Can a sunscreen with a shelf life of 3 years really last for 3 years?

Everything has a shelf life, and sunscreen is no exception. Many people keep the sunscreen they didn’t use up this year for last year, thinking it doesn’t matter, because the shelf life of general sunscreen is 3 years. Can sunscreen with a shelf life of 3 years really last for 3 years?

Sunscreen shelf life after opening

Experts say that although sunscreen is a must-have skincare product for summer, some people even store several bottles, thinking that if they can't use up all the sunscreen this year, they can use it next year, so it won't be a waste. However, this practice not only causes sunburn to the skin, but is also prone to dermatitis.

Although the shelf life marked on the sunscreen bottle is 3 or even 5 years, its most stable and effective period after opening is one year. After one year, the effectiveness of the sunscreen contained in it will be greatly reduced, and it will basically not have the sunscreen effect as marked. It is easy to get tanned if you apply such sunscreen, and it is even more likely to get sunburned if you go to places with strong ultraviolet rays.

Although old sunscreen products may not necessarily have side effects on the skin, sunscreen with reduced effectiveness may not achieve the expected sunscreen effect, and it is easy for the skin to turn red, darken, or even get damaged under direct sunlight. It is best to use up sunscreen within one year after opening. If you think it is a pity to throw away old sunscreen, you can apply it on your hands, feet, etc., which will still have a certain sunscreen effect.

Therefore, when buying, you can choose sunscreen products that are closer to the production date. Another reminder is that you should apply a layer of moisturizing cream before applying sunscreen, and try not to contact the skin directly. This can not only replenish some moisture to the skin, but also reduce irritation to the skin.