MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has advised shoppers to check the back of sunscreen bottles to save money. The tip, shared on Instagram, highlights the 'period after opening' (PAO) number, which indicates how many months the product remains effective after first use—typically 12 or 24 months.
By noting this number, consumers can determine if leftover sunscreen from previous years is still protective, potentially avoiding unnecessary purchases. MSE also suggests writing the opening date on the bottle to track expiry, or, as a commenter noted, recording the expiry date directly.
The advice comes ahead of a hot bank holiday weekend, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures up to 33°C in southern England and the Midlands. Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher confirmed highs of 30°C on Saturday, 32°C on Sunday, and a peak of 33°C on Monday.
The NHS warns that sunburn increases skin cancer risk and advises using at least factor 30 sunscreen with 4-star UVA protection, reapplying frequently, and seeking shade between 11am and 3pm. Sunscreen past its prime can still be used as body lotion, MSE adds.
