As of: March 25, 2024, 11:44 a.m
By: Nina Dudek, Julia Schuster
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The German Cancer Aid warns against underestimating the spring sun.
Using expired sunscreen can even be dangerous.
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Children's skin in particular is extremely sensitive and requires safe sun protection.
© mangostock/PantherMedia
As early as March, UV radiation can be as intense as in summer.
In some years, so-called low ozone events occur in the stratosphere at the end of March and April.
They cause significantly more UV radiation to reach the earth than usual.
When these ozone-poor air masses move south towards Europe, they cause radiation levels that we actually only expect in the summer months.
So what does that mean?
After winter, our skin has not yet developed its own protection.
Therefore it is particularly sensitive to UV radiation in spring.
But does old sunscreen still provide any protection?
Or is it even dangerous, as Luise Körner, chemistry team leader at BUND, reports in the video above?
The World Health Organization classifies UV rays as carcinogenic.
It is the main risk factor for the development of skin cancer.
Gerd Nettekoven, Chairman of the Board of the German Cancer Aid
Is it
bad
if sunscreen has
expired
?
In short: Yes, it can be problematic.
Because UV protection decreases over time and no longer offers your skin sufficient protection.
The reason for this is the oxygen that has come into contact with the cream.
This leads to oxidation, which changes the ingredients.
Skin irritations and rashes can also occur.
Particular caution is required with products containing octocrylene.
Over time, this chemical can produce benzophenone, which is potentially carcinogenic.
That's why it's better to throw away old sunscreen and buy a new product.
This is how long you can use sunscreen after opening it
Information about the maximum length of time you should use a sunscreen can usually be found on the bottle.
An opened can with information such as:
B. “12 M” means that you can use the cream for up to twelve months after first opening.
Tip: Write the date on the bottle that you first opened the sunscreen.
What happens
to sunscreen that has expired?
When sunscreen expires, the active ingredients that protect the skin from UV rays begin to lose their effectiveness.
This process results in the sunscreen no longer being able to provide adequate protection against sunburn, skin damage or long-term skin problems such as premature aging and skin cancer.
There is also evidence that certain chemical ingredients in sunscreens, such as octocrylene, can decompose under certain conditions and form potentially dangerous compounds such as benzophenone.
Benzophenone is suspected of being carcinogenic and having hormonal effects.
These risks are particularly relevant if the sunscreen has been exposed to sunlight or high temperatures for a long time, which can accelerate the decomposition process.
When should you throw away
sunscreen
?
If you still have the sunscreen in your closet from the last autumn holidays, you can still use it this summer without any worries.
But if twelve months have passed since you opened it, it's time to throw the bottle away.
Even if the cream smells sharp or unusual, the contents have changed color or the consistency has changed, you should throw away the sunscreen.
There are good reasons to replace your sunscreen annually:
Effectiveness
: The protection performance decreases over time.
To ensure optimal protection, fresh sunscreen is essential.
Hygiene
: Over time, bacteria and germs can get into the packaging, especially with products that you apply directly with your hands.
Chemical stability
: Some ingredients may degrade over time, affecting skin tolerance and protection.
How long does sunscreen last
after its expiration date
?
Although many of us tend to save sunscreen from one summer to the next, it's important to know that its effectiveness decreases over time.
In general, sunscreen has a shelf life of up to three years if unopened.
However, once opened, you should stick to the shelf life stated on the packaging, which is usually between 6 and 12 months.
But be careful: heat, light and moisture can significantly shorten the stated shelf life.
Use sunscreen
correctly
What many people don't know: It takes around 30 minutes for the protection to take effect.
That's why you should apply cream early before you leave the house.
There is no place for thrift here.
Studies have shown that most people apply sunscreen too thinly.
Don't make the same mistake.
Apply plenty of cream to yourself and your children.
Sunscreen sprays should be sprayed twice.
Products with a sun protection factor of at least 20 are recommended, and at least 30 for children and very fair-skinned people.
Recommended sun creams
without critical ingredients
Here you will find some well-rated products that protect your skin.
All of these products
do not
contain the critical active ingredient octocrylene, which can have a carcinogenic effect if stored for a long time.
This means you can enjoy the wonderful summer weather without any worries.
Protection for the whole family as a practical spray
Sun protection spray with SPF 30 © PantherMedia / wenani / Garnier
For protective spray
Garnier's sun protection spray with sun protection factor 30 reliably protects against UV rays, premature skin aging and dehydration.
The nourishing, moisturizing formula ensures that the skin feels supple.
Medical sun protection from Eucerin
Dry Touch Sun Gel-Cream with SPF 50+ © PantherMedia / wenani / Eucerin
For medical sun protection
Eucerin's Dry Touch Sun Gel Cream with sun protection factor 50+ protects your skin from sun-related skin damage.
The sunscreen absorbs quickly and is not greasy.
Mattifying pigments ensure a long-lasting anti-shine effect.
Sun protection gel for allergy sufferers
Sun gel for allergy sufferers with SPF 50+ © PantherMedia / wenani / Ladival
For allergy sufferers product
The sun protection gel with sun protection factor 50+ is also suitable for allergy sufferers.
The oil-free sun care is quickly absorbed and leaves the skin feeling pleasant.
Sun protection fluid especially for the face
Sun protection fluid for the face with SPF 50+ © PantherMedia / wenani / La Roche-Posay
The sensitive facial skin needs special protection.
The fluid from La Roche-Posay with sun protection factor 50+ is suitable for all skin types, including allergy sufferers.
The light texture is quickly absorbed and does not stick.
For facial sun protection
Special sunscreen for children
Sunscreen for children with SPF 50+ © PantherMedia / wenani / NIVEA
For children's sunscreen
With a sun protection factor of 50+, Nivea sun cream protects children's sensitive skin from UVA and UVB rays.
The formula supports the skin's protective barrier and reduces the risk of sun allergies.
After Sun Cooling Gel – care after sunbathing
After Sun Cooling Gel © PantherMedia / wenani / Hawaiian Tropic
Order from Amazon
After spending time in the sun, our skin needs care with a calming effect.
Hawaiian Tropic's After Sun Cooling Gel with Aloe Vera moisturizes the skin so that it feels soft and refreshed after application.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at his own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here