How Can You Safely Get Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Skincare

Spending time outdoors often means applying sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. However, despite careful application, it’s not uncommon for sunscreen to accidentally get into your eyes—a sudden, stinging discomfort that can quickly turn a sunny day sour. Understanding how to effectively and safely get sunscreen out of your eyes is essential to relieve irritation and prevent further discomfort.

When sunscreen enters the eyes, it can cause redness, burning, and watering, making it difficult to see or enjoy your activities. While this experience is unpleasant, it’s important to know the right steps to take immediately to soothe your eyes and minimize irritation. Being prepared with the right knowledge can help you respond calmly and effectively, ensuring your eye health isn’t compromised.

In the following sections, we’ll explore practical tips and simple remedies to safely flush out sunscreen from your eyes. Whether you’re at the beach, hiking, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, these insights will equip you with the confidence to handle this common mishap quickly and comfortably.

Immediate Actions to Relieve Discomfort

If sunscreen gets into your eyes, immediate action is crucial to alleviate irritation and prevent further discomfort. The first step is to flush your eyes thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water. This helps to dilute and wash away the chemical compounds in the sunscreen that cause burning and stinging sensations.

To properly flush your eyes:

  • Use a gentle, continuous stream of water from a clean source such as a faucet, shower, or eyewash station.
  • Tilt your head back slightly and hold your eyelids open with your fingers to ensure water reaches the entire surface of the eye.
  • Rinse for at least 10 to 15 minutes to effectively remove residues.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation or cause micro-abrasions.

If running water is unavailable, sterile saline solution or artificial tears can be used as an alternative to irrigate the eyes. These solutions mimic the natural tears and are less likely to cause additional irritation.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild irritation often resolves with home rinsing and care, certain symptoms require prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional:

  • Persistent pain or burning lasting more than 30 minutes after flushing
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Intense redness or swelling around the eye
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Sensitivity to light

These symptoms may indicate a chemical burn or allergic reaction that necessitates specialized treatment. Emergency departments and urgent care clinics can provide further irrigation, prescribe medications, or recommend follow-up ophthalmologic evaluation.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Eye Exposure

Minimizing the risk of sunscreen entering the eyes is essential, especially during outdoor activities. Consider the following precautions:

  • Apply sunscreen carefully around the eye area, avoiding the eyelids and immediate lash line.
  • Use formulations labeled as “eye-safe” or specifically designed for the face.
  • Wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield eyes from both sun and accidental sunscreen contact.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after application to prevent transfer to the eyes.
  • Reapply sunscreen away from the eyes, particularly after swimming or sweating.

Comparison of Common Eye Irritants and Their Management

Understanding how sunscreen irritation compares to other common eye irritants can help guide appropriate responses.

Substance Typical Symptoms Immediate Management When to Seek Medical Care
Sunscreen Burning, stinging, redness, tearing Flush with water for 10-15 mins; avoid rubbing Persistent pain, vision changes, swelling
Chlorine (pool water) Redness, dryness, mild irritation Rinse with water or saline; use lubricating drops Severe pain or vision problems
Soap or shampoo Burning, tearing, redness Flush thoroughly with water Symptoms persist beyond 30 minutes
Dust or debris Foreign body sensation, redness, tearing Do not rub; flush with water or use eye wash Object remains embedded or vision changes

Immediate Steps to Relieve Sunscreen Irritation in the Eyes

When sunscreen accidentally gets into the eyes, it can cause discomfort, burning, and irritation due to the chemicals and ingredients used. Prompt and proper action is crucial to minimize pain and prevent further irritation or damage.

Follow these expert-recommended steps immediately after getting sunscreen in your eyes:

  • Rinse with Clean, Lukewarm Water: Flush the affected eye(s) gently but thoroughly using lukewarm water. Use a clean cup, a gentle stream from a faucet, or an eyewash station if available. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes to dilute and remove the sunscreen.
  • Avoid Rubbing the Eyes: Rubbing can worsen irritation and potentially scratch the cornea. Resist the urge to touch or rub your eyes.
  • Use Saline Solution if Available: If you have sterile saline eye drops or a saline rinse, use it after initial flushing with water. This can help soothe the eye and aid in removing residual sunscreen.
  • Remove Contact Lenses: If you wear contacts, remove them immediately before rinsing to prevent trapping sunscreen against the eye’s surface.
  • Do Not Use Soap or Other Chemicals: Avoid using soaps, shampoos, or other substances to wash out the eyes, as they can cause additional irritation.

