Using sunscreen is the easiest way to protect your skin's appearance and health early on. Regular use of sunscreen can help prevent sunburn, dark spots, skin cancer, and premature aging.

Like all skincare products, sunscreen also has an expiration date. Sunscreen should be used within three years of opening the bottle and stored in a cool, dry place. What happens to your skin when you use expired sunscreen?

Know the Two Types of Sunscreen

Sunscreens come in two different types, including:

• Physical sunscreens – also called mineral sunscreens, contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are natural minerals that create a barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays. This type of sunscreen may remain stable for longer due to its mineral content. However, its effectiveness decreases over time. You may find it difficult to evenly spread this type of sunscreen on your skin. Sometimes these sunscreens leave white residue on the skin.

• Chemical sunscreens – contain UVA and UVB blockers, which are substances that absorb UV radiation and prevent it from damaging the skin. These can undergo molecular changes when exposed to sunlight or heat. Most chemical sunscreens do not leave a visible layer on the skin, making them easier to apply. They are also absorbed more easily and do not leave a sticky or greasy feeling.

Risks of Applying Expired Sunscreen

All types of sunscreen are designed to protect the skin from UV (ultraviolet) exposure. However, when they expire, the active ingredients that protect against UV rays break down and lose their effectiveness.

Using expired sunscreen increases the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Characteristics of Expired Sunscreen

The easiest way to tell if a sunscreen has expired is by checking the expiration date on the packaging. If the date is unclear, you can identify expired sunscreen by changes in color, texture, consistency, and smell before applying it to the skin.

Expired sunscreen may have a runny, separated, clumpy, or grainy consistency.

How to Store Sunscreen

In addition to expiration, storing sunscreen the wrong way can decrease its protective effectiveness. Here are some recommended ways to store sunscreen:

Store in a dry and cool place

No matter what type of sunscreen you use, both physical sunscreen (which reflects UV rays from the skin) and chemical sunscreen (which absorbs UV rays and turns them into heat) should be stored in a dry, cool place and also away from direct sunlight. When taken outdoors, wrap the sunscreen in a towel and keep it out of the sun. If you are outdoors for a long time, find a shady spot.

Keep it hygienic

Repeatedly opening and closing sunscreen increases the chances of sunscreen being exposed to dirt and bacteria. Re-cover the sunscreen immediately after use to avoid exposure to bacteria.

Keep it dry

Hot and humid temperatures can cause sunscreen to become unstable and moldy. Mold growth inside the sunscreen packaging makes its use no longer safe.

The most important thing when choosing sunscreen is to use one with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 when engaging in outdoor activities. Reapply sunscreen every 40-80 minutes in sweaty or wet conditions, or every 2 hours under normal conditions.

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