Summer is fast approaching, and the season is set to bring longer days with more sunlight. In 2011, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention created National Sunscreen Day to remind Americans to wear sunscreen and sunblock when spending time outdoors, especially under the hot summer sun. National Sunscreen Day is May 27th.
A decade has passed since National Sunscreen Day began, but dermatologists remain concerned about rising rates of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that melanoma cases will increase by 7% in 2024. An Advanced Dermatology survey provides more insight into the contemporary uptick in skin cancer. In 2022, Advanced Dermatology surveyed over a thousand Americans. Participants reported how often they wear sunscreen and how long they spend outdoors, among other related questions. 34% of respondents reported that they rarely or never wear sunscreen. But even if you wear sunscreen, you might still get a sunburn if your sunscreen is out of date.
When you know how sunscreen works and when it expires, you can ensure that you are using safe and effective products.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
Sunscreen and sunblock come in lotion, spray, and stick forms. Both sunscreen and sunblock protect your skin from sun damage, but sunblock — as the name suggests — blocks your skin from damage by reflecting the UV rays. Sunscreen filters the UV, but sunscreen cannot completely block your skin from 100% of UV rays. Sunscreen with a higher SPF (Sun Protection Factor) provides your skin with better protection.
Does Sunscreen Expire?
Sunscreen and sunblock can help reduce your risk of skin cancer and skin damage from the sun’s harsh rays. But your sun products may not offer you the protection you expect. In the Advanced Dermatology report, 52% of the participants did not check their sunscreen or sunblock for an expiration date.
Sunscreen and sunblock contain a combination of minerals and chemicals that work together to either reflect the sun’s rays or help filter the UV from getting absorbed into your skin. Over time, these ingredients separate. The sunscreen may become change colors, become watery, or smell foul. These are warning signs that the sunscreen or sunblock is expired.
Some companies label the expiration date directly on the bottom, top, or side of the package. However, customers may not always be able to find a “best by” date printed on the package. Why do some sun products have expiration dates while others do not? The FDA does not require manufacturers to print an expiration date on a product that is shelf-stable for three years. If you are in doubt about your sunscreen or sunblock, write a note on the package to indicate the date when you bought it. Then, throw it out three years after you purchased it or when you notice any color, smell, or texture changes.
You can soak up the sun without soaking up UV rays. If you have concerns about your sun exposure or your sunscreen products, contact a dermatologist.
