Simple Ways to Get Permanent Marker off Skin

We have discovered a few tips to help you quickly remove Permanent Marker! Any of the techniques on the following list are safe to try out. To learn more, continue reading.

Permanent ink, like that used in Sharpie markers, only touches the skin’s surface, unlike tattoo ink, which is actually ingrained into the skin. It will therefore eventually disappear over a few days. If you want to get permanent marker stains off your skin more quickly, there might be some options available.

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Skin

According to the Northern New England Poison Center, permanent marker can take two to three days to naturally disappear from the skin.

You can also include one of the following techniques in your washing routine if you want to get the marker off a little more quickly. Before seeing results, you’ll probably need to repeat these techniques several times.

You should refrain from applying harsh ingredients to your skin. Baking soda and bleach are some examples. Moreover, avoid using any ingredients to which you are known to be allergic.

Sea Salt Scrub

Natural exfoliating properties exist in sea salt. You can create a mild scrub by combining baking soda and warm water. For a paste, try making a mixture of equal parts warm water and salt water. Twice per day, gently massage the scrub into your skin. Do not rub.

Olive Oil Or Coconut Oil

Apply a small amount of coconut or olive oil, if you have any on hand, to your skin and gently rub it in before rinsing. These oils may aid in adhesion to your epidermis. The oil should then adhere to the permanent marker stains on your skin and aid in their gentle removal.

Baby Oil

Mineral oil, also known as baby oil, is supposed to be able to absorb any substances by attaching to extra oils on the skin. Theoretically, permanent marker stains could also be removed using this method.

Before washing and rinsing as usual, apply a small amount of oil to the afflicted area. Applying extra oils, however, could result in more breakouts if you have skin that is prone to acne. (Read More: Acne Marks vs Acne Scars)

1. Take some oil in your hand.
2. To the area that is impacted, gently apply it.
3. Apply gentle circular motions as you massage it in.
4. Utilize a wet washcloth to remove it.
5. With a mild cleanser, rinse off any extra residue.
6. 2-3 times daily repetitions.

Like other natural home remedies, you might need to repeat this a few times daily to completely remove the marker stains. Be cautious to avoid any contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth while applying it to your baby’s face or hands.

Whitening Toothpaste

The same qualities of whitening toothpaste that help to remove surface stains from your teeth may also help to remove permanent marker stains from your skin. Use this approach twice daily.

As an added bonus, you can exfoliate with a brand-new toothbrush. Gently massage the dyed skin in a circular motion, then thoroughly rinse.

Read More: How Often Should I Use Whitening Strips

Chemical-based Removers

In a pinch, you can get rid of the pigments in permanent markers using household chemical-based removers. These include:

• rubbing alcohol
• nail polish remover
• hand sanitizer

You may utilize these up to twice daily. Apply a small amount with a cotton ball, then rinse with warm water.

Banana Peel

Anecdotal reports suggest that some people have also had success removing permanent markers from their skin using banana peels.

1. Unpeel 1 ripe banana.
2. Circularly rub the inside of the peel over the area that has been painted with the marker.
3. Keep going for a while.
4. Rinse off with water.
5. Use a different peel after that.

Butter

If you don’t have any other oils or lotions at home, you can use butter because it has similar properties.

1. Take a small amount of butter to begin.
2. It over the marker stain with a spreader.
3. A few minutes should pass.
4. Use a soft cloth to apply butter gently to the marker stain.
5. Rub the stain in a circular motion until it fades and is removed.
6. Rinse thoroughly using warm water and a gentle cleanser.

Makeup Remover

Another way to get permanent marker off your skin is with makeup remover. Comparing this to household chemical-based removers, it is also a less abrasive option. Apply with a cotton ball, then massage for a few seconds in a circular motion. Completely rinse with warm water.

Creams and Lotions

• Sunscreen

Alcohol can be found in sunscreen, especially spray-on and quick-drying varieties. This aids in dissolving the permanent marker’s ink pigments.

1. To completely cover the marker-stained area, mist sunscreen on it.
2. Allow it to remain on and take effect for a while.
3. To remove it, wipe with a washcloth or paper towel.
4. To completely remove it, repeat at regular intervals.

As an alternative, you could spray sunscreen on the paper towel and use that to remove the marker stain.

• Shaving Cream

Oil and soap are frequently combined in shaving cream. These two elements can both be useful in removing the ink from the skin.

1. Put just enough shaving cream in your hand to cover the injured area.
2. Leave it on for a while to let it absorb and begin to work on the ink stain.
3. Work the shaving cream into the skin by applying it with a wet washcloth.
4. Rinse with warm water, then pat yourself dry.
5. To calm the skin, apply moisturizer.
6. Repeat as required.

Is Ink on the Skin Unhealthy?

The conventional permanent markers that you can buy at office supply stores aren’t meant for skin. In fact, common permanent markers include poisonous components like toluene, xylene, and resin.

Mild skin irritation may happen if these markers come into contact with your skin. Redness, swelling, and itching are some of the symptoms. The fumes from permanent markers can also irritate your nose, mouth, and eyes.

Safest Ink for Skin

It’s unlikely that a permanent ink accident will result in any negative symptoms. That being said, you shouldn’t intentionally apply permanent marker to your skin.

