MoneySavingExpert (MSE), the consumer website founded by Martin Lewis, has urged anyone buying sunscreen to turn the bottle around and check the back. The tip, shared on Instagram, could help shoppers save money, especially as the UK prepares for a hot bank holiday weekend with temperatures forecast to reach 33°C.
Understanding the PAO Number
MSE explained that on the back of sunscreen bottles, consumers can find the 'period after opening' (PAO) number. This number indicates how many months the sunscreen remains effective after first use, typically 12 or 24 months. By checking this, shoppers can determine if leftover sunscreen from previous years is still protective, potentially saving money on new purchases.
If sunscreen is past its prime, MSE suggests it can still be used as a body lotion rather than being discarded. Additionally, writing the opening date on the bottle helps track its usability.
Bank Holiday Heatwave
The advice comes as the Met Office forecasts highs of 33°C on Monday, with temperatures climbing through the weekend. Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher noted that 30°C is likely on Saturday and 32°C on Sunday, peaking on Monday in southern England and the Midlands.
The NHS advises spending time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest from March to October in the UK. Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer, and the NHS stresses that there is no safe way to get a tan. It recommends using at least factor 30 sunscreen with 4-star UVA protection, reapplying frequently, and wearing suitable clothing and sunglasses.
By following MSE's tip, consumers can ensure they are adequately protected while making the most of their sunscreen purchases.
