Ditch last year’s half-used tubes of sunscreen and toss those almost empty cans; just like medicine, sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time. And you risk a nasty sunburn if you’re not careful.
Besides the expiration date, another way to tell if that bottle of sunscreen has gone bad is if it has a funky smell or has a different texture.
Since we spend as much time at the beach as we can, our sun care products are sitting in the hot sun, which also speeds up degradation.
Just to be safe, we buy new sunscreen every summer.
As a beauty editor, we receive all the best sunscreens, but this year we’re loving the popular Korean vegan brand Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen. ($22.90)
The lightweight cream spreads easily and absorbs seamlessly into your skin. Unlike some sun care products, the Green Tea blend doesn’t make our skin break out and even soothes our skin. (That’s the combination of Green Tea Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water.)
The brand also boasts an Aqua Glowing Sunscreen ($22.90) with Panthenol and Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, which locks in moisture, great for those with dry skin (raises hand.)
We tested both of these on long days at the beach (yes, we live in California) and dutifully reapplied every two hours and after quick dips in the ocean without a hint of sunburn.
Suncare solved.