7 warning signs your sunscreen may no longer be suitable to use, according to Dr Ross Perry
Sunscreen is a summer essential, but how many of us really know when it is time to replace an old bottle?
After being featured in a recent Yahoo article on the subject, Dr Ross Perry, skin cancer expert and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre, has shared his expert advice on the signs that your sunscreen may no longer be suitable to use.
You can read the original Yahoo article here.
Many people reach for a bottle of sunscreen left over from a previous holiday or stored in a bathroom cabinet for months. However, expiry dates, storage conditions and changes to the product itself can all affect whether it is still suitable to use.
Here are seven warning signs that it may be time to replace your sunscreen.
1. The Expiry Date Has Passed
The first thing to check is the packaging.
“With time things do degrade, so if there’s an expiry date on your sunscreen, that’s definitely something to look at,” advises Perry. “If the expiry date has passed, replace it.”
If the product is out of date, it should not be relied upon for sun protection. If you have an unopened bottle that has been stored correctly, check the expiry date before using it.
2. The Texture Has Changed
Sunscreen should have a consistent texture and be easy to apply. If it looks, feels or behaves differently from when you first opened it, that may be a sign that the product has deteriorated.
“Sometimes sunscreen can become very thick, hard and clumped inside the tube, and doesn’t rub into the skin as well as you would expect it to, or sometimes it can actually go the other way and become very watery and start separating,” says Perry.
“If you experience either of those situations, then get a new sunblock.”
A product that has separated, become unusually thick or developed an unexpected texture should be replaced rather than shaken and used as normal.
3. It Has Been Stored in Extreme Conditions
Where you keep your sunscreen matters. A bottle left in direct sunlight, a hot car or somewhere cold and damp may be exposed to conditions that affect the product.
“Sunscreens aren’t bulletproof to environmental factors such as heat. So, if it has been stored in strong sunlight or has been left in a cold, damp place, that will probably have an effect on the actual physical constituents of the product,” says Perry.
Sunscreen is best stored somewhere with a relatively stable temperature and away from strong sunlight.
4. It Has Been Open for a Long Time
Once a sunscreen bottle or tube has been opened, exposure to air can affect the product over time.
“Once sunscreen has been opened it will degrade over a period time, because once air gets into a product, it will have an impact on it,” says Perry.
This is why it is sensible to check both the expiry date and the packaging of older products. Look for the open-jar symbol, often shown with a number and the letter M, which indicates how many months the product is designed to remain suitable for after opening.
5. There Are Signs of Mould
Check the cap, opening and edges of the container before applying an older sunscreen.
“If there’s any darkness on the lid of the bottle or tube of sunscreen or around the edge of the opening, that can often indicate that there’s mould there – and that certainly would be a reason to discard it,” says the doctor.
Any product showing signs of contamination should be discarded.
6. Your Skin Starts Reacting to It
Sunscreen that has been out of date, stored incorrectly or left open for a long period may no longer be tolerated by your skin in the same way.
“If you use a sunscreen outside of its expiry date or don’t store it properly or if it’s been open for a long time, then the constituents of the product will degrade to a degree and might cause some irritation to your skin,” explains Perry.
If a product causes unexpected irritation, redness or discomfort, stop using it and seek advice if the reaction persists.
7. You Keep Getting Sunburnt
Recurring sunburn is a sign that your sun protection routine needs to be reviewed. This does not necessarily mean the product itself has stopped working, as applying too little sunscreen or failing to reapply regularly can also reduce protection.
“Another red flag is if you’re finding that you’re burning, despite applying your sunscreen correctly,” notes Perry. “That could suggest you’re not applying enough, not reapplying frequently enough, or that the product isn’t providing the level of protection you need.”
If you are getting burnt despite using sunscreen, consider whether you are applying enough, reapplying after swimming or sweating, and whether your SPF is appropriate for the conditions.
How Often Should You Replace Sunscreen?
As a simple rule, Dr Perry recommends replacing sunscreen each year.
“I think replacing your sunscreen every year is a good rule of thumb,” recommends Perry. “But if you have a sunscreen in the cupboard and haven’t opened it yet, then just look at the expiry date.”
This is particularly relevant for bottles that have travelled on holidays, been left in hot cars or spent long periods exposed to changing temperatures.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
The right sunscreen may depend on how and where you are using it. For everyday life, your needs may differ from a day at the beach or a holiday in hot weather.
“If you want a product for day-to-day use, then there’s sunblock in some make-up and moisturisers which can be effective, but it really depends on how much time you’re going to be spending out in the sun,” says Perry.
“If you’re in the office or are indoors all day, then having a thick, heavy sunscreen is probably not necessary. However, if you are outdoors in the afternoons or during the weekends, then you probably want a dedicated sunblock.”
When choosing a sunscreen, Dr Perry recommends broad-spectrum protection and an appropriate SPF. You can read more about what SPF, UVA, UVB and broad-spectrum protection actually mean in our guide to sunscreen terminology.
“I would recommend having a separate sunscreen for holidays because you want something you can use liberally, particularly if you’re sweating or going in and out of pools,” he suggests.
“If you’re fair-skinned, you ideally want to be using a factor 50 sunscreen. However, if you’re more olive-skinned, then you can probably get away with a factor 30.”
How Should Sunscreen Be Stored?
Good storage can help protect your sunscreen from unnecessary exposure to heat and temperature changes.
“Store your sunscreen at room temperature. For example, somewhere like your bathroom cabinet where it’s out of strong sunlight and won’t get too much variation in temperature,” advises Perry.
The key message is simple: check the date, pay attention to changes in the product, and replace it if you have concerns about its condition.
Why Effective Sun Protection Matters
Sunscreen is an important part of protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. However, it should be used alongside other sensible sun protection measures, including seeking shade and wearing appropriate clothing.
You can also read our expert advice on the difference between UVA and UVB rays and why sun protection is important for reducing skin cancer risk.
Sun protection is particularly important for people with a history of significant sun exposure, multiple moles or concerns about changing skin lesions. If you notice a new or changing mole, or any unusual mark on your skin, it is sensible to arrange a professional assessment rather than simply monitoring it yourself.
Worried About a Mole?
If you have noticed a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, or would simply like reassurance about your skin, a professional mole check can provide expert assessment.
The London Mole Removal Centre offers mole checks, dermoscopic assessment and treatment options where appropriate. Find out more about our mole check and mole removal services.
Original Feature
Dr Ross Perry was featured as an expert in the Yahoo article, “Has your sunscreen stopped working? Signs it’s time to buy a new one.” Read the original article on Yahoo.
Dr Ross Perry
Dr Ross Perry often assists the media with his explanations and information. He has extensive experience as an NHS GP and skin cancer reconstruction doctor alongside his private work as Founder and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre.
He is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.
Private Mole Checks & Removal
The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:
- No waiting lists
- Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
- Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
- Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
- Testing with report provided where necessary
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.