How to Get Sunscreen Out of Eyes: Quick and Effective Remedies

November 6, 2024 Admin

How to get sunscreen out of eyes irritate. This kind of mistake can be anyone from a day spent out and about on the sand, poolside, or just before heading out for the day under the sun. Sunblock has certain ingredients that can sting your eyes as the ingredients that do well in your skin can hurt your eyes as well. Here, we review why sunscreen burns, what to do if it makes its way into your eyes, and tips on how to avoid this uncomfortable scenario.

Why Does Sunscreen Burn When It Gets in Your Eyes?

Effective sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate deliver superior protection against harmful summery rays to the skin. But when these chemicals are in some way enter our eyes they tend to sting and irritate the eyes. Here’s why:

Chemical Reaction: Some Sunscreens work by absorbing the UV rays from the sun (Chemical-based sunscreen)1 It can create a burning sensation when combined with the moisture in your eyes.

Thin Mucous Membrane: The eyes have delicate mucous membranes, which tend to be more reactive to foreign substances.

Salty Tears: The tears combine with the sunscreen developing an even more acidic solution and heightening irritation.

Knowing why sunscreen burns helps you to know why it is so important to deal with it correctly.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes

If you are suffering from that sunscreen in your eyes burning sensation, don’t fret! Do this — to help ease the pain and flush chemicals out of your system safely.

Step 1: Rinse with Clean Water

Rinse Your Eyes With Clean, Cool Water

Find Clean Water: Use purified water if possible. Use filtered water whenever you can. If you have no alternative, tap water will work, but do not use possibly contaminated water or chlorinated water, which will irritate more.

Use a Gentle Stream: Gentle flow running water if you are close to the sink, splash a little water on your eyes. A clean, disposable cup can also be used to pour water gradually into the eye region upward.

Blink Rapidly: To assist in moving the water across the surface of your eye, be sure to blink rapidly to wash out the sunscreen.

Step 2: Use Saline Solution if Available

Saline solution, the one we use for contact lenses, is super soothing & works so well:

Apply Generously: Tilt your head back, and put some saline solution into your eyes while gently blinking. That helps get the sunscreen out.

Repeat If Necessary: You may have to rinse with saline more than a couple of times to completely relieve discomfort.

Step 3: Blink Repeatedly

Blinking is a subconscious phenomenon that can help remove debris:

Encourages Tear Production: Blinking encourages the natural tears in your body to be produced, this will wash away any leftover sunscreen.

Prevent Scratching: Do not rub your eyes. This could create micro-tears or further irritation.

Step 4: Use a Cool Compress

If your eyes remain irritated:

Soak a Soft Cloth: Wet a clean soft cloth in cool (not cold!) water and put it on your closed eyes.

Relax: Get down + keep the cloth on your eyelid for around 5–10 minutes. This will alleviate any burning sensation and reduce the swelling of the eyes.

Step 5: Try Artificial Tears

You can also find relief with artificial tears, available in almost any pharmacy:

Lubricate: Artificial tears will aid in removing any leftover sunscreen residue and keep your eyes moisturized.

Avoid Redness Relievers: Use Lubricating drops that are just plain lubricating drops, DO NOT use one that promises to “get the red out,” it can make the irritation worse.

What to Avoid When Sunscreen Gets in Your Eyes

If knowing has a 1 sentence of what to do, knowing has a 2 sentence of what to avoid as well. Things you should not do:

Rubbing Your Eyes: The rubbing not only spreads the sunscreen but also makes the irritation worse.

Using Tissues or Towels: A tissue or towel is not recommended for wiping as it may embed fibers in your eyes which may aggravate the problem.

Using Soap or Other Substances: Soap or other cleansers can aggravate an already burning eye, and these substances can further irritate the eye’s delicate membranes.

Using Eye Drops with Chemicals: Most Red-eye relief (also known as red-eye removers) contain chemicals that can make it feel hotter. Stick with artificial tears.

How to Prevent Sunscreen from Getting in Your Eyes

The best way to stop this painful experience from happening again in the future is to prevent it. Good tips to not let sunscreen get in your eyes

1. Choose the Right Sunscreen

Choose mineral sunblock instead of chemical ones:

Mineral Sunscreens: Here are some types of mineral sunscreens. These ingredients are more gentle if they get into your eyes.

Stick or Gel Formulas: Sunscreen sticks or gels are less likely to run or sweat into your eyes. Perfect to use for the face and forehead

2. Apply Sunscreen Carefully

Proper application can make a big difference in reducing accidental eye contact:

Use a Small Amount Around the Eyes: Be careful using a small amount around the eye area

Apply Away from the Eyes First: Begin with the surrounding areas, then apply a thin line towards the eyes, and in other places (mainly on the forehead).

Wash Your Hands: Avoid contacting your eyes or face after handling sunscreen, though.

3. Wear Sunglasses and a Hat

Sunglasses, hats, and other physical barriers — one-two punch:

Sunglasses: A decent pair of sunnies will protect your eyes from UVs and prevent that sunscreen from sweating straight into your eyeballs.

Wide-brimmed Hat: On hot days a hat can help prevent sweat and sunscreen from trickling into your eyes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most of these incidents can be dealt with at home, but some may require medical attention. If you have these symptoms, please go to the doctor.

Persistent Pain: If that burning sensation does not go away after rinsing well.

Blurry Vision: If your driving is blurry or boring after washing your eyes.

Redness or Swelling: If you notice a lot of redness or swelling around the eye area, that indicates an allergic reaction or other problem.

Conclusion

How to get sunscreen out of eyes Having sunscreen in the eyes is an unpleasant feeling you can do something about the wrong steps and preventive precautions. With the right sunscreen and by following the above steps, you can enjoy the sun without a bitter sting. Do not forget that your eyes also need to be protected from UV rays, just like your skin.