Should I Use Makeup Remover When Using Sunscreen?
Short answer: yes. And here’s the thing — a lot of people already do a good job applyingsunscreen every day, which is fantastic. But they skip one crucial step at the end of the day:properly removing it.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many people assume that their regular face wash is enough to get sunscreen off. And while it might feel clean, the truth is that most everyday cleansers — even gentle ones — aren’t formulated to fully break down sunscreen residue. That leftover film can sit in your pores overnight, contributing to congestion and breakouts even when everything else in your routine is “right”.
The good news? There’s a simple fix: double cleansing.
Why Sunscreen Needs More Than a Regular Cleanser
Sunscreen — especially mineral sunscreen — is designed to sit on top of your skin and physically block UV rays. That’s what makes it so effective. But it also means it doesn’t just rinse off with water, and a regular cleanser alone might not be enough to fully lift it.
Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen — Does It Make a Difference?
Both types need proper removal, but mineral sunscreen (which contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) tends to sit more firmly on the skin’s surface and can be harder to wash off. If you’ve ever noticed a slightly chalky residue on your face after washing or seen it transfer onto your towel, that’s what’s happening.
Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin to work, but it still leaves a film that needs a thorough first cleanse to fully remove.
Key ingredients
Think of it this way: sunscreen does its job by clinging to your skin. That same clinging quality means you need to actively break it down — not just rinse it away.
What Is Double Cleansing — and Why Does It Work?
Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: you cleanse twice, in two steps, using two different types of cleanser.
The idea is that the first cleanser does the heavy lifting — breaking down and dissolving the surface stuff like sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil. The second cleanser then cleanses the skin itself more deeply, removing sweat, impurities, and any last traces of the first cleanser.
Each step has a specific role, which is why one cleanser trying to do both often doesn’t do either very well.
The Two-Step Routine
Double cleansing is an evening-only routine — you don’t need to do it in the morning since you haven’t been wearing sunscreen overnight.
Why We Recommend Soothing Cleansing Gel as Your First Cleanse
Not all first cleansers are created equal. Some makeup removers and cleansing oils do a great job removing sunscreen, but they can be too rich or heavy for acne-prone skin — and they sometimes leave an oily residue that needs extra rinsing.
Soothing Cleansing Gel was specifically formulated to handle the first cleanse step — removing sunscreen and makeup — without being harsh, stripping, or pore-clogging. It’s a gel formula, so it feels light and refreshing, not heavy or greasy.
Why It Works Especially Well for Acne-Prone Skin
Common Questions About Sunscreen Removal
Yes. Sunscreen on its own still needs proper removal, especially mineral sunscreen. Even if you’re not wearing any makeup at all, a first cleanse with Soothing Cleansing Gel will help ensure there’s no residue left behind to clog your pores overnight.
You can — but the double cleanse gives you the best of both worlds. Soothing Cleansing Gel handles the surface layer (sunscreen, makeup), while Calming Cleanser goes deeper into the skin. If you’re short on time, a single cleanse with Soothing Cleansing Gel is still better than skipping it altogether.
Double cleansing can actually be less irritating than one aggressive cleanse if you use gentle formulas for both steps. Soothing Cleansing Gel was specifically designed for sensitive and sensitised skin, and Calming Cleanser is also very gentle. The key is to avoid scrubbing and to use lukewarm (not hot) water.
No — your morning routine only needs one cleanse. You haven’t been wearing sunscreen or makeup overnight, so a single cleanse with Calming Cleanser is all you need before applying your morning SPF.
Yes! Tinted sunscreen, BB cushions, CC creams, and any colour-correcting SPF products all have pigment and heavier textures that absolutely need a first cleanse. Treat them the same as makeup and use Soothing Cleansing Gel first.
A Quick Note from Jasmine
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine — I always recommend it, especially if you’re working on clearing acne or preventing premature ageing. But applying it without properly removing it at the end of the day is one of the most common reasons people still break out even when the rest of their routine is well thought-out.
I developed Soothing Cleansing Gel specifically because I wanted a first-cleanse option that people with sensitive, acne-prone skin could actually use without worrying about it causing more problems. It’s gentle, it works, and it makes the whole double-cleanse routine feel easy rather than like extra work.
Give it a week of consistent double cleansing and see how your skin responds. I think you’ll be surprised.
Ready to Find Your Match?
The Soothing Cleansing Gel is available individually or as part of our Starter Kit — the easiest way to try the full Skinlycious double-cleanse routine.
✦ A gentle daily cleanser for oily, acne-prone & normal skin.
✦ A soothing gel cleanser for sensitive, sensitized & acne-prone skin.
Soothing Cleansing Gel
Removes sunscreen & makeup thoroughly
About the Author
Jasmine Kang
Founder of Skinlycious - a skincare brand built specially for acne-prone, oily-prone, and sensitive skin. A mompreneur with a Biomedical Science degree and a Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, Jasmine spent 14 years fighting acne and another 10 years refining her formulas alongside fellow acne fighters to perfect the Skinlycious range.
Her greatest joy? Helping people get clear, smooth and glowing skin and regain confidence through her Match+Balance System™.
