How Long Does Sunscreen Last?
Everything is expensive nowadays, and it’s more important than ever to ensure that you are getting the most from every purchase. For more reasons than that, you should know how long your sunscreen is going to last and when it will expire. Keep your family safe and your wallet happy by figuring out how long sunscreen lasts before you buy.
Your Timeline When Buying Sunscreen
Whenever you purchase a sunscreen product, it’s nice to know that you can set it aside, pack it away, or keep it where you will need it without the sunscreen going bad before it’s used. Fortunately, the FDA requires that sunscreen formulas keep their effectiveness for at least three years, so you won’t have to worry for a while.
Different formulas may have specific expiration dates printed on the bottle, if not, the rule of thumb is to toss it after the three-year mark. Granted, most people don’t have any trouble cycling through a bottle of sunscreen in three years when they are active and enjoying the outdoors.
How To Keep Sunscreen Usable
To keep your sunscreen effective for as long as possible, make sure that you are storing it at the proper temperature and in a sufficient environment. Sunscreen products that are stored in damp conditions, high heat, or directly in the sun will deteriorate faster than you would expect, and can even cause bacteria and crusting of the product. When you are not planning to use sunscreen, it’s best to put it in an air-conditioned room that’s free from moisture.
Side Effects Of Expired Sunscreen
Contrary to popular belief, expired sunscreen will not harm your skin unless there is something really wrong with the product, but the sunscreen may not protect your skin the way it’s supposed to. Expired sunscreen products do not guarantee protection against harmful UV rays, so be wary of using sunscreen that has been around longer than three years.
Summary
Sunscreen products are essential for a successful summer, but it’s also important to make sure you are using sunscreen that’s going to effectively protect you. Toss your overly-old sunscreen products and get a formula that does more than protect. Organic products use natural and botanical ingredients to nourish and protect your skin, plus they don’t need chemical preservatives.
