Top Priority for Bathroom Spring Cleaning: A Detailed Deep-Cleaning Approach
Revamped and Rewritten:
Spring cleaning ain't just about freshening up your bathroom, buddy. You gotta take care of your skin, too! If you've got that ancient sunscreen stashed in your medicine cabinet from last summer, it's high time to give it the heave-ho.
You know that sunscreen sitch, right? You grab it at the start of summer, use a fraction, and then it gets neglected till next summer. But tossing half-empty bottles might seem like a money-wasting move, there's a solid reason why you probably should.
Why Bin That Old Sunscreen?
Just like all skincare swag, sunscreen comes with an expiration date. And it's quicker than you can finish using the product, marking it as one of those household items you've gotta check when decluttering your bathroom closet. Dermatologist Sheila Farhang emphasizes that you gotta make sure your sunscreen is still guarding your skin like a boss. She breaks down the reasons why it may be time to ditch your sunscreen, whether it's still effective past its expiry, and the red flags that hint you need to pitch the bottle.
Using old, expired sunscreen might give you a false sense of security, but it can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage and make it more susceptible to irritation or infection if the bottle's been contaminated.
When It's Time to Say Adios
Don't treat sunscreen expiry dates like they're somehow less essential than the ones on your groceries. Farhang advises that some products come with a period-after-opening symbol graphic to guide you on when to chuck 'em. For example, if the graphic is 12M, it means the product's good for 12 months after opening the product for the first time.
"You should definitely chuck your sunscreen if it's passed its expiry, if its color has changed, or if the texture seems whack, like if it's separated or clumpy," says Farhang. These signs indicate that the formula has broken down and might not protect your skin properly anymore.
The FDA states that sunscreens must have an expiry date unless the manufacturer's stability testing has proven that the specific product will stay fresh for three years. So, if there's no expiry date on your sunscreen, it's likely it'll last for up to three years if unopened. But play it safe and toss it if it doesn't have an expiry date or if it's faded.
The Best Time to Load Up on Sunscreen
Don't fall for the notion that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer months. Dermatologist Farhang recommends wearing sunscreen year-round. As for when to stock up, double down when your fave is on sale or has a promo. Spring or early summer is an excellent time to make sure you're stocked up and prepared for the sun. Just remember, keep an eye on those expiry dates and avoid hoarding sunscreen more than you'll use within a year or two.
[1] The Skin Cancer Foundation: importance of sunscreen
[2] American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen Maintenance and Storage
[3] American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs
[4] Barton, M. H., & Leslie, D. F. (2010). Cosmetic and Topical Pharmacology: Mechanisms of Action and Regulatory Aspects. Academic Press.
- During seasonal cleaning, don't forget to check your housekeeping routine for skin-care essentials like sunscreen, ensuring they're not past their expiration dates.
- House cleaning isn't only about spring cleaning tips; it's also about prioritizing health-and-wellness, such as tossing old sunscreen to maintain skin care.
- Dermatologist Sheila Farhang suggests that old sunscreen, even if it hasn't exceeded its expiry date, should be discarded if its color has changed or if its texture seems unusual, like separation or clumpiness.
- When rearranging your house during spring cleaning, pay attention to your house cleaning supplies and remember to bin that old sunscreen to ensure stability and effectiveness.
- While rewearing old sunscreen may provide a false sense of security, it can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage and increase the risk of irritation or infection if the bottle is contaminated.
- Instead of stockpiling sunscreen for an extended period, it's recommended to re-purchase sunscreen year-round and take advantage of sales or promotions during spring or early summer.
- Just like following fitness-and-exercise guidelines to maintain physical stability, prioritizing skin-care, such as discarding expired sunscreen, contributes to overall health and wellness.
