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Help! I've been using expired suncream

15 replies

Nope2024 · 27/04/2025 15:30

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.

OP posts:
MereNoelle · 27/04/2025 15:31

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

Sofiewoo · 27/04/2025 15:31

One bottle of suncream lasts you 3 years??

Springadorable · 27/04/2025 15:33

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

AusBoundDD · 27/04/2025 15:34

Springadorable · 27/04/2025 15:33

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

This 🤣

Ohdearwhatnow4 · 27/04/2025 15:35

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

Nope2024 · 27/04/2025 15:35

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

OP posts:
SapporoBaby · 27/04/2025 15:37

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

Buy new sunscreen.

BacktoBeginnersFran · 27/04/2025 15:38

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

WinterMorn · 27/04/2025 15:39

BacktoBeginnersFran · 27/04/2025 15:38

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

I know! It’s a non-issue.

Wishywashylaundry · 27/04/2025 15:39

You're definitely going to die.

Not due to expired suncream though

modgepodge · 27/04/2025 15:41

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

Nope2024 · 27/04/2025 15:42

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.

OP posts:
Thelondonone · 27/04/2025 15:46

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.

SonK · 27/04/2025 16:06

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

Coconutter24 · 27/04/2025 16:25

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

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