This is one of the most common beauty questions, and the answer is unequivocal: no, it's best not to reuse an outdated or open sunscreen for longer than its PAO (Period After Opening). It no longer effectively protects the skin: solar filters degrade and the level of protection displayed on the packaging is no longer guaranteed. Reusing an outdated solar product exposes you to sunburn, accelerated skin aging and long-term risks. To understand these issues, read also why protect your skin from the sun.
How does the sunscreen work?
Before you understand why sun protection is lost, you have to understand what makes it effective. Everything rests on its solar filters, active molecules that intercept UV rays before they reach the deep layers of the skin.
There are two broad categories of filters. Mineral filters act as a physical shield and reflect UV on the surface of the skin. Organic filters (sometimes called "chemicals") absorb UV rays and then convert them into harmless heat.
At home NUXE Sun, sun protections integrate a patented filter system, effective against UVA and UVB. Water resistant*, they limit the dispersion of filters during swimming. Always think of reapplying your protection at least all 2 hours, and more often in the event of swimming, sweating or wiping. To understand the clues, see Sunscreen: all you need to know about the SPF and textures.
The stability of these filters conditions the effectiveness of your sun protection. And that's where time plays against you.
How long can you keep your sunscreen?
The answer is found on the package, in the form of an open pot pictogram accompanied by the entry 6M, 9M, 12M or 18M: this is the Period After Opening (PAO). This figure indicates the number of months during which the product remains effective when opened, provided that it is kept in good conditions. To respect the OAP, store your sun protection in a dark, dry and cool place, sheltered from heat sources.
Why does the sunscreen perish?
Solar products are formulated to ensure the stability of their filters and their level of protection under normal conditions of use and preservation. But inadequate storage, such as prolonged exposure to high temperatures, can alter the stability of the formula and compromise its level of protection. This alteration is not always visible to the naked eye. Several factors accelerate this degradation.
Heat
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, for example in a car or in the sun on the beach, may affect the stability of the formula.
Contamination
After opening, repeated use of the product may encourage the introduction of micro-organisms. Keep the tip clean and close the product well after each use.
Air exposure
Over the course of use, air exposure and inadequate storage conditions may contribute to the alteration of certain components of the formula.
To maintain optimal protection, follow the post-opening period (PAO) or durability date indicated on your product. Keep it in good conditions. In case of a change of smell, colour or texture, it is better not to use any more.
How can you not waste your solar product?
The best way not to throw away your sunscreen is to use it to the end! During your holidays, apply your care generously: if you do not put enough, the level of protection is considerably reduced.
Our tip: place two lines of cream along the index and the major to get enough for the face and neck. Renew the app at least every two hours, and more often if you bathe, sweat or wipe. Find all our tips to choose your sunscreen and the perfect beauty routine in summer.
To extend its use after the holidays, apply your sun protection during your city trips at the beginning of the year, when the sun still shines, always within the limits of its PAO. With their sweet scent of escape, the care NUXE Sun transport you instantly on vacation.
Find the solar care that makes you want to apply it
The best sun protection is the one you apply generously, regularly and with pleasure. The NUXE Sun range has been designed to transform each application into a care parenthesis. Sensory textures, scent with addictive solar notes, invisible finish: sun protection becomes a delight for both skin and senses.
Very high protections SPF50+
For very high protection, bet on a SPF50+: find out why using sun protection 50+. The Founding Solar Cream SPF50+ and the Founding Solar Milk SPF50+ wrap the skin with a melted texture, without traces, and protect from UVA, UVB and blue light. The SPF50+ Sun Serum Stick slips into your bag to offer the same wide spectrum protection, while preventing the appearance of stains. Learn how to use a sun stick properly.
Crème Solaire Fondante Très Haute Protection SPF50+ Original price was: 23,10 €.11,55 €Current price is: 11,55 €.50% offView product
Sérum-en-Stick Solaire SPF50+ Original price was: 21,90 €.10,95 €Current price is: 10,95 €.50% offView product
Fluide Léger Haute Protection SPF50 Original price was: 23,10 €.11,55 €Current price is: 11,55 €.50% offView productLight textures
Water resistant and non-comedogenic, the Light Fluid High Protection SPF50 suitable for skins that love lightness. Always looking for innovative textures and easy-to-live gestures, the Laboratory NUXE has also developed the Fresh Solar Brume SPF30. Ultra-light, it offers a wide spectrum protection against UVA, the UVB and blue light, while moisturizing and refreshing the skin.
Solar oils
For the fans of the glow, the High Protection Gold Solar Oils ( SPF30 and SPF50) sublimate the skin of a gilded and iridescent veil, with high protection against UVA, the UVB And the blue light. Without mother-of-pearls, the Sun Oils Bronzantes High Face and Body Protection ( SPF30 or SPF50) guarantee protection UVA/UVB, feed and penetrate quickly without greasy film. Discover tanning oil, ally with golden and protected skin.
Protection and good mine
Do you want to combine protection with a bright natural tan? Anti-UVA, UVB and blue light, the Solary Fluid Good Mine SPF30 moisturizes the skin and illuminates with a long lasting sunny effect, without transfer.
Whatever your choice, all NUXE Sun sun sun protections contain an antioxidant complex with Riz and Rosemary extract to prevent premature skin photoaging. After exposure, prolong the treatment with an aftersun.
An outdated sunscreen no longer protects. Your sunscreen from last year may also have lost its effectiveness. To ensure your safety, renew your sun protection every year, apply it in sufficient quantity at least every two hours. These three simple gestures make all the difference between truly protected skin and exposed skin without knowing it.
* Solar protectors NUXE Sun except the Delicious Spray SPF30 and the Solar Fluid Good Mine SPF30.
