With Easter weekend and a mini heatwave sweeping across the UK, many Brits are reaching for the sunscreen in preparation for sunny days out. But health experts are urging caution—that bottle of sun cream left over from last summer may no longer be protecting you.
As temperatures soar and families prepare for picnics, barbecues, and coastal getaways, the importance of proper sun protection has never been more critical. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause sunburn and long-term skin damage, according to NHS guidance.
Is Your Sun Cream Still Effective?
Experts are warning that expired sunscreen or bottles that have been stored improperly could be ineffective—or even useless. The NHS recommends checking for an expiry date printed on the packaging, usually marked with a small jar symbol followed by a number like “12M” (indicating 12 months after opening).
According to skincare professionals at Paula’s Choice, there are several telltale signs that your SPF might have gone off:
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The texture has changed—becoming watery, grainy, or separating.
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The product has a different smell from when first opened.
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Discolouration or strange appearance of the cream.
“Expired sunscreen can’t be relied upon to provide any of that wonderful protection,” the brand warns.
“When stored correctly, sunscreen should last until its expiration date. But heat, sunlight, and moisture can break it down faster.”
Their advice? Store sun cream in a cool, dry, shaded place—and if you’re out in the sun, wrap your bottle in a towel to shield it from direct exposure.
NHS Advice: Don’t Rely on Sunscreen Alone
The NHS stresses that while SPF is essential, it should only be part of a wider sun safety strategy:
“Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. You can burn in the UK—even when it’s cloudy,” the NHS states.
“There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.”
Key NHS recommendations include:
✅ Use sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30
✅ Ensure it has 4-star UVA protection, or the “UVA in a circle” symbol
✅ Check the expiry date before use
✅ Wear protective clothing and seek shade during peak hours (11am–3pm)
Don’t Get Caught Out This Easter
While many are looking forward to enjoying the long bank holiday weekend outdoors, the message is clear: don’t risk your skin by relying on old or degraded sun cream. With UV levels already climbing, now is the time to check your supplies and invest in a fresh bottle if needed.
“It’s tempting to grab last year’s bottle and assume it’s still good,” said one pharmacist in a post on X. “But if it’s expired or been sat in the sun, it won’t do the job.”
Final Tip: Use It Often and Generously
Sun cream should be reapplied every two hours—and more frequently if swimming or sweating. Many people apply too little, reducing the effectiveness of their protection. Adults need around six teaspoons of sunscreen to cover the whole body.
Whether you’re heading to the coast, the park, or your own back garden this weekend, make sun safety a priority. Your skin will thank you later.
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