MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has urged consumers to check the reverse of every sunscreen bottle to cut costs while staying protected during the current heatwave. The simple tip involves looking for the 'period after opening' (PAO) number on the label, which indicates how many months the product remains effective after first use—typically 12 or 24 months.
How the PAO Number Helps Save Money
In a previous Instagram post, MSE explained: "If you turn your sunscreen around, on the back you should find the 'period after opening' (PAO) number. This number tells you how many months it should still protect you after you first use it, usually 12 or 24 months." By checking this number, shoppers can determine if leftover sunscreen from previous years is still effective, potentially saving money on repurchasing. MSE added that expired sunscreen can be repurposed as body lotion.
Practical Tips for Sunscreen Use
MSE recommends writing the opening date on the bottle to track when it expires. Additionally, a commenter suggested noting the expiry date as well. These practices help ensure adequate sun protection, especially as the UK faces a red Extreme Heat warning from the Met Office for Wednesday and Thursday, alongside amber warnings covering much of southern and central England and Wales.
NHS Sun Safety Guidance
The NHS emphasizes that sunscreen is vital for preventing sunburn, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn can occur in the UK even on cloudy days. The health authority advises seeking shade between 11am and 3pm from March to October, using at least factor 30 sunscreen with four-star UVA protection, and reapplying frequently. "Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun's at its hottest," the NHS adds.
