Why your sunscreen’s expiry date really matters

Come summer – or any time of the year in perpetually sunny South Africa – it’s a real no-no to reach for last year’s SPF. As our country has the second highest UV concentration in the world (after Australia), there’s no such thing as a safe sun tan and keeping a watchful eye on your sunscreen’s expiry date is the key to harnessing the power of its protection. 

New means effective

“Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time and when it expires, it degrades and may crystalise and separate,” dermatologist Dr Dilshaad Asmal explains. This means a sunscreen may no longer protect you from UV rays and also may not be water resistant, she goes on to say. Plus, there are other reasons not to use an expired product: “It can irritate the skin and can also grow bacteria or fungi in the tube,” Dr Asmal says. Gross! So, if your sunscreen smells bad, that’s probably way. 

How much should I use?

Now that you’ve got the facts on up-to-date sunscreens, knowing the amount of product you need to wear is also important for turbo-charged sun protection. Dr Asmal reports that two to three tablespoons of sunscreen is needed to cover your exposed areas. In other words, a third to half a teaspoon is needed for your face and neck.

If you are using a spray applicator product, apply it until you see a shine on your body. “Spray the spot of skin for about six seconds, then rub it in with your hands. If you use a stick, apply the stick two or three times on the area.” And all too often smaller body parts such as ears, the nape of your neck, your scalp, lips and feet are overlooked. Remember to slather on the screen on these areas too!

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