Sunscreen: Don’t Risk Your Protection with Last Year’s Product
Sunscreen is vital for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, especially during summer. However, a common mistake people make is using last year’s sunscreen. Dermatologists and skincare experts warn that this practice may not be safe or effective.
Loss of Effectiveness
One of the main reasons to avoid last year’s sunscreen is its reduced effectiveness. The active ingredients in sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and chemical filters, can degrade over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and air. This degradation can significantly reduce the sunscreen’s ability to protect against UV rays.
Changes in Formula
Sunscreens can also experience changes in their formula over time. Separation of ingredients, changes in texture, or an unusual smell are signs that the product has begun to deteriorate. These changes not only reduce the efficacy of the sunscreen but can also cause skin irritation. Always check the appearance and smell of sunscreen before use and discard it if you notice any abnormalities.
Expiration Date
All sunscreens have an expiration date printed on the packaging. This date indicates until when the product will maintain its guaranteed effectiveness. Using expired sunscreen can mean that the active ingredients no longer work as they should. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends discarding sunscreen after three years of opening.
Inadequate Protection
Using expired or degraded sunscreen can lead to inadequate protection against ultraviolet rays, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) warns that insufficient sun protection can have serious long-term consequences.
Expert Recommendations
To avoid the risks associated with using last year’s sunscreen, experts recommend:
Storing sunscreen in a cool, dry place.
Regularly checking the expiration date and condition of the sunscreen.
Purchasing sunscreens in quantities that can be used within a season.
Applying sunscreen generously and reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating.