As the summer approaches, the skin starts to suffer from adverse conditions. During the scorching heat and sunlight, the first protective shield for the skin is considered sunscreen. The primary purpose of using a sunscreen is to absorb or reflect some of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. That’s why sunscreen is also known as a sun-block, and it helps protect against sunburn.
When stepping out for a vacation after a long time, you may apply the sunscreen you have in your closet quickly without bothering to check whether or not it has expired. But the fact is that if you use an expired sunscreen lotion, you expose your skin to risk.
Critical things to know about an expired Sunscreen lotion
Sunscreen and expiration
Like any other cosmetic product, most sunscreens have a one to three year expiration time, and this duration is usually printed on the bottle.
If you notice a watery consistency of the sunscreen, you should know that it has expired, and you shouldn’t use it on your skin. It increases the risk of problems like skin cancer and blister breakouts. There are chances that you had bought the bottle three years back, and due to frequent opening and closing had exposed the product to bacteria.
Changes in sun-block
While a three-year expiration policy applies to many sunscreens, you still have to be watchful for any specific changes in the lotion’s composition. There’s a scientific formula used to manufacture all types of sun-blocks.
The chemicals usually begin to degrade over time, making the cream crystallize and separate. They also start to smell and look foul. This happens to mineral sunscreens too. Avoid using products that have come to such a stage of disintegration.
Replacing is crucial
Dermatologists recommend replacing your SPF every year to keep safe from sunburn and other skin problems. Ideally, it would help if you were using the sun-block very generously over your body’s exposed area.
Therefore the chances are that your product would finish before the expiration date. But if your sunscreen is exposed to heat by staying in your car or purse, it needs a replacement immediately.
When and how to apply
According to experts, you need to use a generous amount of the product on your body’s exposed area, twenty minutes before stepping out in the sun, even in the winter. It is excellent to put on your sunscreen the first thing in the morning after taking a shower. Instead, reapply it after every two hours.
Read – How to apply sunscreen?
The bottom line
Skincare is an essential part of the daily regime. The addition of antioxidants to your skin routine may help protect you from sun damage. Therefore, to safeguard from the harsh sun rays, ensure that the sunscreen you buy offers maximum protection and at least 30 SPF.