Sunscreen is like a “separate object” of beauty lovers. Subjectively not carefully preserving the product will sometimes lead to consequences such as hidden acne, itching, irritation and more seriously, dermatitis. So how to store sunscreen effectively? How to recognize expired sunscreen correctly? Let’s find out in today’s article with Paula’s Choice Vietnam.
How long can sunscreen last?
Before learning how to store sunscreen , we want you to better understand the shelf life of the product. How long does a tube of sunscreen last? Most sunscreen products on the market today have a shelf life of 2-3 years . This is the expiry date printed on the package, in storage conditions at room temperature and unopened to use. For products that have been used and stored at room temperature, the maximum open date is 12 months .
So is it okay to use an expired sunscreen? Their answer is NO ! You should not use expired sunscreen. What if you keep using an expired sunscreen?
Scientific studies have shown that the lower the SPF number , the greater the risk of using an expired sunscreen. A tube of SPF 15 sunscreen may have the same active ingredients as an SPF 50 tube, but an SPF 15 tube will have a lower concentration of active ingredients. Therefore, by the end of its shelf life, that SPF 15 tube may have lost almost all of its ability to protect the skin from UV radiation from the sun . Continued use may cause irritation, pimples, melasma and freckles . More seriously, using expired sunscreen is one of the ways that mold and bacteria grow, causing skin inflammation and is difficult to treat and recover.
How to recognize expired sunscreen?
For products that have been used but do not remember the exact time of opening the lid, it becomes difficult to recognize the expired sunscreen. Or due to improper storage of sunscreen , the product may be damaged before its expiration date.
There are many ways to tell if a sunscreen is broken or past its expiration date. Here are 3 ways to know for you:
- The color of the cream: With cream sunscreen products, it will be most obvious because the color is yellowish or slightly cloudy compared to normal.
- The texture of the cream will be thinner. In some broken sunscreens, the product may become waterlogged.
- A pungent, unpleasant odor appears.
Instructions for 3 ways to store sunscreen
To preserve sunscreen most effectively, you need to pay attention to a few notes below:
1. Store at room temperature
Leaving sunscreen products at room temperature is one of the ways to preserve sunscreen for a long time that experts recommend. Sunscreens are out of date or damaged because their active ingredients break down over time.
The effectiveness of a product’s sunscreen depends on many factors. High temperatures plus sunlight easily break down the active ingredients that protect against UV rays, making the sun protection effect significantly reduced. This will also happen when the product is stored at room temperature, but at a much slower rate. This is why you should store your sunscreen at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight.
2. Close the cap of sunscreen immediately after use
When it comes to instructions on how to store sunscreen, it is impossible not to mention an important note that is to cover the sunscreen immediately after use . The cap of the product helps to minimize oxidation as well as prevent dirt and bacteria from entering and changing the sunscreen.
3. Sunscreen can be stored in the refrigerator
“Should I store sunscreen in the fridge?” is a question that Paula’s Choice has received quite a lot in recent times. This is a pretty good and effective tip that many beauty believers often pass on to each other to prolong the use of sunscreen. Sunscreen will keep better quality if stored in the refrigerator, especially in the summer.
To store sunscreen in the refrigerator most effectively, you should apply some of the following rules:
- Do not store with fresh food in the refrigerator, it is best to wrap it with plastic wrap, or pack it in a bag and keep it separate from other areas.
- The appropriate storage temperature is in the range of 1 – 4 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you should keep sunscreen in the refrigerator with a suitable temperature.
- Once you have stored the sunscreen in the refrigerator, you should not leave it out for more than 45 minutes. The product should be kept in the refrigerator until used up.
In addition to sunscreen, a few products you can also store in the refrigerator are: Moisturizer , essence (Serum/Booster), eye cream, face mask. Some products should not be kept in the refrigerator: makeup powders, pencils, oil-based cosmetics.
Guide to choosing sunscreen
Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin and taking good care of it is the best way to protect your skin from the sun and other factors that affect your skin.
Here are a few criteria to choose a comprehensive skin protection sunscreen suitable for use with all skin types:
- Sunscreen SPF30 – Comprehensive protection without causing skin irritation.
- Added Broad Spectrum filter. The broad spectrum filter acts like a perfect shield to protect the skin from the effects of UV rays. This index is suitable for both skin that is using acid / treatment such as AHA , BHA , Retinol , Tretinoin …
- Add nourishing ingredients or antioxidants to keep the skin smooth all day long.
To choose the right sunscreen product for each skin problem, you need to note:
- For oily skin: Should choose a sunscreen with a gel texture, lotion or light cream that is easy to spread, does not clump, does not clog the skin. Choose more oil -control effects to help soften skin and limit shine. Recommended products: Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen for oily skin – a mild physical sunscreen that leaves a smooth matte finish and is good for the skin.
- For dry skin: Choose a sunscreen with a creamy texture rich in moisture to prevent flaking and moldy face that contains additional nourishing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, natural extracts… Recommended products: Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – Sunscreen and moisturizer 2 in 1 with a rich ingredient list.
- For acne-prone skin: Choose a light-textured sunscreen that doesn’t contain alcohol, oil, and prevents more severe inflammation. Recommended products: Sunscreen for acne -prone skin Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30 – Safe, gentle sunscreen, good anti-inflammatory for acne skin, soothes skin and prevents irritation.
Above are 3 ways to preserve effective sunscreen that experts answer for you.
