Can I use last season’s sunscreen? – GOOD SHAPE

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Who never found a protector that they didn’t even remember they had when organizing the cosmetics for the trip to the beach? Its appearance is in perfect condition, but when you go to check the expiration date, you discover that it has already expired, which can raise doubts about discarding it or not, after all it still seems viable. Do you throw it away or do you believe that its components are still capable of promoting protection against the sun?

HOW LONG DOES A PROTECTOR LAST?

Expiration dates which may vary between 12 months to two years. “If the sunscreen is manipulated in a pharmacy, the duration is usually 2 to 3 months. Sunscreens found ready have a longer duration, so it is important to observe the expiration date on the packaging “says the dermatologist specialist for the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) Carolina Milanez.

In addition, after opening, the expiry date on the packaging is no longer what should be considered, but the symbol that guides the validity after opening, which corresponds to a pot with a number inside (below). corresponding to the months.

That is, even within the manufacturing validity, after opening, it is only valid after the months indicated in this symbol.. Therefore, an important tip is, after opening, to put a label with the date the product began to be used.

YOU CAN USE EXPIRED SUNSCREEN

the dermatologist Ana Carolina Sumam explains that expired sunscreen should not be used, regardless of its appearance. “In addition to the patient’s skin not being protected against the harmful effects of solar radiation (premature aging, the appearance of blemishes and skin cancer), a protector with an expired validity undergoes changes in chemical substances. With this, the patient may have allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, stains, among other side effects”.