As the weather warms up, more people are reaching for their sunscreen.
Specifically, many people pull sunscreen out of their drawers or bags and use it again, but most consider whether it’s okay if it’s past its expiration date at least once before using it. In actuality, many people continue to use sunscreen after its expiration date without giving it much thought, but this practice can lead to several issues for the health of their skin.
Sunscreen is a useful cosmetic that shields the skin from damage and irritation by blocking UV rays. It is effective when the UV-blocking components that protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays stay stable and at a specific concentration. However, sunscreen that has passed its expiration date is more likely to degrade or disintegrate, greatly diminishing its initial ability to block UV rays.
The main issue is the loss of skin protection. Expired sunscreens’ SPF or PA values may become so weak that they are rendered ineffective. If the sunscreen is not effective, skin exposed to intense sunlight can easily become irritated and develop pigmentation, including freckles, blemishes, and spots. Long-term skin aging speeds up, and in extreme situations, the risk of skin cancer or skin elasticity declines due to photoaging.
Furthermore, skin issues caused by the product’s degradation are a concern. Because sunscreens contain various ingredients, including fragrances, preservatives, and emulsifiers, their stability deteriorates over time, allowing bacteria to grow. If you use sunscreen that has degraded in this manner, you risk allergic reactions or skin issues like pimples, erythema, and itching. Children and those with sensitive skin are particularly at risk.
The time frame for use after opening is just as significant as the expiration date. Sunscreen should generally be used within six to twelve months after opening. Marks like “12M” or “6M,” which indicate to use within 12 months or 6 months after opening, vary depending on the product. If the product is left out for an extended period, it may lose its functionality even if the expiration date is still approaching.
It is best to stop using sunscreen if it is discolored, has a powerful smell, or has strange ingredients, such as separated water and oil. These alterations could indicate that the UV-blocking component has been compromised or the product has already degraded.
Is there another way to use expired sunscreen? Some people apply it at home when they’re not going out, or they lightly spread it on their arms or legs. However, this could be risky and jeopardize your skin’s health. Even indoors, UV rays can penetrate through windows, and products with weaker blocking capabilities can irritate the skin and be ineffective. In summary, because sunscreen is a product applied directly to the skin, you should carefully inspect it for deterioration before use and check the expiration and use-by dates.
Sunscreen protects the skin year-round, not just in summer. If you want to protect your skin’s health, discarding and replacing old products with new ones is wise.
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