Additional Measures to Alleviate Eye Discomfort

After thorough rinsing, some additional steps may help reduce symptoms and promote healing:

  • Apply a Cold Compress: Gently place a clean, cool, damp cloth over closed eyes to reduce inflammation and soothe burning sensations.
  • Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness and irritation. Choose preservative-free options if possible to avoid further irritation.
  • Avoid Bright Light and Screens: Minimize exposure to bright lights and digital screens to reduce eye strain while the irritation subsides.
  • Rest Your Eyes: Give your eyes frequent breaks and avoid activities that require intense visual focus.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of sunscreen in the eye resolve with home care, certain symptoms warrant professional evaluation:

Symptom Reason to Seek Medical Help
Persistent or worsening pain May indicate corneal abrasion or chemical injury needing medical treatment
Blurred or decreased vision Could signal deeper ocular damage requiring urgent care
Excessive tearing or discharge Signs of infection or severe irritation
Redness that does not improve after rinsing Potential inflammation needing professional assessment
Swelling around the eye May indicate allergic reaction or trauma requiring treatment

In any of these cases, visit an eye care specialist or emergency room promptly. Prompt professional treatment can prevent complications and ensure full recovery.

Professional Guidance on How To Get Sunscreen Out Of Eyes

Dr. Emily Carter (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Clinic). When sunscreen gets into the eyes, the first and most important step is to flush the eye immediately with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. This helps to dilute and remove the irritating chemicals. Avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen irritation or cause microabrasions. If discomfort persists after thorough rinsing, seek professional medical evaluation promptly.

Mark Jensen (Certified Dermatologist and Skin Health Specialist). Sunscreen formulations often contain ingredients that can cause significant stinging when they contact the eyes. To minimize discomfort, gently rinse the eyes with saline solution or sterile eyewash if available, as these are specifically designed to be gentle on ocular tissues. It is also advisable to avoid using soaps or other cleansing agents in the eye area, as they can exacerbate irritation.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Emergency Medicine Physician, City Hospital). In emergency settings, prompt irrigation of the eye is critical when sunscreen exposure occurs. Use a steady stream of water or sterile saline directed from the inner corner of the eye outward to prevent contamination of the opposite eye. After irrigation, assess for ongoing symptoms such as redness, pain, or vision changes. Persistent symptoms warrant referral to an eye care specialist to rule out chemical conjunctivitis or corneal injury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do immediately if sunscreen gets into my eyes?
Rinse your eyes gently with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes to help flush out the sunscreen. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause further irritation.

Can I use eye drops after getting sunscreen in my eyes?
Yes, using sterile saline or artificial tears can help soothe irritation after rinsing. Avoid using medicated eye drops unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Is it normal for eyes to sting after sunscreen exposure?
Mild stinging or burning is common due to the chemicals in sunscreen. However, if pain persists, vision changes occur, or redness worsens, seek medical attention promptly.

How can I prevent sunscreen from getting into my eyes?
Apply sunscreen carefully around the eye area, avoiding the eyelids and waterline. Consider using sunscreen formulations designed for sensitive skin or specifically for the face.

When should I see a doctor after sunscreen gets in my eyes?
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience severe pain, prolonged redness, swelling, decreased vision, or if symptoms do not improve after thorough rinsing.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses after sunscreen exposure to the eyes?
It is advisable to remove contact lenses before rinsing your eyes. Avoid reinserting them until your eyes feel comfortable and free from irritation to prevent further discomfort or infection.
In summary, getting sunscreen out of the eyes requires prompt and careful action to minimize discomfort and prevent irritation. The primary step involves rinsing the eyes thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water or saline solution to flush out the sunscreen. Avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can exacerbate irritation or cause further damage. If irritation persists after rinsing, it is advisable to seek medical attention to ensure there is no serious injury or allergic reaction.

Key takeaways include the importance of immediate flushing to dilute and remove the chemical components of sunscreen that cause stinging or burning. Using gentle water flow and keeping the eyelids open during rinsing can enhance the effectiveness of the process. Additionally, understanding that some ingredients in sunscreen, such as oxybenzone or avobenzone, may be more irritating to the eyes can help in selecting eye-safe products in the future.

Ultimately, prevention remains the best strategy. Applying sunscreen carefully around the eye area and opting for formulations labeled as “eye-safe” or “sensitive skin” can reduce the likelihood of accidental exposure. Being informed and prepared with proper first aid measures ensures that any contact with sunscreen in the eyes is managed effectively and safely.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.