Sunscreen applied to the skin are designed to protect people from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are harmful because they can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer
Martin Lewis has urged holidaymakers to check their sunscreen bottles before heading away.
The money-saving expert has turned his wisdom towards the world of travel cosmetics, offering a tip that could protect tourists’ health this summer. Speaking on his Martin Lewis Podcast, he asked listeners if they knew whether or not their sun cream bottles were in date.
While it may seem like a product that can sit at the back of a cupboard indefinitely without going off, that is not the case. Sun cream products have a shelf life, and they can become much less useful if they are out of date.
Sunscreen applied to the skin is designed to protect people from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are harmful because they can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. They can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, UV rays can suppress the immune system.
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Martin explained to his listeners why it’s worth checking their sun cream bottles and consider throwing them away if they’re out of date. “Just a quick tip on sunscreen. When you get your sunscreen, turn the bottle around because on the back you’ll see a POA number,” he said.
POA stands for ‘period after opening’ and is typically 12 or 24 months. “[When you open the bottle] Put a little note of the date, write that onto the sunscreen and you’ll know if you try to use it in a year’s time whether it’s still valid or not,” Martin advised.
Like most cosmetics, the ingredients in sunscreen degrade over time and become less effective once they do.
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Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and CEO of BeautyStat, told Vogue that most sun creams are formulated to last up to three years if unopened and stored in a cool, dry environment that is not in direct sunlight. Generally speaking, powdered sunscreen contains minerals that are more stable and longer-lasting, while liquid formulas will be less stable.
According to Ron you might get lucky – some sunscreens can last longer than others. If the bottle is stored in a cool, dry place and shows no visible signs of degradation, it may still offer some protection. However, it is always best to use products that are within date.