Can I use last years sun cream?

Most sunscreens are formulated to keep their original strength for two to three years, if stored at room temperature. That means that you can normally use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next.

If however they have been exposed to higher temperature (which naturally often happens on sunny holidays!), they might expire quicker.

Also, you never know how long they have been standing on that drugstore shelf, so personally I tend to use ‘fresh’ ones each holiday.

Also keep in mind, that you should use sunscreen generously and frequently, so a bottle of sunscreen shouldn’t last longer than one holiday anyway. If it does, chances are you are not using it correctly. Remember – you should apply an entire shot glass of sunscreen to cover your body and repeat regularly!

You always discard products that show obvious changes in colour, smell or consistency.

Love and Hugs

Emalene xx

SPF GET SCHOOLED

Temperature does not dictate the amount of UV emitted from the sun. This means that on a sunny winters day you can still get sunburned.

UV radiation is the part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. There are 3 classifications of UV light. UVA, UVB, UVC.

The short rays UVC are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach earth, however UVA and UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in premature ageing, uneven pigmentation, and skin cancers.

UVA is the longest of the three rays at 320-400nm. These rays can penetrate through clouds, windows and into the dermis, prolonged exposure shrinks collagen and elastin fibres and causes fine lines wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

UVB rays range from 290-320nm their intensity varies depending on location, stimulate melanin and can result in freckles, mottled and uneven complexion as well as redness and sunburn. Generally, this is what you protect yourself from when you are on holiday.

In addition to accelerating the ageing process, all UV exposure can suppress the skin immune system and increase the risk of skin cancer, so it’s imperative that your daily skincare regimen includes a broad-spectrum sunscreen to block damage from both UVA and UVB rays as well as potent antioxidants to protect against free radical damage.

So here is the question are you protecting your skin daily and what do you get from your skin care?

I would be interested to find out!

Hugs and Kisses.

Emalene xx