The answer depends on the intent of your question.
How long does sunscreen last once applied?
How long is sunscreen good for?
And can you use expired sunscreen?
Uncover the answers to all these questions and more, below.
How long does sunscreen last on skin?
board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
The longevity of your SPF will depend on the specific product youre using.
And that goes for all SPF levels, too.
Does sunscreen expire?
Like all skin-care products, sunscreendoeshave an expiration date.
Which sunscreens break down the fastest?
While sunscreens have a general lifespan of three years, they break down differently based on the formula.
Can sunscreen go bad before the expiration date?
Its possible for sunscreen to lose its effectiveness before the expiration date.
Can you use expired sunscreen?
board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
There are a few reasons for this.
For starters, expired ingredients can trigger allergic and irritant reactions.
Another reason you could have an adverse reaction to expired sunscreen?
It could havemold, which means your face would be covered in bacteria if you were to apply it.
Sunscreens contain preservatives to keep them sterile, Dr. Chung says.
According to Chung, mineral sunscreens, in particular, get grittier with age.
Because of this, they can be more difficult to apply, which can result in uneven coverage.
And without a general sense, the risk of excess sun exposure increases significantly.
How to tell if sunscreen has expired
Not sure if your SPF is expired?
A good way to tell is by examining its color, texture, and scent.
Another way to determine if your SPF has lost its luster?
Consider the state of your skin after you use it.
With expired sunscreens, our skin becomes instantly vulnerable to UV ray damage, Henry says.
With reduced SPF efficacy, we can experience sudden sunburn from the lack of essential UV ray protection.
Instead, treat yourself to a formula youll be happy to apply again and again.
For my body, I keep my beach/lake/pool bag (Im no gatekeeper!
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
