Sunscreen lotions are a great way to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging. However, if you have not used sunscreen every day for the past year, it might be time to go shopping.
Some products claim they can last you up to twice as long as other sunscreens. At the same time, this might be true. The risks of not replacing your sunscreen increase significantly.
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How Often Should You Replace Your Sunscreen Lotion
It would be best to consider many factors when deciding how often to change your lotion. If you plan on exposing your skin to many suns and have sensitive skin, it makes sense to change it out more often.
However, if you live in an area with more intense sun, like Florida or the Southwestern United States, you may not need to do this as frequently. On the other hand, if you live in an area that is not very sunny, like the Pacific Northwest or New England, you might need to change it more often.
Also, if you use sunscreen for other purposes like covering up any imperfections on your skin, your need for sunscreen lotion will be lower.
Sunscreen protects from ultraviolet radiation from outside sources like the sun and tanning beds. It should last a while if you are applying it in moderation. So be sure to check every few months after a year if your lotion still looks intact and has not already started to wear away.
Who Should be More Diligent about Replacing Their Sunscreen
People who are more diligent about their sunscreen habits, like reapplying and wearing sun-protective clothing, will need to replace it more frequently.
It is also essential to consider how old your sunscreen lotion is. If you have had it for five years or longer, it might be a good time to go shopping.
You should be more diligent about replacing your sunscreen if you:
- Have a family history of skin cancer
- Have blemishes or imperfections on the skin
- Live in a sunny place
- Are prone to burns, rashes, or peeling skin
- Do not apply your sunscreen correctly or cover your ears and face while applying it
- Reapply at least once per day, especially if you are going to be out in the sun for an extended period
How to Check if Your Sunscreen Needs to Be Replaced
You can tell if your sunscreen lotion is going wrong in several ways. The smell is a good indicator. If it has started to smell funky or fishy, it might be time for a new bottle. If you have had the same bottle for quite a while, you might want to check the expiration date to see how long you have used it.
Sunscreen lotions are a great way to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging. However, if you have not used sunscreen every day for the past year, it might be time to go shopping.
Some products claim they can last you up to twice as long as other sunscreens. At the same time, this might be true. The risks of not replacing your sunscreen increase significantly.