With a heatwave set to bring scorching temperatures across the UK, experts are reminding everyone to check a crucial three-digit code on their sun cream bottles to ensure adequate protection.
Heatwave Alert for the UK
Warm and humid weather is forecast to sweep the UK over the coming days, with a heatwave initially centred on Southern and Eastern England. Temperatures are expected to reach 32C on Sunday and could climb to 34C or higher on Monday. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat, particularly affecting parts of eastern England, London, South-east and South-west England, and Wales, with the peak expected on Monday and Tuesday.
As people prepare to enjoy the sun, it's vital to protect skin and eyes from UV radiation. UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, but exposure can occur even on cloudy days. The NHS recommends using a sun cream with an SPF of at least 30 to guard against UVB radiation, along with at least a four-star UVA protection rating.
Understanding Sun Cream Labels
Sun cream bottles typically display a star rating of up to five stars and the letters 'UVA' inside a circle, indicating the product meets EU recommendations. However, there is another critical symbol: an open jar icon with a three-digit code inside, such as '12M' or '18M'.
This code reveals how many months the sun cream remains effective after opening. For example, '12M' means the product should be used within 12 months of opening. After that period, the sun cream becomes ineffective, regardless of its SPF level.
Expert Advice on Sun Cream Expiry
Benenden Health explains: 'To know when sun cream expires, look for the open jar symbol on the bottle. The number inside tells you how long to use the product after opening. If you see '12M', use it within 12 months. After that, it's no longer effective.'
Most sun creams have a shelf life of about three years unopened, but once opened, they must be used within the timeframe indicated. Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, adds: 'Look for SPF above 30 and a four or five-star UVA rating. The open jar symbol with '12M' indicates how long the lotion lasts after opening. Exposure to light or heat can shorten this period.'
As the UK braces for soaring temperatures, checking the open jar code on sun cream bottles is a simple but essential step to ensure continued protection against harmful UV rays.
