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The sun's rays are no joke. It's safer to dispose of expired sunscreen rather than risk it.
Fuse/Getty ImagesIn life, there are moments when we want to be absolutely certain that our protective equipment is reliable. For example, a police officer must be confident that their bulletproof vest is effective. Similarly, a deep-sea diver needs to ensure their breathing apparatus is fully operational.
However, many people tend to overlook potential risks when the threat isn't visible. One such case is sun exposure. We might casually apply some sunscreen when spending the day at the beach, but how many of us can truly be sure it will protect us? It's a critical concern. The sun's harmful ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays can cause burns, premature aging, and even skin cancer (including aggressive malignant melanoma). It's unwise to take skin protection lightly.
To ensure you're getting the best protection from your sunscreen, there are a few key steps. First, apply it generously and frequently, at least 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Second, verify that your sunscreen is not expired. Over time, sunscreen loses its effectiveness, reducing its sun protection factor (SPF). [source: Gibson].
Unfortunately, unlike food and medications, determining the expiration date of sunscreen isn't always straightforward. Some sunscreens have the date printed on the label, but not all, and adding an expiration date is optional for manufacturers; they claim their products will remain effective for two to three years [source: CBS News].
While it’s reassuring to know that many proven products exist, the absence of clear expiration dates can still confuse consumers. Here are some ways to check if your sunscreen is likely still good to use:
- Check for an expiration date. Although it's not required, some sunscreen brands choose to include an expiration date on the label.
- Don't use sunscreen older than three years. If it’s been over three years since your purchase (or if you can’t recall when you bought it), dispose of it and buy a new bottle. Write the date of purchase on your new sunscreen to track its usage better.
- Replace sunscreen sooner if it's been stored in a hot place. Heat can break down sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness. If you’ve kept it in your car or beach bag, consider replacing it sooner.
- Discard sunscreen that has changed in color, smell, or texture. These changes often indicate that the product is no longer effective.
- Avoid buying sunscreen in bulk. While it's handy to have extra sunscreen, purchasing too many bottles at once can lead to one or more going bad before you use them up. Throwing out expired, unused sunscreen wastes money and harms the environment.
Keep reading for more detailed information on sun protection.
