Why You Shouldn't Ignore SPF Expiry Dates: The Importance of Using In-Date Products for Skin Protection

Rebecca Knubley
Nov 14, 2024
4 min read

Picture this: you’re about to head out for a sunny beach walk in Australia (how blessed are you?), where the ozone layer is notoriously thin, and Australians experience up to 15% more UV exposure than Europeans. Crazy, right? It’s no wonder Australia holds the record for the highest melanoma skin cancer rate in the world. But before my walk, I made a horrifying discovery in my parents’ cupboard all their SPF bottles were expired! Here I was, thinking they were the ultimate sun-safe Aussies. This raised a big red flag about the importance of SPF expiry dates and inspired me to write this blog. And to answer the big question—does expired SPF still work? Absolutely not. Expired SPF won’t shield you from harmful UV rays, which can lead to serious skin damage and increase cancer risks.

As a skincare enthusiast, I’m here to shed some light on why SPF expiry dates are no joke and how keeping your SPF up-to-date can seriously improve your skin protection routine. So, let this blog post be your cue: go check those cupboards! And if your parents still have that sunscreen from their 2019 trip to Greece, it’s time to toss it!

Understanding SPF and Its Function;

SPF measures how well a sunscreen shields your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. SPF also protects against long-term skin damage, like premature aging. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%—a small difference that adds up over time. Though we often think of sunscreen only for beach days, over 90% of UV rays penetrate light clouds, meaning sunscreen is a daily must, rain or shine.

The Realities of Expiry Dates;

Yes, sunscreen has an expiry date, and it matters. Most sunscreens remain effective for around three years, but this varies by brand and formulation. After expiry, active ingredients break down, making the SPF less effective or completely ineffective. Using expired sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to UV damage. A recent survey found that nearly 50% of people don’t check the expiration date on their SPF, which can lead to a false sense of protection.

Fresh sunscreen effectively shields your skin from harmful rays and often includes added benefits like antioxidants or hydration. This also applies to skincare in general—active ingredients in products like retinol lose potency over time. While some products, like organic oils, may still be fine to use, SPF and active skincare items should be replaced when expired to ensure they do what they promise. Investing in fresh, effective sunscreen is essential for true skin protection.

How to correctly store your sun screen;

When sunscreen is exposed to light, heat, and air, its chemical structure can change over time. This degradation reduces its ability to absorb UV radiation effectively. While most SPF products contain organic and inorganic compounds that work together for protection, these compounds can lose efficacy as they age.

Imagine spending a day at the beach, diligently applying what you believe is a protective layer but realising too late that it's expired. This experience highlights why I check the expiry date on my sunscreen before each use.

How you store your sunscreen can impact its longevity. To preserve its effectiveness, I follow these storage tips:

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep sunscreen in a cool, dark area, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Keep the Lid Tight: Ensure the cap is secured to prevent air from compromising the product.
Don't leave in your car or sun-basket outside: The temperature in your car can increase high in the day and it can cause the sun screen to break down and loose effectiveness.

Signs Your Sunscreen Has Expired;

Still using last year’s sunscreen? It might be fine, but here’s what to check: If there’s no expiration date on the bottle, look for a small image of an open jar with “12M” or “6M” on it. This symbol shows how long the product is effective once opened (12 months, 6 months, etc.). You can also use an online cosmetic calculator, like checkcosmetic.net, which asks for the product’s barcode to tell you when it was manufactured and whether it may have expired. According to the FDA, sunscreens usually maintain their original strength for up to three years (unless an expiration date is listed). Beyond three years, it’s best to toss it out.

In addition to checking the dates, here are some signs your sunscreen may no longer be effective:

• Separation: If the product looks separated, or has changed from a thick cream to a watery consistency, it may not work as well.

• Colour Change: A noticeable shift in colour can be a sign that it’s time to replace it.

• Odor: An odd or strong smell may mean the active ingredients have broken down.

Bonus question - Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen

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Mineral Sunscreens Offer the most protection because they're literally creating a physical seperation between you and the sun.

Anisha Patel, M.D.

Physician

	Chemical Sunscreen	Mineral Sunscreen (Physical)
How they protect us -	Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays by changing their chemical structure to reduce sun damage. No white cast.	The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light. They don’t absorb into the skin. Leaves a white cast.

Thank you for reading this post! I hope it’s given you some insight and answered any questions you had about sunscreen expiration. If you enjoyed it or have more questions, please feel free to leave a comment—I’d be happy to help. See you next time, and don’t forget to slip, slop, slap!

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. All information shared is based on personal experiences and insights. The author does not claim to be a medical professional, and the content should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical guidance. It is essential to consult with your doctor, therapist, or counselor before implementing any practices discussed in this blog post. The author holds no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Thank you for your understanding.