Sunscreen – Is your suncream your skin saviour or your skin’s worst enemy?

The sun is out, the temperature is rising and if you’re lucky enough to have access to some private outdoor space, then what better way to enjoy your free time than to relax in the sun?

But as you search for last years’ half used bottle of sunscreen, here are some really important sunscreen facts:

Sunscreen can last for UP TO 3 years BUT that depends on the absolute correct storage after opening. If the bottle has been stored in direct sunlight or in warm conditions be wary.

The crucial protective ingredients can deteriorate or go off over time or if stored incorrectly so the suncream you’ve kept from last years’ holiday could have become less effective, potentially leaving your skin exposed to the risk of serious sun damage, premature aging and most importantly, the risk of getting skin cancer – and it’s just not worth taking any risks when it comes to the sun and your skin.

If you’re at all unsure about the effectiveness of your sunscreen, it’s far better to be safe than sorry and purchase a new sunscreen rather than face the consequences.

How to tell if it’s gone bad?

First, check for an expiry date and don’t exceed this if you can see one. Other warning signs to look for are if the smell and texture have changed from when you first opened it.

Next, if you can detect a change ie: if the formula has started to separate or it smells different, then it’s best to throw it away and buy new.

How to apply your sunscreen properly:

Dot sunscreen directly onto your face rather than squeezing a giant blob onto your hands and applying it. This technique helps it absorb more quickly and evenly.

Apply your sunscreen to dry, clean skin and before your moisturiser.

Apply your sunscreen before you go into the sun. Chemical sunscreens need time to be absorbed into the skin to work. So they need a head start of about 20 minutes.

Always use a cream with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.

Always make sure you put plenty of cream on and don’t skimp on it.

Apply it thickly and evenly and don’t forget areas such as behind ears, and neck, back of legs and feet.

The amount recommended is around two teaspoonfuls of suncream to cover your head, arms and neck.

Reapply regularly throughout the day, even products that are water resistant and/or ‘once a day’.

Reapply after you have towelled yourself dry after a swim or shower.

Apply sunscreen even if you’re sitting in the shade.

Finally, don’t forget to slap on your hat, slide on your shades and enjoy your amazing day!