WITH temperatures set to reach record breaking highs, anyone heading out should be sure to lather themselves in sun cream first.
And while the majority of people know the importance of using SPF to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays, they may not know about this one important symbol on the bottle.
Just like any other cosmetic product, sun cream can expire, and it may not work as well when it does.
Luckily, there is a handy way to check how long your SPF will last.
Like any other cosmetic product, on the back there will be an image of an open jar, with a number inside, next to the letter M.
The number inside the jar represents how many months after being opened, the product can last.
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So for example 12M would mean that your lotion will last for a year, while 6M means that you can use it for the next six months.
While many people continue using beauty and skincare products way after the time period recommended, your best bet is to stop doing this and buy new products when you reach this point.
And this is especially true for sun cream as the active ingredients in the product begin to decompose meaning they can quickly become ineffective.
Alongside keeping note of how long your sun protection should work, you should also be somewhat wary of two-in-one moisturiser/SPFs, or foundations with SPF added.
Speaking to Tyla, Bruce Green, a chartered scientist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare said:
“Whilst double-duty products may make steps shorter and seem more efficient, you cannot always rely on your daily moisturisers or make-up products to give you adequate protection.”
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He adds that in these products, the SPF is often too low to maintain constant protection, especially in the hot summer months.
“If you’re using a serum or cream that is less than SPF 30, you should opt for a higher SPF in order to have effective skin protection,” says Bruce.
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