Hands off old sunscreen

I hate throwing things away if they’re not empty. For me, a toothpaste or mustard tube only goes in the trash when I’ve squeezed every little bit out. The same goes for my creams and cosmetics. I make only one exception and that is my sunscreen. When it comes to suncream, I know no excuses. Once I open a tube, I throw it away after roughly 12 months for the sake of my health.

Why?

As soon as you open a tube or a spray, the light protection filter starts to decompose and repels less and less UV rays. So if you apply a cream from last year, you risk skin irritation and a sunburn. The worst consequence of this is skin cancer. In Switzerland, approximately 2,800 (article in German) people are diagnosed with melanoma each year. Almost a quarter of them are under 50.

Sun creams enriched with the UV protection filter octocrylene are considered particularly dangerous. In a study, American scientists and researchers from France’s Sorbonne University were able to show that this sunscreen filter, which is often used in sunscreens and anti-ageing creams, breaks down over time into benzophenone. These are considered carcinogenic.

The packaging protects your product from oxidation. As soon as you open it, the cream comes into contact with air, which affects their durability. The oxygen reacts with the ingredients and the protective function can’t be maintained forever. At least not much longer than the recommended shelf life.

You’ll find out how long you can use a sunscreen after opening it from the packaging. Look for the symbol of an open jar with a number next to it. After this period, the protection isn’t gone immediately, but quickly wears off.

Sunscreens aren’t always labelled with a best before date, as this is rarely necessary. According to the Federal Department of Home Affairs (article in German), a best-before date may be waived for a cosmetic product that has a minimum durability of more than 30 months. If this isn’t the case, it’s mandatory that the product is labelled with it. Once a product has passed its expiration date – even unopened – you should dispose of it for the sake of your health.

Storage

To ensure that the minimum shelf life is given, proper storage is essential. Wipe the opening of the tube or spray after each use to remove residue. Don’t use your fingers for this, as germs will get into the product if they come into contact with your skin. In addition, close the product tightly and – if you don’t use it for a long time – store it in a cool and dark place. A sunscreen that has been lying next to you for hours on a towel in the blazing sun or possibly for days in your hot car should be disposed of rather sooner than later.

Now, if you have an already opened tube of sunscreen in your hands from last year and have no idea when you opened it, here’s what you do: check if the colour or texture of the product has changed or if it smells strange. I appeal to your common sense whether you still want to use a cream after its expired or rather get a new one. Since this is about your health, the answer is obvious. You’re saving on the wrong end if you want to use up the tube at all costs.

Instead of investing in an expensive brand product, reach for a drugstore version. In addition to a high sun protection factor also look for protection with a UVA and a UVB filter. According to the Swiss Cancer League (article in German), this reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. When sunbathing, remember that the shade is the best sun protection of all.