is it better to replace sunscreen every season or once every 2 years?

Question

I've been having this cold for three years! I know this sounds strange but it's true. Ever since I moved from kansas to minnesota i've been sick every changing season- fall, winter, summer and spring! i've talked with my doctor and all they did was give m

Answer 1

Buy smaller bottles: And use it up each season! or, better yet, stay out of the sun. Really, the loss of potency or protective capability is quite minimal even after one year, but fresh is always going to be better, including the manufacturer's own recommendations. It is still better to use "old" sunscreen than none at all. Just try to limit exposure for any reason, including tanning beds!

Answer 2

Yes: Sunscreens have a shelf life of three years. After this, they start to lose their stability and efficacy. You should see an expiration date on your bottle of sunscreen and should use it before that date. If you don't see an expiration date, write the month and year you purchased it on the bottle and toss after three years. Do not use any sunscreen that has become lumpy or has turned an odd color.

Answer 3

Yes: Yes sunscreen can expire. Especially the ingredients that protect you from the uvb rays (the cancer-causing rays). Things like zinc or titianium oxide protect against uva (aging rays) and last longer. You should buy new sunscreen every season. Better yet, you should be using it up so frequently that it never has a chance to go out of date! protect yourself.

Answer 4

Yes but block better: Sunscreens may deteriorate whereas sunblocks tend to be physical barriers that withstand longer periods of storage.

Answer 5

Yes: They do have expiration date.

Answer 6

It can: All products with a shelf life have an expiry stamped on the bottle.

Answer 7

You Choose: Sunscreens work via 2 possible ways: 1) chemical blocks that breakdown the uv rays as they pass through the skin and 2) physical blocks that prevent the uv rays from getting to the skin. I recommend the physical blocks (zinc and titanium) because they have a very good safety profile and work very effectively. If you are going to be in the sun - use a minimum of SPF 15 - follow product directions.

Answer 8

Not really: The fda has recommended that the term sunblock be dropped as it is often very misleading and can result in patients believing they have more protection from the sun than they actually do. I agree, a good sunscreen with an spf of 50, that contains both a uvb protector and a metal such as zinc or titanium oxide for uva. That's all you need if you reapply it frequently.

Answer 9

Skin Cancer: Sunscreens protect your skin from the harmful uv rays of the sun. In addition to damaging the quality of the skin, they can cause cancers to develop. I recommend the physical blocks (zinc and titanium) because they have a very good safety profile and work very effectively. If you are going to be in the sun - use a minimum of SPF 15 - follow product directions.

Answer 10

Wrinkles & cancer: Sun damage is responsible for two problems: wrinkles and skin cancer. Protect your skin from the sun with appropriate clothing (large hats and long sleeves) and regular sunscreen use (use every few hours, not just once a day) and you will have fewer wrinkles, fewer sun spots and reduced risk of skin cancer (wins across the board!). Best wishes...

Answer 11

Sunblock better: Sunblock more important than SPF to protect against skin cacner, burns, wrinkles.Spf=sunscreen protects against uvb rays use at least 15spf. Physical barriers such as zinc, titanium protect against uva rays. Uva can pass through windows & is given off by fluorescent lighting so even indoors u need protection. Look for the ada seal but neutrogena otc is great, elta is a physicain product & is great.

Answer 12

Sunscreen: Sunscreens work via 2 possible ways: 1) chemical blocks that breakdown the uv rays as they pass through the skin and 2) physical blocks that prevent the uv rays from getting to the skin. I recommend the physical blocks (zinc and titanium) because they have a very good safety profile and work very effectively. If you are going to be in the sun - use a minimum of SPF 15 - follow product directions.

Answer 13

2 major ingredients: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the 2 safest and most effective ingredients.

Answer 14

Lots!: Put on sunscreen about 20 minutes before heading into the sun. Then reapply every 2 hours (more often if you get sweaty or wet). Make sure you use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both uva and uvb rays. Also- remember your hat and sunglasses!

Answer 15

SPF X 10 min + ftr : A simple rule of thumb is SPF x 10 min is basic protection (spf15=150min) but there are many variables.If one is sweating, the material washes off. Some stick better than others, but the term waterproof means you can dunk an arm in the water up to two times & it still works, after three it can be gone & still labled waterproof.

is it better to replace sunscreen every season or once every 2 years?

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