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You applysunscreenon any bits of exposed skin every day, all year long, riiight?
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Likereallyreachingway back in the cupboard.
As you generously slather it across your skin you wonder, How long has this sunscreen been in there?
And, with a cautious sniff, Does sunscreen expire?
The short answer is yessunscreen expires.
Does sunscreen expire?
Like all skin-care products, sunscreen does eventually expire.
Does mineral or chemical sunscreen have a longer shelf-life?
In other words: there are pros and cons to each formula, but which expires faster?
In either case, experts agree that improperly storing your favorite sunscreen can significantly reduce the shelf-life.
Storing your sunscreen in a cool, dark place will help you maximize its best-by date.
This means out of direct sunlight (and hot cars).
But using expiredsunscreencan also be quite dangerous.
In the US, there are 16 approved UV filters, says King.
(These are the ingredients that either block or absorb and stop sun rays from reaching your skin.)
These filters do degrade over time.
You will not get the same protection, King adds.
What exactly does that mean for yourskin?
King says sun exposure only accelerates any potential irritation due to expired products.
Its always better to be safe than sorry.
So slather up (then get ye to your nearest convenience store).
Does it look weird, feel weird, or smell weird?
Its probably a goner.
Expired sunscreen can change consistency, change color, or have a funny smell, says Dr. Ibrahim.
Any change in the consistency of your sunscreen could indicate that its expired or otherwise gone bad.
It might be more watery, gritty, or chunky, says Dr. Ibrahim.
Separation is a sure sign of instability, says King.
Expired sunscreen may change color.
It usually gets darker, says King, or turns brown.
Any discoloration or yellowing indicates that your sunscreen is past its use-by date.
It will just not smell like a fresh product.
If theres any doubt about the freshness of thesunscreen, replace it.
For more sun protection:
Now, learn all about the history of sunscreen:
