Titanium oxide’s protection from UV rays is not as strong as zinc oxide protection.It’s a broad spectrum protection that does not break down as easily. Zinc oxide sunscreen offers the better protection from UVA rays.
#Does sunscreen expire skin#
Which sunscreen should you use to prevent skin cancer most effectively? Neither zinc oxide nor titanium dioxide has a better expiration date if that’s what you were thinking! Here’s the download, though, on the two types of sunscreens. Even if it’s been sitting in a medicine cabinet for years and still has a seal on it, it should be thrown out if your sunscreen’s expiration date has passed or it’s been more than three years since you purchased the product.
#Does sunscreen expire code#
The sunscreen expiration date code is typically found near the sale bar code on a bottle of sunscreen. Where is the Sunscreen Expiration Date Code? Don’t keep it past the three-year proof of purchase date. That’s because this product has proven to the FDA its longevity will last three years from the date of purchase. Neutrogena sunscreen is a good example of sunscreen that typically does not have an expiration date on it. There are codes on the bottle that customer service representatives can use to determine whether your sunscreen is still valid or needs to be tossed out. If you cannot find an expiration date and no longer have your proof of purchase to determine when your three-year expiration date ends, try calling the customer service contact number on the bottle’s label. Look for the expiration date printed on your sunscreen bottle to see if your product remains effective. How Can You Tell if Your Sunscreen Has Expired? Some say, however, that sunscreen is still good for approximately six months after the product’s expiration date if you need to use a bottle of sunscreen in a pinch.
Most sunscreens outlive their usefulness from an SPF standpoint after 2-3 years. But should you use expired sunscreen or other sun protection products? And when does sunscreen expire? To be safe, you should follow the FDA-mandated expiration date on your sunscreen. Well, you can use anything past its expiration date if you feel the need to. R+L Global Can Handle Your Sunscreen Shipments.What is the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Sunscreens?.
#Does sunscreen expire professional#
This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. Whatever you do, don’t go out without some type of sun protection. If you’re concerned about the chemicals in drugstore sunscreens, consider buying an organic sunblock that contains zinc or titanium oxide instead of a chemical one. Organic sunscreens should never be kept for longer than two years, Chemical sunscreens without an expiration date can theoretically be kept for three if stored properly, but it’s better to discard them at two to ensure maximal potency. Sunscreens have a limited shelf life so make it easy by buying one that has an expiration date clearly marked and storing it in a dark place at room temperature. Store sunscreen in a dark place at room temperature when you’re not using it. If you keep your sunscreen in the hot glove compartment of your car all summer, you may end up with an expired sunscreen no matter what the expiration date on the bottle says. When the chemicals in sunscreen are exposed to heat or light, they break down and lose their potency. One thing that can shorten the shelf life of a sunscreen is storing it in a hot place. Store Sunscreen Properly to Keep It Working: What about organic sunscreens? Most organic sunscreens have a shelf life of two years and should be kept no longer than this, because they don’t contain the same synthetic preservatives as chemical sunscreens. Keep in mind that a sunscreen bottle sets on the store shelf for a while before you purchase it, so be liberal with discarding it if there’s no expiration date and you can’t be sure how long you’ve had it. After all, sunscreen isn’t that expensive and the downsides of getting a sunburn from using expired sunscreen are too high. Using expired sunscreen isn’t dangerous, but it could reduce the sun protection you’re getting.Īccording to some experts, chemical sunscreens are still potent for up to three years, but to be safe it’s best to discard them before the expiration date – or within two years after purchase if the bottle has no expiration date.
To make sure you’re using a sunscreen that’s still up to snuff, look for one that has an expiration date clearly marked. Unfortunately, not every sunscreen has an expiration date. The chemicals in sunscreens are usually pretty stable which means you can use last summer’s sunscreen as long as it’s not past the expiration date listed on the bottle.