Why should I remove sunscreen at night even if I don’t wear makeup?

Sunscreens bond tightly to the skin and can trap pollutants and oils. If not removed, they may contribute to congestion, irritation and premature ageing. A hydrating lactic acid cleanser removes SPF effectively without stripping.

Do I still need a separate makeup remover?

Not usually. Dermalist’s Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser is formulated to break down makeup and SPF. For heavy eye makeup, you can pre-soak cotton rounds with a gentle remover if preferred.

What temperature water should I use to remove makeup and sunscreen?

Use tepid water. Very hot water can increase redness and irritation; very cold water can constrict and impede an effective cleanse.

Why should I remove sunscreen at night even if I don’t wear makeup?

Sunscreens bond tightly to the skin and can trap pollutants and oils. If not removed, they may contribute to congestion, irritation and premature ageing. A hydrating lactic acid cleanser removes SPF effectively without stripping.

Do I still need a separate makeup remover?

Not usually. Dermalist’s Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser is formulated to break down makeup and SPF. For heavy eye makeup, you can pre-soak cotton rounds with a gentle remover if preferred.

What temperature water should I use to remove makeup and sunscreen?

Use tepid water. Very hot water can increase redness and irritation; very cold water can constrict and impede an effective cleanse.

HOW TO CORRECTLY REMOVE MAKEUP AND SUNSCREEN AT NIGHT

Q: Can a lactic acid cleanser remove waterproof makeup and sunscreen?

Yes. The silky, non-foaming texture dissolves long-wear foundation, mascara and SPF while staying gentle on sensitive skin and supporting the skin barrier.

Q: Is it safe to use a lactic acid cleanser every night?

Absolutely. Lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs and is water-binding, making it suitable for nightly use to cleanse while boosting hydration and supporting the barrier.

Wondering how to remove makeup and sunscreen at night without damaging your skin?

At the end of a long day, removing makeup and sunscreen isn’t just about cleansing — it’s about protecting the health and longevity of your skin. Throughout the day, layers of foundation, SPF, sebum and invisible pollutants accumulate on the surface, leading to congestion, irritation and premature ageing if not properly removed. That’s why a nightly ritual with a hydrating lactic acid cleanser is essential. Unlike harsh foaming or makeup removers that strip the skin, Dermalist’s Ultra Hydrating Lactic Acid Cleanser dissolves even long-wear sunscreen and makeup while simultaneously replenishing moisture, refining texture and strengthening the skin barrier. The result? Clean, calm, radiant skin that’s ready to regenerate overnight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why remove sunscreen at night if I don’t wear makeup?

A: Sunscreens bond tightly to skin. If not removed, they can trap pollutants and clog pores. Our lactic acid cleanser removes both sunscreen and impurities without disrupting your skin barrier.

Q: Is it safe to use a lactic acid cleanser every night?

A: Absolutely. Lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs, making it safe for nightly cleansing while also hydrating and strengthening the skin.

Q: Can lactic acid cleanser remove waterproof makeup and sunscreen?

A: Yes. Its silky texture dissolves long-wear foundation and SPF while staying gentle on sensitive skin.

TRANSCRIPT

Many people believe you need a foaming, soapy cleanser to break down makeup and sunscreen. In reality, this silky, non-foaming formula does a far better job. It fully dissolves dirt, debris, impurities, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup without stripping or irritating the skin.Why is this nightly step so crucial?If makeup, SPF, oils, and pollution particles sit on the skin overnight, they can sink into pores, mix with sebum, and trigger minor inflammation.

Left untreated, this escalates into more visible issues like redness, sensitivity, breakouts, pigmentation, congestion, and even premature ageing.Cleansing at night allows your skin’s natural barrier to recover, while the actives in the Dermalist cleanser — including Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid (AHAs), Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Chamomile, Witch Hazel, and Green Tea — go to work. These ingredients gently resurface, hydrate, calm, and protect the skin, while polyglucoside emulsifiers help break down oils and makeup without harshness.

The Method

Start with clean hands and tie your hair back.Wet the skin with tepid water (not too hot, not too cold).

Apply the cleanser evenly across the face, then emulsify with a little water. You’ll see makeup instantly breaking down.
For a deeper cleanse, use the Dermalist SkinBuff Bamboo Charcoal Sponge, which gently lifts away residue while drawing out impurities.

Rinse and pat dry.

Repeat for a second cleanse. This time, the skin is makeup-free, so the actives can act as a treatment cleanse, feeding antioxidants, hydration, and barrier support into your skin.

Suzi’s tip: leave the second cleanse on your skin for 20–30 seconds like a treatment mask to let the actives really work.The result? Fresh, clean, calm, and hydrated skin — perfectly prepped for your evening skincare routine and overnight regeneration.

Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser (200ml)

$69.00

A silky, non-foaming cleanser that brightens & hydrates as it cleans.

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Skincare science, simplified.

How Lactic Acid Works: The Science & Real Benefits

Oct 03, 2025

by

Dermalist Skincare

Lactic acid isn’t just another AHA in the crowded skincare world, it’s the ingredient dermatologists and skin experts reach for when they want results without the irritation. But what makes it so unique? Let’s decode the science in a way that actually makes sense.