It’s an age-old question every time summer comes around as you’re pulling your beach gear out of storage: “Does sunscreen expire?” The answer, in short, is yes. In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about that half-empty bottle of SPF 50 buried in the bottom your tote bag and whether to toss it or lather up.
How long sunscreens last depend on the speciific formula - make sure to check the label on the bottle for specific dates. The ingredients in both chemical and mineral sunscreens degrade over time and have proven to be much less effective or even damaging to the skin after a long period of time. In some cases, if the sunscreen is exposed to excessive heat or moisture, the degradation of these ingredients can be accelerated. To mitigate this risk, make sure all used sunscreen is stored correctly.
Going back to that half-used bottle of SPF 50 in your tote — there’s a few ways to tell if it’s expired even if there are no dates on the label and you can’t remember when you bought it. Here are a few indicators that your sunscreen has gone the way of the two-month-old carton of milk:
To put it simply: don’t use expired sunscreen. There are a few factors involved that may cause out-of-date SPF to do more harm than good. For one, the effectiveness of old sunscreen is greatly diminished, putting you at the risk of sun burn or sun damage even though you think you’re covered. There’s also the risk of contaminants or bacteria in your expired bottle (especially if it wasn’t sealed properly), increasing the likelihood of skin irritation, rash or worse.
After determining that your sunscreen is indeed expired, it’s best to recycle the bottle by following the recycling instructions on the label. This typically includes washing out the old product, removing the labeling and caps, etc. Proper recycling will give your discarded bottle the best chance of another fulfilling life in the form of PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) plastic.
How do you ensure your sunscreen doesn’t go bad? Make sure it’s living its best life in storage. A few tips:
Avoid using expired sunscreen. After a long period of time, the active ingredients degrade, lessening their effect on protecting you from the effects of not wearing sunscreen, such as sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Expired sunscreen is easy to detect since it results in the formula breaking down. Look for loose liquid mixed with chunky lotion (due to separation), a dingy yellowish color and an “off” scent. If any of the above are a, “Yes,” your sunscreen is ready for retirement.
Expired sunscreen has the capability of causing a rash — especially a bottle that hasn’t been cleaned or closed properly after each use. In these cases, it’s each for bacteria to grow and, when applied to your skin, can cause irritation or a break-out.
Does sunscreen block blue light? Some do, some don't, it all comes down to what's in the bottle. If you're wondering, can sunscreen block blue light? The answer is yes, but only certain formulas offer meaningful protection. Blue light comes from the sun and is emitted from every screen you look at, and it's been linked to dark spots and early signs of aging. The catch is that a lot of everyday sunscreens aren't built to block it. Here's which formulas actually help, and how to give your skin better backup against blue light.
If you've ever wondered, can you get sunburned under water, the answer is also yes because UV rays continue traveling below the surface. Your dip might feel like a refreshing break from the sun, but UV rays don’t stop at the surface. They travel right into the water with you, which means your skin could still get burned when surfing, swimming, or splashing around. Read on for why swimming can actually increase your burn risk, and how to stay protected while still making the most of your beach days. Because one thing about us, we’re staying in the water.
Do you need to wear sunscreen indoors? It sounds like overkill until you realize how much sun gets inside. If you're wondering, "should I wear sunscreen indoors?" the answer is yes, especially if you spend time near windows or in bright indoor spaces. Between the UVA rays slipping through your windows and the blue light off your screens, indoors isn't the safe space for your skin you might think it is. Here's when indoor SPF comes in clutch, what it protects against, and how to fit it into your routine.
Does SPF 30 vs. SPF 50 feel like choosing between green or red sauce on your burrito? We get it and we’ve got you. Here's what changes between the two and when to bump up.
Is 70 the new 50? When it comes to SPF, we love them both. From daily coverage in peak summer to all-out protection if your surf trip turns tropical (lucky you),if you’re comparing SPF 50 vs 70, or wondering does SPF 70 work better than 50, the answer comes down to how intense your sun exposure is.
We’re going for bronzed, not burned, and choosing between SPF 15 vs. SPF 30 can be the difference between the two. Here's what to know before you, ahem, reach for the bottle.