You should look for markers made specifically for the skin if you’re interested in using them on your skin for temporary tattoos or sports. These are waterproof as well, but unlike regular Sharpie markers, they don’t contain any harmful substances.

Tips and Precautions to Get Sharpie Off Skin

• Choose Skin-safe Ink

While Sharpie stains occasionally happen to be unintentional, they should only be used on the surfaces for which they were designed. Permanent markers are not intended for use on skin, so you should avoid using them to create any type of face painting or tattoo on your body. You can purchase skin-safe markers made especially for creating tattoos or other body art if you’re interested in doing so. These are not only chemical-free but also waterproof.

• Keep Child-appropriate Markers

Try to keep small children away from permanent markers. Keep kid-friendly paints and markers in places around the house that are simple to get to. Kids can paint their faces and bodies with a variety of erasable and washable markers that are available. Similar to this, keeping canvases and drawing boards nearby for kids would encourage them to use them more frequently than scribbling markers on their skin.

• Always Do A Patch Test

Always perform a patch test before using any non-skin product on your skin for the first time. Apply a tiny bit to a concealed area of your body and wait a while to check for any sensitivity or allergies. Use it to erase the Sharpie marks from your skin only after you are certain that it is safe to do so.

• Avoid Eye And Mouth Contact

Be cautious to avoid any contact with the eyes, mouth, or hands when applying any cream or lotion to a child’s skin. Even if it’s baby oil or lotion, keep it away from your mouth and eyes.

• Alcohol Is Flammable

Make sure the kids are under adult supervision when using household products containing alcohol, such as hand sanitizer, nail polish remover, or any other spray. Alcohol is highly flammable and readily evaporates in the air (5), (6).

Additionally, some people may experience allergies or burns when using products like vinegar, alcohol, and spirit undiluted. Wash it off immediately if it causes you any discomfort.

• Risk Of Friction Burn

Never manually rub the area to try to get the pigment out. It can make your skin more sensitive and result in friction burns. Any pigment that remains can be covered up with concealer.

Do you want to know how long it takes to remove Sharpie from skin? In the following section, learn more.

How Long Does It Take to Get Sharpie Off Skin?

Sharpie marks can naturally fade away after a few days with regular bathing and washing, as well as our body’s natural oil secretion. The quickest way to remove a Sharpie from your skin is with rubbing alcohol or any other chemical-based remover. The Sharpie marks can typically be completely eliminated with all other natural oils and everyday items after 1-2 days of repeated use.

Because of frequent washings and the pores’ normal oil production, permanent markers would eventually wash off your skin. But if you have a special occasion coming up and are thinking, “how to get Sharpie off the skin,” any of the home items listed above can help. You shouldn’t scrub or rub your skin too vigorously to prevent irritation or injury. Prior to using anything on your skin for the first time, be sure to check the ingredients and perform a patch test. To rule out any allergic reactions, you should see a doctor if you experience swelling or rashes after using a permanent marker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Get Ink Poisoning from Drawing on Yourself With a Sharpie?

No, using a Sharpie to draw on your skin won’t make you ill with ink.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Remove Sharpie?

Yes, you can remove Sharpie from your skin using hydrogen peroxide. Pour it onto a washcloth or piece of paper, then rub the stain gently to remove the color.

Does Bleach Remove Sharpie?

Yes, bleach can assist with Sharpie removal. To dissolve the ink, you should use diluted bleach (1/7 part bleach to water).

Is It Healthy to Have Permanent Marker on Skin?

The use of permanent marker on skin is not recommended. Numerous permanent markers contain substances and chemicals that can be damaging to your skin. The worst that can happen from these substances is that they can be toxic and harm your organs. At best, they might result in an allergic skin reaction or rash. Wherever possible, try to stay away from using permanent markers on your skin.

Are Sharpie Tattoos Safe?

Sharpie does not support the application of their pens to the skin for body art like applying lip or eyeliner, creating temporary tattoos, or retouching permanent tattoos. While some Sharpies are non-toxic, others contain neurotoxins that can harm your organs. Use caution when using Sharpies on your face or other exposed skin. Maybe think about using a specialized tool like a tattoo marker or body art pen.

What to Avoid When Removing Permanent Marker Stains from Skin?

Many different solvents are very good at getting rid of various kinds of tough stains from various kinds of surfaces. However, permanent marker on the skin is a completely different issue, and given that it is already unhealthy for you, you should avoid using any substances that might worsen the situation. If you must use rubbing alcohol, choose ethanol-based versions because they are safer than isopropyl ones. It is best to avoid using bleach, baking soda, and solvents like benzene, acetone, toluene, or methanol.

How Long Do Permanent Marker Stains Stay on Skin?

Depending on the makeup of the ink, it may take two to three days for permanent marker or Sharpie stains to naturally fade if you don’t make any direct attempts to remove them from your skin.

Conclusion

With regular washing and the natural oils from your pores, permanent marker will eventually fade. However, take into account the above-mentioned home remedies if you want to remove marker stains a little more quickly.

Use caution, however, and abstain from using any substance to which you are aware of your allergies or sensitivities. Consult a physician if skin rashes or swelling resulting from permanent marker stains appear.