Contents:
- Medical Video: DermTV - Does Sunscreen Work After Its Expiration Date? [DermTV.Com Epi #003]
- How long does the sunblock expire?
- What will happen if using sunblock expires?
Medical Video: DermTV - Does Sunscreen Work After Its Expiration Date? [DermTV.Com Epi #003]
When on vacation to the beach, sunscreen not to be left to be taken of course. Sunscreen aka sunblock is useful to protect your skin from the hot sun so that the skin is not damaged. However, what if the sunscreen used has expired? Can expired sunblock still be used?
How long does the sunblock expire?
Every sunscreen product has an expiration date. Expiration means that it is the safe limit for using sunblock. Sunscreens that have passed the expiration date are no longer effective if used. We recommend that you dispose of sunblock that has passed the expiration date.
Usually sunscreen products have an expiration period of one year, two years, or the longest three years. Each sunscreen formula may be different, so the expiration date also varies.
If the sunscreen product that you buy does not include an expiration date, you should note when you buy the sunblock. If it has passed 3 years or if the sunscreen has undergone various changes, it should be removed - do not use it. Usually sunblock that has passed the expiration date will experience changes in color, smell, or consistency.
However, there are also those who say that sunscreens can still be used for up to 6 months from the expiration date. But, with a note that the sunblock has not undergone changes, either color, smell, or consistency. If it's more than the grace period or if the sunscreen has changed, you should not use it again.
Changes to sunscreens may be influenced by various factors. One of them is hot. Heat can reduce quality and eliminate the benefits of sunscreen. Therefore, you are not advised to store sunscreen in a place that is exposed to hot sunlight, such as in a car.
What will happen if using sunblock expires?
Sunscreen contains several inorganic compounds, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. This compound protects the skin from sunlight by absorbing or reflecting the sun's UV rays. In addition, sunscreens also contain other compounds, such as oil, aloe vera, and emulsifiers (which mix oil and water into a single unit).
However, storage that is too long (until the sunblock expires) or storage in the wrong place can change these compounds. The compound that usually changes for the first time is emulsifier. So, the consistency of sunscreen becomes damaged, water and oil separate. Sunscreen becomes more fluid, rough or does not stick well to your skin. In addition, compounds in sunscreens can also react to each other.
This can reduce the function of sunscreen. The closer the age of sunscreen with its expiration date, the SPF in sunscreens can also decrease over time. So, sunscreen is no longer effective in protecting your skin from the risk of burning, damage, premature aging, or getting skin cancer due to radiation from the sun. Using a sunscreen that has expired may actually cause irritation or itching on your skin. Of course, this can damage the health of your skin.
