Permanent markers, such as Sharpies, can be difficult to remove from skin. This often happens with children. Don't harm your child by using harsh chemicals on his delicate face to remove the marker. Whether the marker is on your child or you accidentally got some on yourself, there are simple ways to remove it.
Step 1
Soak in the tub. If possible, take a long bath to help remove some of the marker. Marker comes off in time, as the oils in your skin washes it away and as a new layer of skin surfaces.
Step 2
Moisten a soft washcloth with warm water and pour on a drop of dishwashing liquid. Gently scrub the marker off the skin. Rinse the washcloth and repeat as needed. Use a cotton swab if the marker is near the eyes to avoid getting soap in the eyes. If the marker is covering the entire body, you can put on some dish liquid in the shower.
Step 3
Squirt a bit of shaving cream onto a cotton ball. Rub the shaving cream over the marker. Use a wet washcloth to wash off the marker and shaving cream.
Step 4
Rub a cotton ball coated with baby oil over the marker stain for another gentle method. Rinse with warm water.
Step 5
Scrub some rubbing alcohol or fingernail polish remover into the marker stain to remove it. Use this method only on adults and specifically if the marker is on the hands. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose or mouth when using these ingredients.
Tips and Warnings
- Use gentle strokes to rub off the marker. A hard scrub may further embed the marker into the skin. If scrubbing the skin causes irritation, try applying some soothing aloe vera gel to the sore skin.
- Don't use harsh ingredients on a child. If you can't get the marker to come off, leave it there. Avoid alcohol contact with the eyes.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Cotton balls
- Wash cloth
- Shaving cream
- Baby oil
- Alcohol (rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover)
