Ok my friends I have a strange question

[MAC3]

Does sunblock lose it effectiveness? I bought a full bottle for DD at the end of last year, I was wondering if it still good enough to take to WDW with us?

Thanks for your help,
Lisa

 

[MosMom]

YES! We took a bottle from the summer and E got burnt our first day. I kept applying it but it just wasn't working. I stopped and bought a bottle of the $13 Spectra they sell in the parks and never had a problem again. I think our stuff lost effectiveness from being old.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

does it have an expiration date?

 

[Pop Daddy]

dont use the stuff, just let the sun cook me

 

[MosMom]

Originally posted by Pop Daddy
dont use the stuff, just let the sun cook me

This explains quite a bit...

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by momof3disneyholics
does it have an expiration date?

I didn't see one on the bottle. Unless it's written in morse code!

Thanks Bridget,

I think I'll just toss it and start off fresh. I've got a porcelain skinned red head so I won't take any chances.

Lisa

 

[tiggersmom2]

I guess it may depend on the brand you use. I have some Coppertone Sunbabies SPF 45 and we have used it for the past four years, it has worked great! By the way my youngest and I are Blonde haired and green/blue eyed.

 

[Serena]

At wdw? I'd toss it just to be safe.

 

[Pop Daddy]

Originally posted by MosMom
This explains quite a bit...

what are you talking about

 

[kirstyfly]

Yes it should have an expiry date, all the sun block here in NZ have an expiry date.

We have to use sunblock here as get really burnt by the sun as there is a hole in the ozone layer that lets all the uv light from the sun in.

i couldn't believe it when we were in WDW in november and didn't need sun block and didn't get burnt at all. I remember asking my friend if we needed sun block and he said no you don't get burnt like back home.

 

[Nutsy]

Lisa, I would think if you only bought it a few months ago, that it would still be fine, unless it had been sitting on the shelf for months before you bought it. Also, it should have a 'best before' or 'use by" date on it somewhere. Perhaps underneath?

 

[Want2liveatWDW]

I found this answer on the news channel 4 ask Liz section:

Q: Sunscreens, year after year, does it have the same protection from one year to the next?

A: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY SENT US TO DR. PATTY FARRIS. SHE SAYS THROW THE OLD SUNSCREEN AWAY. AFTER A YEAR, SUNSCREEN CHEMICALS DEGRADE AND LOSE EFFECTIVENESS.

Here's the link:


Ask Liz

 

[disdreams]

I saw a program last year on the subject of sunblock on 20/20 or dateline, and yes, sunblock has to be replaced every year. Also, they tested several brands, and the worst one (according to thier studies) was "no ad" brand.

 

[disdreams]

And.......just for you "sunless" tanning lotion users (moms)......
I tried to use one I had bought a little less than a year earlier, and when I applied it to my leg, it was GREEN! Grass green!!!!
Fortunately, I scrubbed it off within seconds, before it was semi-permanant!!

 

[MAC3]

Thanks Everyone for you replies. I usually start off new and then use what we have here (the leftover) for around the pool here. As after being in wdw the sun just doesn't feel as warm here!

I appreciate the link Want2liveatWDW!

I'll check for that date again Auriel! Thanks Again Everyone

Lisa

 

[PandyPaws]

This is one of my biggest pet peeves....
Yes, sunblock loses it's effectiveness. No, they do not have an expiration date (arghhhh). However, be very careful when purchasing that 'new' bottle, especially from your local drugstore chain...I have noticed that they tend to have stock on the shelves that are in fact from last year!! EEK, this drives me nuts!!

I have often noticed that when the 'seasonal' shelf changes begin, especially in late winter/early spiring, those shelves start growing with old stock out of the stockrooms before new stuff is added!! For this reason I always look for new labeling on products, or something 'new' in sunblock, such as the 'colored' or 'foam' coopertone for kids (when they first came out), or whatever is 'new' for the year.
I really, really wish they were regulated with expiration dates.