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It is important to remain aware of sunscreen expiration. It should also be thrown away in the case of change in color, odor, or consistency from the original purchase. The sunscreen and bottle can be thrown into the garbage when expired or three years after being purchased. This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Expired sunscreen should be disposed of once past its expiration date. 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. According to FDA guidelines, all sunscreens should have an expiration date unless stability testing conducted by the manufacturer has shown that the product will remain stable for at least three years. 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.
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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. 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. 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. 1 However, in sunscreen products that expire in less than three years, manufacturers are required to print an expiration date on the label. In these cases, the FDA does not require an expiration date to be printed on the products packaging. After that date, the company can no longer guarantee. What You Need To Know About Sun Protection And Sunscreen Not All Sunscreens Have Expiration Dates Most sunscreens have a three-year shelf life. Zeichner, sunscreens do have an expiration date, so they should be thrown away after that date passes. 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.
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Arthur, so definitely don’t apply an older bottle that’s been stored in the trunk of a hot car or in a place that doesn't have AC.Sunscreen might be one the best tools you have to protect your skin from the dangerous UV rays of the sun. “Extreme temperatures may lead to more rapid degradation of sunscreen, especially for chemical filters,” says Dr. According to Henry Lim, MD, a dermatologist in Detroit, Michigan, chemical formulations (ones with ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate) will degrade over time due to oxidation, while physical protectants (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) will begin to clump together, rendering them ineffective.Īnother thing that could speed up your bottle’s retirement party is heat exposure. The year rule should be applied to both chemical and physical sunscreens. Forgot to label it? A general rule of thumb is that if it’s more than a year old, it’s time to replace it. “If you buy a sunscreen that lacks an expiration date, it's helpful to write the purchase date on the product so you know how long you've had it,” advises Dr. SPF 100 Might Actually Work Better Than 50.People can ensure a bottle lasts by storing it in. The Best Sunscreens, According To Dermatologists Sunscreens expire by their expiration date or at least three years after their date of purchase.