Experts warn against using out of date suncream during heatwave
Published
| Last updated
The long-awaited heatwave is fast approaching the UK and it's time for Brits to rush to the shops and pay obscene amounts for their suncream.
Barbecue season, shorts season and SPF season is almost here as weather forecasters are predicting that temperatures across Britain are very much on the rise.
Brits can expect scorching weather within the next week or so, according to Apple Weather forecasts.
From Saturday 10 June to Monday 12 June, we're looking at 27+ degrees across large parts of the UK.
For the period of June 6 to June 15, the Met Office says: "In general, the UK is likely to see a continuation of the recent dry weather for much of this period."
However, with the joys of warm weather comes the reminder of applying sufficient amounts of suncream to avoid any serious burns.
But before you try to save a few quid by using last year's SPF bottles, make sure you check the date.
"The longer the sunscreen is open the less effective it will be," says Ian Taylor, Cosmetic Scientist for Green People.
"A sunscreen that is out of date will be less effective and may not offer the same protection against sunburn."
Dr Emma Cunningham, skin specialist and founder of dr-emma.co.uk, also explained: "With chemical SPFs, ingredients such as oxybenzone and homosalate will oxidise and become entirely ineffective, and although that doesn’t occur with mineral SPFs and ingredients such as titanium or zinc oxide.
"They do still degrade, so the problem is one that affects both chemical and physical SPFs alike."
So to check the date on your cream, there will be a little jar symbol with the lid lifting with a number and 'M' on it.
This basically refers to the number of months it will last once opened.
To tell if your suncream has expired, Melanie Black, Avène’s Training & Scientific Communications Manager, said: "If there is any change in the formulation you should not use the product.
"For example, if it seems a lot more watery or gloopy compared to normal or the colour and smell has changed.
"Always err on the side of caution as this is your protection from the sun so it’s very important the product has not started to degrade or oxidise."
