Sunscreen is a must, not only on summer days in the sun on a beach but for a typical day (when you are not staying too long under the sun). So when sunscreen gets into sensitive areas, like your eyes, what would happen if you do not get it out?
Well, it will irritate your eyes, or worse, burn and itch them. This can lead to red eyes and that would not look good on you. Sunscreen is meant for the skin, and places like the nose, eye area, and mouth are not the best parts for it because it contains chemicals not best for these parts.
If you find yourself in a situation where you (or your child) got sunscreen into your eyes, you need to find a way to remove it effectively before the redness and irritation fully kick in. This article provides ways you can remove sunscreen from your eyes. Keep reading.
How to get sunscreen out of eyes
1. Rinse your eyes with water
If you get sunscreen in your eyes, the first thing you should do is rinse your eyes with cool water. Use a cup or your hands to splash water over your eyes for several minutes. This can help to wash away the particles and soothe your eyes.
2. Use eye drops
If your eyes are still irritated after rinsing with water, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. These drops can help to soothe your eye area and flush out any remaining sunscreen.
3. Use a damp cloth
Another way to ease your eye area when exposed to the sun protection cream is to use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe it away. Be careful not to rub too hard or get any sunscreen on your eyelids. If sunscreen gets to the eyelids, it will find a way back to your eyes, not changing anything.
4. Use saline solution
If you have a saline solution sitting at home, you can use it to cleanse your eyes. The solution helps remove the bacteria and irritants like dust and the occasional sunscreen particles from the eyes.
5. Wait it out
If your eyes are only mildly irritated, you can try waiting it out. Your eyes will naturally produce tears that can help to flush out any remaining cream. Blink your eyelids to aid the faster spread of the tears, or close them entirely until the stinging subsides.
If your eyes continue to be irritated or you experience any vision changes or severe pain, you should seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.
How to prevent sunscreen from getting to the eyes
- Apply sunscreen carefully: Apply sunscreen gently and carefully, avoiding the eye area. Use your fingers or a sponge to apply sunscreen around your eyes, being careful not to get any on your eyelids or in your eyes.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses: Wearing a hat and sunglasses can provide extra protection for your eyes and help shield them from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Use a mineral-based sunscreen: Mineral-based sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, tend to be less irritating to the eyes than chemical sunscreens.
- Choose a non-greasy sunscreen: Greasy sunscreens can be more likely to run into your eyes, so choosing a non-greasy formula may be helpful.
- Avoid applying sunscreen too close to your eyes: Be careful not to apply sunscreen too close to your eyes, as this can increase the risk of it getting into your eyes.
- Close your eyes when using spray: If you are using sunscreen spray, close your eyes to prevent the particles from getting in. Wait for the particles to absorb fully into your skin before opening them.
FAQs
Why does sunscreen irritate your eyes?
Sunscreen irritates the eyes because it contains chemicals such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate that can irritate sensitive areas like the eyes.
Furthermore, the particles that should be absorbed into the skin get into the eyes, which causes a burning sensation.
Can sunscreen damage your eyes?
No, it will not.
While sunscreen can cause irritating and stinging effects, it cannot damage your eyes. However, do not leave it until your tear ducts sweep it out. Wash it off with water or use eye drops to relieve your eyes of the irritation.
How long does it take to get the sunscreen out of your eyes?
A few minutes to several hours.
That is because it may depend on the level of irritation. After removing the product from your eyes, the itchiness and irritation may reduce, but it may leave a burning effect, especially when you rub it while getting particles out.
The best option is to use an eye drop after cleansing with water to soothe your eyes.
Conclusion
Sunscreen can irritate the skin. That is why you should not let it get to your eyes. If this does happen, be sure to wash it off with water first.
Then, you can use eye drops or a damp cloth to soothe the eye area. If this does not work, wait it out. While the irritation may be there, it would not last forever. In a few minutes, it will be gone.
However, be sure to keep sunscreen out of your eye area when you apply it on your face. That’s the best way to prevent the stinging effect.
Thanks for reading.
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