Dr Nora Jaafar, a medical professional with a decade of NHS experience, is urging people to check their sun cream bottles before application, warning that using expired SPF can cause more harm than good. She highlighted the issue after a friend suffered sunburns despite applying SPF 50.
Why Expired SPF is Useless
Dr Jaafar explained that once SPF has expired, the UV filters break down. Users may feel protected, but the product is no longer effective. She advises writing the opening date on the bottle to track its lifespan.
Most sun cream bottles feature a small pot-shaped symbol on the back indicating how many months the product remains effective after opening, not from purchase. Ignoring this can lead to painful sunburns and increased skin cancer risk.
NHS Guidelines on Sun Cream Application
The NHS warns that most people do not apply enough sunscreen. Adults should use about six to eight teaspoons for full body coverage. Applying too thinly reduces protection. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including face, neck, ears, and scalp if hair is thinning. A wide-brimmed hat is recommended for additional protection.
Skin Cancer Risks
Cancer Research UK states that nine in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented by sun safety. The sun is strong enough to cause damage in the UK from mid-March to mid-October, even when cold or cloudy. Neglecting daily SPF exposes skin to UV radiation, increasing DNA mutation risk and skin cancer likelihood.
Additional Skin Damage
Continuous sun exposure can trigger early ageing, persistent dark patches, and chronic inflammation. Ongoing damage impairs the skin's natural healing, making scars and blemishes more visible and lasting.
