The symbol on your sun cream that should NEVER be ignored and how to make sure it's safe to use BEFORE getting sunburn

The Sun

19-06-2025

WE all know how important it is to lather on the sun cream, but there's a little-known issue that could render your bottle useless.
Although it might be tempting to reach for the same bottle of sun cream you didn't finish from last summer, it could be a bad idea.
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That's because all sun cream expires, and quicker than you might think.
Experts at Which? recently took to TikTok to explain what people should look out for when reaching for their trusty SPF.
In the viral video they explained: "The period after opening symbol says how many months cosmetic products, such as sun cream, are effective after they're first opened."
The symbol, which looks like a small tub with a date next to it, isn't just on sun cream but makeup, perfume and loads more products your probably use everyday.
But when it comes to sun cream it's extra important to pay attention to the symbol, because the product can stop protecting your skin if it's been too long.
In fact, Rutledge Forney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dermatology Affiliates in Atlanta, Georgia, explained why making sure your SPF is in date is so important.
She told the Skin Cancer Foundation: "Sunscreen does lose its effectiveness over time, and you need to respect the expiration date.
"I have seen numerous sunburns on patients who realised too late that their sunscreen was expired.
She added: "If you're continuously using a bottle of sunscreen for several days, such as on vacation, and reapplying often, an eight-ounce bottle of sunscreen provides enough coverage for two to three days at the beach for one person. Use it up!"
Of course, it's not always easy to remember exactly when you opened your sun cream.
Met Eireann in major alert as they warn 'sunburn index' is high
But don't worry, the pros from Which? also shared a helpful hack to make that a whole lot easier too.
They suggested writing the date your open your SPF on the bottle with a marker pen.
That way, when it comes to applying toy SPF you'll know when it's time to chuck it out and buy a new bottle.
What to do if you so get sunburn
The NHS recommends we apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30) between March and October, however other skincare experts advise using sun cream year round.
According to the NHS, if you do have sunburn your skin may:
feel hot to touch
feel sore or painful
flake or peel - this usually happens a few days after you get sunburn
In more severe cases your skin may also blister.
Sun burn is more obvious on white skin, as it will usually be red orpink.
However, if your have black or brown skin, you might not notice a change in the colour of your skin at all, the NHS website notes.
Getting out of the soon as soon as possible is a must if you're sunburnt.
The NHS recommends cooling off with a cool shower, applying aftersun, and drinking plenty of water.
You should also avid popping any blisters, scratching or trying to remove peeling skin, and using ice packs directly on sunburnt skin.
How to care for sunburn safely
WE should all avoid getting burnt in the sun as it can cause skin cancer.
But if you do get burnt this summer, it's important to take care of your skin safely.
Your skin will likely feel hot to the touch, be sore and painful, and flake or peel after a few days. If your burn is severe, your skin may also blister.
According to the NHS, the best ways to ease sunburn yourself are to:
Get out of the sun as soon as possible
Cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
Apply aftersun cream or spray
Drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration
Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
Cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed
You should also avoid using petroleum jelly, putting ice or ice packs directly on sunburnt skin, popping blisters, scratching or trying to remove peeling skin and tight-fitting clothing.
Most of the time, sunburn can be treated at home. But you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you've been out in the sun and:
Your skin is blistered or swollen
Your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery
You feel very tired, dizzy and sick
You have a headache and muscle cramps
Your baby or young child has sunburn
Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be very serious and in some cases fatal.
Source: NHS