Did you know your sunscreen has an expiration date? The FDA rules that SPF in sunscreen should last three years but before you grab that old bottle in the bottom of your beach bag, check:
- Expiration date (though not all sunscreens have one. Confusing, we know.)
- Smell it. If it smells funky, toss it.
- Test the consistency. If it’s watery, clumpy, changed color or grainy, it’s gotta go.
Not only are you risking skin damage if the SPF has degraded, but also skin infections! Once a tube is opened bacteria starts to grow, and if that sunscreen has been living in your car, the heat alone will create a toxic mess.
Here are some good choices (we tested every one) to replace that old sunscreen.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra Fluid Sunscreen.
Pricey at $33. it will last all summer. All fine drugstores.
Regular readers of our beauty section know we’re big fans of the entire Susan Ciminelli skincare line and her sunscreen is no exception. Packed with antioxidants and green tea, it actually soothes our skin, even in bright rays. The lightweight SPF 30 also moisturizes while it protects you.
$75. but a little goes a long way.
Another favorite of Dermatologists everywhere, the Elta MD UV Clear Broad-spectrum SPF 46 is specifically made for blemish and acne-prone skin. $37 but you’ll just be using this on your face. Buy online or at your doctor’s office.
We fell in love with the Evereden Sheer Botanical Facial Sunscreen SPF30 because it soaks right into our skin, protects from both UVA and UVB rays, lasts and lasts and because it has a luxurious faint rose scent. $28.
Shiseido’s clear sunscreen stick with SPF 50+ gets major points for it’s compact, portable size. Put it in your pocket and go. It’s like an invisible, lightweight protective shield. It works over and under makeup for sun protection so swipe it on before that beach party. $29.
Be sun smart this summer.