How Long Can You Still Use Sunscreen? Find Out Here!

2023-06-16 13:13:22

(Image: Unsplash)

We are Dutch. The sun is shining, the temperatures are high and so we can say ‘it’s hot, isn’t it?’ speak enough again. Party, although you have to think about a few things. For example, rubbing your body with sunscreen to prevent unpleasant, and especially painful, situations. But how long can you actually use the stuff?

If it when it comes to food, many people are quickly concerned with the expiration date, but you don’t hear much about it when it comes to sunburn. Does the liquid protection even have such a date, and if so, how long can you use it after opening?

How long can you use sunscreen?

Anyone who thinks that their bottle of sunscreen will last forever is wrong. Although it can last quite a long time closed, the dam is broken as soon as you unscrew the cap. The question, however, is how long you have before that sunburn is no longer useful.

Not many people know that every bottle of sunscreen indicates this neatly. There are even packages that indicate how long you can use the remedy after opening. In most cases that is about 12 months.

If you personally don’t like the numbers and prefer to discover it yourself, that’s it according to Quest also possible. You can smell, feel and see quite quickly when sunburn is no longer good. The smell is different and it doesn’t mix as well anymore when you shake the bottle.

The question of whether you can still use your sunscreen from last year therefore depends entirely on when you opened it. It won’t make you sick, but it won’t protect you properly anymore. When the expiration date has passed, you can lubricate whatever you want, but you will burn.

Burn baby burn (Image: Unsplash)

Is it possible to extend the shelf life?

Although we don’t recommend it, it is possible to extend the shelf life of your sunscreen. For example, in the summer it is better to store it in the shade than in the sun, and you should certainly not put it in the fridge. The stuff stays good for longer if you store it at room temperature.

Given the cost of a bottle of sunscreen (don’t get me started), I’m sure you might want to give your bottle another chance. Just go by your gut, but know that there is a risk that you will still come off the beach like a lobster. A backup is therefore certainly not an unnecessary luxury.

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Can you still use your sunscreen from last year?