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

People told to turn their suncream bottles around as doctor shares advice The dermatologist claims that people need to make sure they're not putting their skin at risk A skincare specialist has reminded people that they need to check the details on their sun cream bottles before applying any, or risk doing more harm than good to their skin. Failing to follow this advice could mean that those who believe they are protecting themselves end up with painful, preventable issues. Dr Nora Jaafar, a medic with 10 years of NHS experience, said: "A friend of mine sent me a picture [of her sunburns] after slathering her body in SPF 50, and [we] can clearly see something's gone wrong." Highlighting why checking suncream bottles is crucial, she said: "I told her, check the back of the SPF you used and check if it's expired." Like most products, SPF has an expiry date when people should discard any remaining product. Unlike supermarket food items, there isn't always a specific date printed on every bottle of sun protection. Instead, most feature a small 'pot-shaped' symbol on the back to show exactly how long the product provides complete protection. Inside the symbol, there is usually a number indicating how many months the active ingredients remain effective from the day the bottle is opened, not from the date of purchase, according to the Express. Dr Nora said: "Once SPF has expired, the UV filters have been broken down. Even though you feel protected because you've put something on your skin, nothing's working. "So, when you do have SPF, try and write the date that you opened it onto the lid. Even if that's on the inside, just to remind yourself." The NHS warns that most people fail to apply sufficient sun cream. The health service said: "As a guide, adults should aim to apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if you're covering your entire body. "If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better." The NHS advises adults to use about six to eight teaspoons (around 35ml) of sun cream to cover the entire body for a single application. As a rough guide, use two fingers with generous amounts of product to reach this safety target. The cosmetic dermatologist also suggests that, despite product labels indicating these items can last for months, people ought to use them up well before the expiry date if they wish to remain sun-safe. Neglecting daily SPF leaves skin vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, heightening the risk of DNA mutations and, consequently, skin cancer. Cancer Research UK claim that nine in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun. It added: "The sun is often strong enough to cause damage in the UK between mid-March and mid-October, even when it's cold or cloudy." People should also be mindful that repeated sun damage can trigger premature signs of ageing, persistent dark spots, and long-term inflammation. Sustained damage over time affects how skin heals itself, making scars and post-breakout marks more noticeable and lasting.