Why You Should Replace Your SPF This Summer Season

As summer approaches, it’s time to do a skincare refresh, starting with your SPF. Sunscreen is one of the most essential products in our skincare routines, protecting us from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer. However, if you’re still using the same body sunscreen from last year or haven’t thought about swapping out your old SPF for a fresh one, now is the time. Here’s why replacing your SPF this summer is important for effective protection and overall skin health.

1. Expiration Dates Matter

Sunscreen, like other skincare products, has an expiration date. Over time, the active ingredients in SPF products start to break down and lose their effectiveness. Expired sunscreen won’t provide the level of protection indicated on the bottle, leaving your skin more vulnerable to UV damage. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of 1-3 years, and the expiration date can usually be found on the bottom or back of the bottle. Always check this date to make sure your body sunscreen is still effective.

2. Formulas Degrade Over Time

Sunscreen formulas can change in texture, colour, and scent over time, especially if exposed to heat or sunlight. A sunscreen that’s separated, thickened, or has a different odour than when you bought it may no longer perform as expected. Mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are more stable than chemical sunscreens, but they can still become less effective after prolonged exposure to temperature fluctuations or moisture. To keep your SPF performing at its best, it’s wise to start each summer season with a fresh bottle.

3. Skin Needs Change

Our skin’s needs can change from season to season. In summer, higher temperatures and increased sun exposure often mean our skin can get oilier and more prone to sweat. You may want to opt for a lightweight, water-resistant body sunscreen that holds up during outdoor activities and prevents a greasy feeling. Alternatively, if you’ve experienced dryness, sensitive skin, or changes in your skin’s texture, a new sunscreen with hydrating or soothing ingredients may provide better support for your skin during summer.

4. Formulations Improve Every Year

Sunscreen technology is constantly advancing, with newer formulations that offer improved textures, additional skincare benefits, and more effective UV protection. Modern sunscreens may include added antioxidants, blue light blockers, or lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. When you replace your SPF with a newer option, you’ll often find a more comfortable, effective product that encourages daily use without leaving a sticky residue.

5. Use Enough SPF for Full Protection

Most people don’t use enough sunscreen to reach the SPF rating on the bottle, leaving their skin partially exposed. Dermatologists recommend applying about a shot glass worth of body sunscreen per application, reapplying every two hours or after swimming and sweating. If you’re diligently applying the right amount of SPF, a bottle shouldn’t last you more than a few months. So, if you still have some sunscreen left from last year, it’s possible you didn’t apply enough last season.

6. Environmental Factors Can Degrade SPF

Leaving sunscreen in a hot car, a beach bag, or on a sunny windowsill can cause the product to degrade faster than it would in a cool, dry environment. This summer, start fresh with a sunscreen bottle stored properly in a cool, dark place to ensure the formula remains effective. Fresh SPF that’s well taken care of will offer consistent protection, keeping your skin safe all season long.

Replacing your SPF at the start of the summer season ensures that your body sunscreen is fresh, effective, and ready to provide reliable sun protection. So, as you refresh your summer essentials, make sunscreen replacement a top priority for healthy, protected skin under the sun.