People told to turn their suncream bottles around as doctor shares advice

A British dermatologist has urged the public to double-check the information on their sun cream bottles before using them, warning that improper usage or expired products could lead to serious skin damage. Dr Nora Jaafar, a medical professional with over a decade of experience within the National Health Service (NHS), highlighted the risks associated with incorrect application and outdated sun protection products during a recent advisory session. Her comments come amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of sunscreens being used incorrectly by consumers. Dr Jaafar shared an example of a patient who had suffered severe sunburn despite using what was believed to be a high-protection product. She explained that the individual had applied SPF 50, yet still ended up with visible burns. This led Dr Jaafar to investigate further and discover that the product had likely expired. “I told her to check the back of the SPF you used and check if it’s expired,” she said, emphasizing the importance of verifying the product's validity before use. Unlike food items, which typically display clear expiration dates, sun cream bottles often include a small "pot-shaped" symbol instead. This symbol indicates the period during which the product remains fully effective once opened. The number inside the symbol shows how many months the active ingredients will stay potent after opening, rather than from the date of purchase. According to Dr Jaafar, once the product expires, its UV filters break down, rendering it ineffective despite the user feeling protected. To help users track the usability of their sun cream, Dr Jaafar recommended marking the date of opening directly on the bottle’s lid. This simple step can serve as a visual reminder of when the product should no longer be used. The NHS has also issued guidelines regarding proper application techniques, noting that most individuals fail to apply enough sunscreen. Adults are advised to use approximately six to eight teaspoons of product, about 35 milliliters, to cover the entire body effectively. Applying sunscreen too thinly reduces its protective capabilities significantly. The NHS recommends applying the product to all exposed areas, including the face, neck, ears, and head, especially for those with thinning or no hair. However, wearing a wide-brimmed hat is considered a better alternative for head coverage. Dr Jaafar reiterated that using expired or insufficient quantities of sunscreen increases vulnerability to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, raising the risk of DNA damage and potentially leading to skin cancer. Cancer Research UK reports that nine out of ten melanoma skin cancer cases could be avoided through proper sun safety measures. The organization notes that the sun can be damaging in the United Kingdom between mid-March and mid-October, even on cool or cloudy days. Repeated exposure to UV rays can result in premature aging, persistent dark spots, and chronic inflammation. Long-term damage impairs the skin’s ability to heal, making scars and post-acne marks more pronounced and enduring. In light of these findings, experts stress the importance of regular skin checks and adherence to recommended sun protection practices. They emphasize that while sun cream is essential, it must be used correctly and within its effective timeframe. Consumers are encouraged to pay close attention to product instructions and expiration indicators to ensure optimal protection against the sun’s harmful effects.