Gransnet forums

Health

Sun screen

(13 Posts)
Whitewavemark2 Sat 26-Mar-22 16:57:41

Does anyone know if sun screen has a use by date?

Only I am at high risk. Freckles very fair and have had skin cancer, so I use factor 50.

Today sitting in the sun and all factored up I have got burnt - not very but more than I’m comfortable with.

Gardenersdelight2 Sat 26-Mar-22 17:00:03

I think they may but more importantly it's how they're stored and how long they've been open

Grannynannywanny Sat 26-Mar-22 17:11:05

Whitewavemark2 if you look on the back of the bottle you’ll see a little icon that looks like an open lid and next to it for example 12 months. The countdown starts once it’s opened. I’ve attached a photo of mine.

Sar53 Sat 26-Mar-22 17:12:38

It will tell you on the bottle how long it will keep once opened.
It's a picture of a container with an open lid. Often it's for 24 months.
Hope this helps.

NotTooOld Sat 26-Mar-22 17:13:13

According to Google, sun cream has a life of up to three years but you should check the expiry date which should be on the label.

Sar53 Sat 26-Mar-22 17:13:19

Crossed posts with Grannynannywanny !!!

Grannynannywanny Sat 26-Mar-22 17:17:24

Sar53 I only learned that fact last year. Until then I was buying fresh every year without realising what was opened later in the summer was good for at least the start of next year.

Vanessa59 Sat 26-Mar-22 17:21:11

I keep mine for 2 or 3 years in a cupboard. Even when I am applying it while sitting outside in the garden, I remove it from direct sunlight which separates the product and makes it go runny.

Esspee Sat 26-Mar-22 17:23:25

I was told that you should replace sunscreen every year.

Have a look at the bottle, is there a little tub symbol like the one in this picture like an open jar of face cream. The 12M refers to a use by date of 12 months from opening. Some say 18M. Remember they assume it has been kept in a cool dark place, so to be safe buy little and often.

Esspee Sat 26-Mar-22 17:24:46

Sorry the photo didn’t load. I’ll try again.

Rosie51 Sat 26-Mar-22 17:31:05

My oncologist told me that even with the highest factor never to sit in the sun and to replace sunscreen every year, even if only opened a few months ago. As he pointed out, you tend to take it out with you in hot conditions, which does affect storage.

CanadianGran Sat 26-Mar-22 18:50:14

I had no idea about the little jar label. I just checked my hand cream at my desk, and saw it there, so it must be international labelling. Thank you!

Whitewavemark2 Sat 26-Mar-22 18:55:35

Oh thanks everyone. Yes my screen was bought last year.

And yes I sat in the sun today??.

That will teach me.