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Protect Your Skin: Martin Lewis’s Sunscreen Expiry Date Tip
Financial expert Martin Lewis recently shared a crucial tip to safeguard your health this summer and beyond: checking the expiration date of your sunscreen. Many people store sun cream for extended periods, but is it still effective? Lewis emphasizes the importance of knowing your sunscreen’s lifespan to ensure adequate protection from harmful UV rays.
Understanding the ‘Period After Opening’ (POA)
On his podcast, Lewis highlighted a straightforward method to determine if your sun protection is still valid. He explained that on the back of sunscreen bottles, you’ll find a “POA” number, which stands for ‘period after opening’.
- This number indicates the duration (typically 12 or 24 months) for which the product remains effective after being opened.
- The POA is also commonly found on makeup products.
- It is usually marked as, for example, 9M, 12M, 18M, or 24M.
How to Track Your Sunscreen’s Expiry
Lewis suggests noting the date you open a new bottle of sunscreen directly on the bottle. This simple practice will help you quickly determine if the sunscreen is still effective when you reach for it again.
“[When you open the bottle] Put a little note of the date, write that onto the sunscreen and you’ll know if you try to use it in a year’s time whether it’s still valid or not,” said Lewis.
The Importance of Sunscreen and Skin Cancer Prevention
Using expired sunscreen can lead to inadequate protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and, more seriously, long-term skin damage that could lead to skin cancer.
Areas Often Missed When Applying Sunscreen
Dermatologists emphasize that certain body parts are often overlooked when applying sunscreen, increasing their risk of sun damage:
- Backs of hands
- Ears
- Scalp
- Neck
Expert Advice on Sunscreen Application
Dr. Neera Nathan, a skin cancer surgeon, advises diligent application of sunscreen to these frequently exposed areas. Similarly, Dr. David Kim notes that the ears, scalp, and hands are commonly missed during sunscreen application.
Key Facts About Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure
- Most skin cancers are caused by direct and frequent exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Over 80% of skin cancers stem from sun exposure.
- Common forms of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Recognizing Skin Cancer Symptoms
Be vigilant for the following skin cancer symptoms:
- Discolored skin patches
- Itching or bleeding spots
- Pink lumps with a hard surface
- Sores that don’t heal
The ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection
Regularly monitor your moles and freckles, keeping in mind the “ABCDEs” of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: Moles that are asymmetrical
- Borders: Moles with undefined or irregular borders
- Coloring: Moles with uneven coloring
- Diameter: Moles with a large diameter
- Evolving: Moles are changing in size, shape, or color.
Defending Against Sun Damage
The most effective approach is to protect the skin by wearing sunscreen and protective garments, especially when the sun’s rays are most intense, typically around midday.
For the scalp, especially around the hair follicles, a spray sunscreen can be particularly effective, according to Dr. Nathan. Look for a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30 or higher that is water-resistant. Generally, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours.