Sunscreen can also separate over time since it is made with ingredients such as oils and water that naturally want to layer. As time goes by, the UV-blocking power of your sunscreen gradually begins to decline, putting you at a higher risk of sun damage. The biggest risk of holding on to that old bottle of zinc oxide sunscreen is reduced SPF. Unfortunately, it's never a good idea to use expired sunscreen. You now know that mineral sunscreen expires, but you might still be wondering if it's safe to apply SPF that has already passed its prime. In general, it's recommended to keep your sunscreen in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality. Avoid placing the product in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight, heat, or significant temperature fluctuations between hot and cold. To ensure that your water resistant sunscreen lasts for as long as possible, be sure to store it properly. Sunscreen that has passed its expiration date no longer remains at its original quality. Most sunscreens maintain efficacy for two to three years after the manufacturing date. Since every product is different, the Food and Drug Administration requires sunscreens to undergo stability testing to find out how long a sunscreen’s active ingredients are at their best.
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Sunscreen has a shelf life that must be honored to ensure optimal sun protection. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Some people mistakenly believe that, unlike food, sunscreen never really expires. Keep these tips in mind the next time you find an old bottle in the medicine cabinet. Should you go ahead and apply your expired sunscreen? Or is it better to swap it out for a brand-new bottle?īefore you make a decision, we've compiled some basic guidelines on using mineral sunscreen or zinc oxide sunscreen safely and effectively. The date on the bottom of the bottle alerts you that the product expired last year.
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You're just about to slather it on when something stops you. As you prepare for your next beach trip, you open the medicine cabinet and reach for your trusted bottle of sunscreen. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money.It's that time of year again: the sun’s rays are getting stronger, and the weather calls for ample time outdoors. This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. So next time you won’t need to ask “Does sunscreen expire? ” - because now you know! If this means you might want to stock up on a new bottle or two, check out our vetted selection of this year’s best sunscreens and tanning products. If it’s watery or smells funny, it’s probably spoiled, according to Consumer Reports. When a bottle is exposed to heat, say in a hot beach bag or tossed on your lounge chair, the lotion inside can undergo chemical changes.ĭiscard sunscreen that’s undergone noticeable changes in color, texture or consistency. Heat and sun can make sunscreen less effective before the expiration date.Ĭhemical sunscreens work on the notion of absorbing and scattering UV rays. When you have it at the beach or pool, place the container in the shade or wrapped with a towel. It’s best tucked away in a cool, dark cabinet, which will shield it from unnecessary exposure to excessive heat or direct sun. Adobe Keeping Your Sunscreen Safeīe mindful of where you store your sunscreen. Three years later, any remaining lotion should be tossed. You may wish to write the date of purchase on the bottle yourself. The FDA requires the same expiration date labeling requirements for sunscreens as over-the-counter medications, so sunscreen bottles must have an expiration date unless they’ve been tested to work as advertised for at least three years. You also need a broad-spectrum sunscreen that you apply liberally and frequently.
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To prevent damage from UV rays, you should wear proper, protective clothing. Too much exposure to sunlight can cause long-term health issues.
Does sunscreen expire skin#
UVB rays cause sunburns and are more seriously implicated than UVA rays in skin cancer and aging.
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UVA rays also play a role in cancer formation. UVA rays, which make up most of the sunlight that reaches us, are longer wavelengths that cause premature aging along with eye damage. There are two main types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reach the earth from the sun - UVA and UVB. What You Need To Know About Sun Protection And Sunscreen Using sunblock properly lowers the risk of skin damage and premature aging - not to mention painful sunburns - even if you’re spending all your summer days out on the beach (lucky you!).īut have you ever caught yourself wondering, does sunscreen expire? When did you buy that half-empty bottle of sunscreen, anyway? Here’s an easy guideline to follow: If you can’t remember when you bought the bottle, it might be time to toss it. Sunscreen might be one the best tools you have to protect your skin from the dangerous UV rays of the sun.