Sunscreen is essential protection against the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. While it protects our skin, accidentally getting sunscreen in your eyes can be painful and irritating, often leading to redness, burning, and blurred vision.
However, with the right approach, you can quickly alleviate the discomfort. In today’s blog, I will walk you through the steps to effectively remove sunscreen from your eyes and provide preventative measures for future outings.
What Ingredients In Sunscreen Can Cause The Irritation?
Certain ingredients found in sunscreens can cause irritation, particularly to sensitive areas like the eyes. The most common irritants include:
- Preservatives
- Fragrance
All 14 FDA-approved chemical UV filters of chemical UV filters commonly used in sunscreens in the USA cause some degree of eye irritation.
5 Ways To Remove Sunscreen From Your Eyes
If you mistakenly put sunscreen on your eyes, it’s easy to find yourself rubbing them. Shortly afterward, the eye begins to burn and itch. The cream should, therefore, be removed from the eye as quickly as possible. There are effective methods to moisturize, ease the discomfort, and get relief by safely removing sunscreen from your eyes.
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Stay Calm
If you feel that sunscreen has gotten into your eyes, it is important to stay calm and follow the following steps.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you touch or clean your eyes. It will prevent the transfer of additional irritants or bacteria into your eyes.
Rinse With Water
Run clear, lukewarm water over the affected eye. You can do this by placing your face under a running faucet or using a clean container filled with water. Blink several times to rinse out the sunscreen. Avoid hot water, as this can worsen the discomfort.
Using Saline
A sterile saline solution (similar to the solution used for contact lenses) can help rinse out sunblock more effectively. The solution may be gentler on your eyes than tap water.
Eye Drops
Use eye drops to rinse away any remaining sunscreen. Additionally, blinking can help stimulate your eye’s natural cleaning function, which will help flush out any remaining irritants.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t Rub: Rubbing your eyes to wipe out the sunblock from your eyes will spread the soothing even more, causing further irritation and worsening the pain.
Avoid Using Soap Or Cleansers: Soap or other cleansers should not be used to remove sunscreen from your eyes as these may exacerbate the irritation.
Tips To Apply Sunscreen Correctly
If you want to protect your skin from harmful sun rays and freckles caused by sun damage, applying sunscreen correctly is important. To ensure maximum efficacy and avoid any potential skin damage, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Apply Sunscreen With Caution
Avoid applying sunscreen too close to the eye. It is advisable to use sunscreen 1 cm from the edge of your eyes, which also helps prevent getting tan outside.
Using Sunglasses
Sunglasses play a vital role in protecting our eyes from harmful UV rays and preventing sunscreen from getting into them.
Waterproof Sunscreen
If you plan to spend some time in a pool, use a waterproof sunscreen that is less likely to run into your eyes.
When To Visit A Doctor?
Within the next one or two hours of removing sunscreen from your eyes, your eyes will burn slightly, water, and be red. If these signs do not disappear after a few hours, seek the advice of a doctor.
Conclusion
Getting sunscreen in your eyes can be an unpleasant experience, but it can be effectively remedied with quick action and the right techniques. Following the advice provided above will help you to easily remove sunscreen from your eyes and avoid any adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If Sunscreen Gets In My Eyes while I am Wearing Contact Lenses?
Remove your contact lenses rinse your eyes thoroughly and avoid rubbing them. Do not put your contacts back in until the irritation completely subsidesand be sure to clean your contact lenses before reinserting them.
Can Sunscreen Cause Permanent Damage To My Eyes?
Although it can irritate the eyes, if dealt with promptly and properly, it rarely causes permanent damage. The key is to rinse the eyes thoroughly and avoid rubbing them.
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