Help! I've been using expired suncream

[Nope2024]

Exactly as the title says, really. How screwed am I? I've been using a factor 50 Nivea clear spray one for the past three summers, not realising they actually expire. I thought the SPF reduced by about 10 a year? It's no longer clear, but I've never used it and burned so didn't think about it.

If you didn’t burn then what’s the issue?

One bottle of suncream lasts you 3 years??

Your bigger problem is that you're not using anywhere near enough if it's lasted three years.

This 🤣

Nothing you can do now but most lotions should be replaced after 12 months

I typically wear long sleeved shirts and dresses/trousers so only really use it on my face and hands/neck.

Are you burnt? If not you’re fine so long as you have no moles that are suspicious or odd patches.

Buy new sunscreen.

What's the problem? What do you think has happened? You haven't burned, I'm confused 😐

I know! It’s a non-issue.

You're definitely going to die.

Not due to expired suncream though

there’s literally nothing you can do now, apart from throw it away and replace it, so I would stop worrying about it!

Thanks everyone 😐 I have health anxiety and I'm 8 months pregnant so really glad I posted now.

I just want to know if anyone else has done this and been absolutely fine/if this is likely to give me skin cancer.

Sun exposure can cause skin cancer but so can so many other factors. Using the expired sun cream won’t increase your risk per se-it’s not poisonous, just ineffective. Unless you’ve burnt terribly, your increased risk of skin cancer will be minimal-just buy new cream.

Don't worry, I used expired sun screen - misplaced it with the same new one I got!

I am still alive : )

I imagine it's the same as not wearing sunscreen which a lot of people do, (although you shouldn't)

The most that will happen is sun damage in the form of a tan or freckles if you are prone to them x

It just means it’s less effective but if you haven’t burnt when using it, it’s obviously effective enough so you’ll be fine