Can I use my sunscreen from last year?

[newtocruising99]

Hey there,

 

Anybody know if there's an expiry date on sunscreen? I have over half a bottle left from last year's vacation. Just wondering if I should scrap it or use it for my upcoming cruise?

 

thanks

 

pam

[cruzccl]

Odd as this may sound, my doctor told me that it is good for a year. Some have a use through date. He claims the blocking agent is lost as time goes by.

[sassy0930]

I know technically you should, but I've used more than year old sunscreen and not had a problem. I'd say if your burn easily don't risk it, but if you're a littl emore tolerant try it and buy more if you HAVE to

[shipty2]

I learned the hard way it is easier to shell out the 5 bucks than have a crispy layer of skin on vacation.

[Loves_Dogs]

After suffering a BAD burn using old sunscreen, I buy a new one every year!

[Ephraim]

Sure you can use it.... but I wouldn't use it to protect myself from the sun. But, if you do, yogurt or thick white cheese might help with the sunburn. Personally, I'm going to buy a brand new bottle and enjoy the piece of mind.

 

If you are feeling bad about losing it, may I suggest that you use it instead of a body lotion or hand lotion, since it's no longer effective as a sun block.

[SugarFreeSheila]

Definitely refresh your stock if it's a year old - especially before a sunny cruise! :)

[yogimax]

Don't do it!

[djegators]

Think of how much money you are spending on your entire trip, and compute what percentage of that price your sunscreen would be....will that point zero whatever really be worth ruining your fun because you are scorched? Why risk it, for no gain?

[Wennfred]

Hey there,

 

Anybody know if there's an expiry date on sunscreen? I have over half a bottle left from last year's vacation. Just wondering if I should scrap it or use it for my upcoming cruise?

 

thanks

 

pam

 

 

Hi Pam, whats a new tube of Sunblock will cost you? Compare to the price you would pay after getting Skin Cancer? Buy a new tube.

 

 

Fred

[MrPete]

I don't use it if I'm gonna be out in the sun. I will only use fresh stock.

 

But I will use old if I'm simply gonna be out and about on a sunny day, especially on my nose and widening part.

[CruisinMama7]

Newtocruising99 -

 

Thanks for asking this question. I've always wondered about this myself. Learned something new today.

[hockeyluver]

most definitly get some new stuff!! Dh learned the hard way, he said the old stuff was fine I said I wasnt going to use it. He burned bad dd's and myself used new stuff and were fine.

[draconis]

go ahead use it right after you check on that baked ziti you put in the freezer last march!enjoy:D

[I Luv Crusin]

Hey there,

 

Anybody know if there's an expiry date on sunscreen? I have over half a bottle left from last year's vacation. Just wondering if I should scrap it or use it for my upcoming cruise?

 

thanks

 

pam

 

See if there is an expiration date on the bottle and go by that. If it doesn't have a date call the company and ask. If that's too much of of a bother buy new and toss the old. "No-Ad" sunscreen is priced alot better that name brand sunscreens. (I've bought it at Walmart. :rolleyes: )

[I Luv Crusin]

What about aloe gels/lotions/cream? Do those expire? Actually when I get home I'll check!

[StuartLittle]

Found this on several different websites:

 

Be sure to check the sunscreen's expiration date regularly. The typical shelf life is 3 years. However, exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten the life of the product.

 

So not only should you look at the expire date, you should examine the product. If if has changed from what it originally looked like (oils seperated, etc), you may want to toss it even if not expired.

[CatgirlNC]

On my January cruise I brought a container of Coppertone Sport that I can't even remember when I purchased. I remember taking it with me to a theme park with my now-ex-husband, so it was at least 4 years old. It worked fine- you could definitely tell the difference between the areas I'd covered and the few spots I didn't quite reach. And I am very fair-skinned.

 

But I did actually just buy some new stuff to take on the April trip, including one container of that spray-on kind, which might eliminate some of the not-reached areas in back.