistics mean that there is still a lot of room for improvement. Prevention is always key when it comes to protecting our skin from the sun!
So you’ve got your daily SPF routine down - but the next question is, how do you actually remove it thoroughly from your skin? We’re here with a guide on how to remove sunscreen.
Applying SPF
Before we look at how to correctly remove sunscreen, let's make sure we’ve got the application process down pat.
Which SPF should you use?
Did you know that SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor? Well, now you do! When it comes to the number, the higher the better! You should be applying nothing less than SPF30. However, let's keep our standards high and go for SPF50+, we deserve the very best!
Which product is best for your skin type?
We’re going to take a stab in the dark on this one and say skin shady SPF50+ by tbh is going to be the best product on the market… no bias here at all, of course - it's just unmatched! It will provide you with top-notch protection, it's white cast-free, plus it’s breakout friendly, non-greasy, AND super lightweight.
However, if you're looking for some more options, read here to find out which SPF is best for your skin type.
How much SPF should you apply?
In this case, less is definitely not more. We want to be applying SPF liberally. The ideal amount on your face is at minimum ¼ of a teaspoon, and up to a teaspoon across your face and neck. A good trick to make sure you're applying the correct amount is to measure it out on two fingers length.
How to layer SPF?
Getting the correct order for layering your products can sometimes seem like an art form with all the different products on the market but, take it from us, it's quite simple!
Here’s an easy formula to remember:
- Cleanser
- Serum
- Moisturiser
- SPF
SPF is always the final step in your morning skincare routine before makeup, and generally, it's not needed at night after the sun has gone down. Your nighttime routine will look a bit different, as the products you apply generally change with the time of day.
For further information on how to layer your skincare products like a pro, read here.
How to remove sunscreen?
There are a few pro tips for how to remove sunscreen. Sunscreen these days has come a long way from the gluggy, thick white formula of the 90s. Today’s formulations feel more like skincare on the skin and are easier to remove. Here are our favourite options for removing SPF.
Remove sunscreen with an oil/ balm cleanser
If you’ve been at the beach all day and have applied a pretty heavy-duty SPF or one containing zinc, using an oil or balm cleanser is probably going to be your best option to really break down any leftover product on your skin. When using a balm cleanser, take the product on your fingertips and massage it into the skin, dissolving it into an oil consistency. After all the product has been broken down on the skin's surface, wash away the excess cleanser and pat dry. If you’re left with an oily residue, we’d suggest a second cleanse with a gentle cleanser, especially if you have acne-prone skin, as leaving excess oil on your skin can lead to breakouts!
Removing sunscreen with a regular cleanser
This is probably the most common and popular method of removing SPF, as most people will have a traditional cleanser in their skincare cupboard. Take your desired cleanser, (we recommend the tbh anti-bacterial or gentle cleanser - again… no bias). Splash some water on your face and apply about a pea-sized amount to the skin and cleanse as you usually would.
Removing sunscreen with water
As I’m sure you're aware, most sunscreens are waterproof to provide us with maximum protection. As a result of this, it’s not ideal to take off sunscreen by using water alone. It will leave a residue and potentially not even remove any leftover product. You’ll definitely need some product in the mix.
To find out whether or not you’ve been cleansing correctly and the best process, read more here.
Can you wear SPF at night?
There’s definitely no harm in wearing SPF to events in the evening, especially if you’re using skin shady, it doubles as such a lovely primer for underneath makeup. Our founder Rach loves it as a primer so much, she always applies it at night!
It is, however, important to thoroughly remove any SPF left on the skin before going to bed. SPF has an endless list of benefits for the skin however, much like with makeup, sleeping in it can cause irritation. Let's leave the night shift to the acne hack cream and give skin shady a break from all the hard work it’s doing throughout the day!
To sum it up, you’ve basically got no excuse to not apply SPF every day now bestie. You know which SPF is going to be best suited to your skin type, you know how to apply it and you now know how to remove it. The key is really finding an SPF with a consistency you love, so here’s a final plug for our very own skin shady to get you in the habit.
