Does sunscreen go out of date? Here's how to tell if your SPF has expired:
How long does sunscreen last?, which basically denotes how many months the product will stay ‘good’ for after you first open it. This should be fairly easy to spot, most often appearing as a symbol that looks like the outline of a moisturiser tub with a number and the letter M inside. 12M means it’s good for a year, 24M means it’s good for two years, and so on.
As for SPF? “Usually the sunscreen should be valid for 36 months from the date of the production, if not opened. If opened it is usually valid for 6 to 12 months, but be sure to check the packaging,” explains Dr Lens.What’s the problem with using expired sunscreen? It’s pretty simple. “Expired sunscreen does not provide protection and that is why it is bad to put it on your skin,” explains Dr Lens. It won’t necessarily have an adverse effect on the skin, but as the protective filters degrade over time, wearing old sunscreen has the same protection as wearing none at all.As Dr Lens explains, the main thing that will cause a sunscreen to expire is the degradation of the sunscreen ingredients.
Dr Lens admits that the only way to test just how useless an expired sunscreen is would be through a quantitative analysis. “However, smell and texture are also very important indicators of the stability of the formulation,” he adds. If you notice your SPF has changed texture, perhaps turning lumpy or a bit drier than usual, or if you notice the smell is a bit off, then it’s likely the sunscreen will no longer be effective.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Everything you need to know about sunscreen, from SPF to shelf lifeWe've got expert advice on every type of formula, from facial sun creams to protection for your baby
Read more »
Celebs Go Dating is postponed after coronavirus pandemic ruins dating showCELEBS Go Dating has been postponed amid the coronavirus spread and may not return until at least 2021. TV bosses have pulled the plug on the E4 celebrity dating show which was meant to kick off fi…
Read more »
'Until you see me with someone, I'm a nun': Maya Jama on why she's not talking about relationships anymoreTop independent hun alert: MayaJama is done talking about dating 🙌
Read more »
Everything you need to know about sunscreen, from SPF to shelf lifeWe've got expert advice on every type of formula, from facial sun creams to protection for your baby
Read more »
Virtual date tips and ideas from the experts to help you ace video datesFrom staying safe to navigating video dates.
Read more »
Geordie Shore's Abbie reveals she's going bald due to stress of trollsGEORDIE Shore’s Abbie Holborn has revealed she’s going bald over the stress of cruel trolls branding her “fish eyes”. The 22-year-old was left with huge bald patches all ove…
Read more »