Anyone using sun cream urged to check three-digit code | UK | News
The open jar symbol contains a code that indicates how long the sunscreen will last after opening. (Image: Claire Schofield)
Sunnier weather is expected across the UK this week, with above-average temperatures expected in many areas. The Met Office said high temperatures of around 23 to 24 degrees were possible in southern England this week, while high pressure would bring largely dry, fair weather to much of the country from midweek. Plenty of sunshine is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, but it will be windier in southern areas and coastal storms are possible in parts of the southwest. It will be hot and humid in parts of England from Friday, with temperatures reaching 24°C in central and southern parts.
This means shorts and t-shirt weather is in full swing, and while the sun will be shining this week, it’s important to be mindful of sun exposure in the coming days. Being outside in the sun increases the amount of UV radiation we are exposed to, and this can damage both skin and eyes.
UV rays are generally strongest between 10am and 4pm, but even if it’s cloudy you may still be exposed to UV radiation, so it’s important to stay well protected by wearing sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
Read more: Three State Pension changes affecting bank accounts in May
Read more: Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues jet fuel booking update to Jet2, Ryanair and BA passengers
To protect against ultraviolet B radiation (UVB), the NHS recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and at least four-star ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection.
You should see a star rating of up to five stars on sunscreen bottles and they will be labeled with the letters “UVA” in a circle. This is a European mark and means that UVA protection is at least a third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations.
However, there is another important symbol on sunscreen bottles that indicates the expiration date, which you should check before applying. Sunscreen bottles should have a small symbol on the back that looks like an open jar, with a three-digit code inside.
The code consists of two numbers and a letter, such as ’12M’ or ’18M’, indicating that your sunscreen is safe for 12 or 18 months after opening. If your sunscreen stays on longer than this number, the product will no longer be effective and will not provide the level of protection you need.
Benenden Health explains: “To know when sunscreen has expired, all you have to do is look for the symbol on the sunscreen bottle that looks like an open jar. Inside it is a number that tells you how long the product should be used once opened.
“For example, if you see “12M” on the open jar, you need to use the sunscreen within 12 months after opening it. After this period, the sunscreen becomes ineffective, no matter how high the sun protection factor is. Therefore, try to remember when you last opened it, and if you know you used it last year, it is time to buy a new one.”
Most sunscreens have a shelf life of around three years, but if the bottle has already been opened you need to make sure you use it within the time specified on the symbol on the bottle, which is usually 12 months (12 months).
Susanna Daniels, chief executive of the charity Melanoma Focus, said: “In the UK, you’ll see an SPF on suntan lotion bottles – you’re looking for something over SPF 30 – and it’ll usually have a star rating on the back. You’re looking for a four or five star rating, which equates to your UVA protection.”
“There’s also a picture of an opened bottle and it may say ’12M’, which indicates how long the suntan lotion will last before it expires. 12M means the sunscreen will expire 12 months after opening. Anything kept in light or heated may not last that long.”
