Sun protection cream - use by dates?

[Kyliebump]

I have loads of sun protection cream left over from last year (got a bit carried away with a 3for2 offer!!). Does anyone know if they become less effective over time? They are not marked with a 'use by' date, but I want to be sure that they will still protect DS - if I can ever manage to get some on the little wriggler!!

Thanks

I'm sure that I read somewhere that you should buy new stuff each year - apparrently (sp) the protection deteriorates over time. however I do keep it a couple of years and my 2 haven't burned. But - they may not be protected properly? Now I'm wondering what to do!

I think I've heard the same thing - that you shouldn't use sun cream from previous years.

I've been told by a pharmacist that it's ok to use previous year's sun screens. They may lose a bit of potency over time but they are still useable. You need to give them a good shake first. I tend to believe the chap because it would obviously be in his interest to sell new stuff to people every year, but he doesn't!

If it's a zinc- or titanium-oxide-based cream the sort that leaves you looking all pasty white it must still be effective. Because those creams rely on a physical barrier; the white you see is what protects the skin.

I think if it was that critical there's be a law requiring them to print a use by date on them. After all you don't know if you're buying at this time of the year if it's stock left in the shop from last year.

Last year's will be fine if it has been stored correctly. They lose potency if exposed to heat (hence the need to reapply frequently) so ideally should be stored in the fridge. If you take it out with you try to keep it in a cool bag if possible, or at least keep it in the shade.

Unless you have kept it in a cupboard near a heat source for the last year you should be ok - just maybe think of it as a SPF or 2 below what it says on the label.

I've never seen use-by dates on any sunscreen I've used either. But I read that it should still be effective 30 months from date of manufacture (if you can find that date on the bottle as well!), unless left in strong sunlight.

If in doubt, throw it out...

I agree with Jodee's last remark. Old suncream is probably perfectly safe - but why take the risk for the sake of saving a few pounds (but then I am "Mrs Over-Protective Mum"? If you're going to go to all the bother of smearing the stuff on, you might as well be sure it's effective.

Thank you everyone for your replies - now I just have to master applying the stuff to him!

Does anyone know what factor is sufficient?I don't have babies but is factor 30 enough for children or should I be going for a higher one?

Depends on how easily your children burn really and how hot the sun is where you're going. I'd say 30 is probably sufficient. We used 30 in Antigua this year and both DSs were fine - they do have "tan easy" skin though.

I use last year's holiday sunscreen for this year at home (IYSIM!). I can not honestly believe that it deteriorates too much over time otherwise manufacturers would print a date on the bottle. I agree about being careful where you store it though.

Message withdrawn

Couldn't resist mentioning it

Thanks Souperdoup,I wish I'd bought the 30 now as it's a spray one and the 40 wasn't.We're going to France so was a bit unsure as we'll be spending most of the time outdoors.

I've sent last year's factor 50 to nursery for very fair DS - should be OK I think because the don't let them out in the middle of the day anyway.

kylie - with a wriggler - ( dd 9 months) we found the pampers wipes so effective on our recent holiday. The were factor 30+ and very effective in the aussie sun - also very easy to apply - just wipe over the skin and the cream is white so you can see where you are applying it.

Thanks eidsvold - hadn't thought of using the wipes - I will give it a go!

Just to add that I noticed Tesco's had the Pampers sun wipes on offer yesterday - can't remember exactly, but might have been half price.