Did you know that sunscreen has a shelf life and can expire? Additionally, exposure to extreme heat or cold can ruin a new bottle of sunscreen.
Protecting your skin from harmful sun rays is crucial for preventing inflammation, burns, premature aging, and most importantly, skin cancer.
Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, provides insights on sunscreen shelf life and other important facts to consider when heading out into the sun.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:03) is available for download at the end of this post. Please credit “Mayo Clinic News Network.” Read the script.
You might think a dermatologist would advise against sun exposure altogether.
“There’s nothing wrong with being outside in the sun,” says Dr. Davis.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a carcinogen, which is where sunscreen comes in handy.
“Sunscreen can act as a barrier to help keep your skin safe from carcinogens,” Dr. Davis explains.
Here are some key facts about sunscreen to keep in mind:
– Sunscreen can expire, which affects both the active ingredient and the preservative.
– Sunscreen is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid letting it freeze during winter storage.
– People of color need to wear sunscreen.
In summary, everyone over the age of 6 months needs sunscreen — including babies.
 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption>Everyone is at risk of skin cancer, including children.</figcaption></figure>
<p>“It is a common misconception that children do not get skin cancer or that people of color cannot have skin cancer,” Dr. Davis says.</p>
<p>Lastly, Dr. Davis emphasizes, “There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.”</p>
<p>Apply sunscreen generously and reapply after getting wet.</p>
<h3>Sunscreen Application Tips</h3>
<p>To be effective, sunscreen needs to be applied liberally. It’s recommended to use 1 ounce (30 milliliters) — about the amount in a shot glass — to cover exposed parts of the body. You may need more depending on your body size. For example, a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle will last for about four applications.</p>
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