Does Sunscreen Expire?

If you're using SPF that's expired, you could be putting yourself at risk for sunburn or other skin damage. Here's when you need to get rid of that old bottle.

Have you been using the same sunscreen for a while? If you can't remember the last time you bought sunscreen, it's probably best to purchase a new one. This way, you can be confident that your sunscreen hasn't expired. Do Sunscreens Expire?

Yes, SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, does have an expiration date, and when it passes, you could be at risk of sunburn, sun poisoning or other skin damage because it will not function as effectively. Effective sunscreen is important for many reasons: it prevents burns, slows aging, and minimizes your skin cancer risk.It's critical to check the expiration date on your sunscreen bottle before heading to the park, pool, beach, or backyard this summer.

When does SPF expire?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all sunscreens remain potent for three years. So, if you have unopened sunscreen leftover from last summer, it should still be good to use for the next two summers. Did you know that not all sunscreen manufacturers print the expiration date on their product? Be sure to check your sunscreen bottle for an expiration date. If it doesn't have one, be sure to write the purchase date in permanent marker on the bottle. Take note of the period-after-opening sign, which indicates how long a product stays fresh after being opened. It usually resembles a jar with the top off and a figure that indicates how many months after you open it it's still good. In theory, sunscreen shouldn't go to waste if you're using it as directed. This includes putting it on any exposed skin before going out in the sun and reapplying it every few hours.The maximum shelf-life of sunscreen is three years. After that period, the sunscreen's SPF will start to degrade and it won't protect you as well from UV rays. If you have a bottle of sunscreen that you're unsure about, check the production date on the bottom or back label and use your best judgment.

Here are some signs that your SPF isn't working:

• Check the sunscreen's consistency before use--if it is watery or chunky, it may have expired.

• If something seems off in color, it's probably time for a new jar.

• If the smell of your product has changed since you bought it, it may have expired.

Can you use expired sunscreen?

Wearing expired sunscreen won't have any initial effect on your skin, but it could lead to an awful sunburn later. Furthermore, getting sunburned means that you were not protected from the sun's rays, and this overexposure raises your chances of developing skin cancer and experiencing premature aging. The expiration date is crucial because it tells you if the sunscreen will still work. Replace your sunscreen if it's expired - buying new sunblock is always a good idea. A sunless self-tanner is a much better alternative if you're looking to get that perfect tan.

Sunscreen does expire and it's important to check the expiration date before using it. Wearing expired sunscreen could lead to sunburn or other skin damage. It's always a good idea to buy new sunblock and use a sunless self-tanner as an alternative if you're looking to get that perfect tan.