Sun creams are often not used up in one season and are often saved for next year. But does it still protect against UV rays? How can I tell if sun cream is still good? Are there differences between sun creams?

Important questions about expired sun cream

Dermatologist Dr. Tamara Kopp from the JUVENIS beauty center in Vienna provides information about sunscreen in an interview with Woman magazine.

Shelf life of sun cream

When buying sunscreen, look for the symbol on the can of cream. This applies from the moment the can is opened.

Effectiveness of expired sunscreen

It is important to store the sun cream in a cool, dark place with as little air as possible, as this can make it less or more effective. This does not mean that if the sun cream has already been open for 12 months and, according to the manufacturer, only has a shelf life of 12 months, that the sun protection has been completely lost. The manufacturer no longer guarantees protection, as the sun protection can vary from case to case (depending on storage!).

Recognizing whether sunscreen is spoiled

An important indication that sun cream has gone off is a change in the color, smell and consistency of the cream. Even if sand sticks to the opening of the bottle, there is a risk that bacteria or germs are in the cream and it should no longer be used.

Buying the right sun cream

Sun protection products are divided into mineral-based and chemical-based products. Mineral-based sun care products have a very long shelf life and do not change the level of the sun protection factor (SPF). Chemical-based products are subject to a degradation process, but there are no specific values or studies for this, as storage and handling are relevant.

Tip: If in doubt, dispose of the tube and buy a smaller one for the next season, or share it with others.

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