We get it—sometimes that bottle of sunscreen sits in your beach bag a little longer than planned. But before you slather on last summer’s leftovers, you might be wondering: does sunscreen expire? The short answer? Yes. And using expired sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. How Long Does Sunscreen Last? Most sunscreens have an expiration date printed on the bottle, usually around two years from the date of manufacture. If you cannot find the expiration date on the bottle, a good rule of thumb is to replace it after two years. However, how you store your sunscreen can impact its shelf life. If it’s been sitting in a hot car or baking in the sun, it might lose its effectiveness even sooner. What Happens If You Use Expired Sunscreen? Expired sunscreen isn’t just a little less effective—it can be completely unreliable. Over time, the active ingredients break down, meaning you won’t get the protection you expect. That could lead to sunburn, premature aging, and increased risk of skin cancer. Not exactly what you signed up for, right? How to Tell If Your Sunscreen Has Gone Bad Even if your sunscreen hasn’t hit the official expiration date, you’ll want to check for these red flags: Changes in texture – If it’s become clumpy, watery, or separated, toss it. Odd smell – If it smells off or rancid, it’s time for a new bottle. Color change – If the color looks different than when you bought it, don’t risk it. Storing Sunscreen the Right Way To keep your sunscreen fresh and effective for as long as possible, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you’re out for the day, try keeping it in a shaded bag or wrapped in a towel instead of leaving it in the heat. The Bottom Line Yes, sunscreen does expire, and using an old bottle might not give you the protection you need. For the best defense against sun damage, check expiration dates, store sunscreen properly, and replace it when needed. And if you’re looking for a sunscreen that feels light, comfortable, and actually keeps up with your active lifestyle—well, we know a brand you’ll love. Wink. Stay safe, stay sun-protected, and keep that glow going strong!

February is all about love—whether you’re celebrating with your partner, your besties, or just treating yourself like the main character (as you should). But let’s be real: the longest relationship you’ll ever have is with your skin. So, while the world is wrapped up in roses and heart-shaped chocolates, let’s talk about the ultimate act of love—protecting your skin with SPF. A Love Story: You & Your Skin Think of sunscreen as your skin’s ride-or-die. It’s there for you through morning jogs, weekend brunches, and those impromptu beach getaways. A daily dose of SPF is like sending your skin a love letter—it keeps things smooth, protected, and glowing for the long haul. Sun Protection: The Love Language Your Skin Speaks Just like any great relationship, your skin needs consistency, care, and a little protection from the elements. Here’s how you can show it some extra love this Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day: ❤️ Quality Time: Make SPF a part of your daily routine—whether you’re heading out for a coffee date or staying in for a rom-com marathon. 💖 Acts of Service: Reapply your sunscreen every two hours when outdoors (because love is about showing up, not just saying it). 💕 Words of Affirmation: Look in the mirror and appreciate that radiant, healthy glow—because confidence is the best kind of beauty. 💓 Gift-Giving: Treat yourself (or your bestie) to skincare that actually loves you back. Hint: Melan’s sunscreen is packed with thoughtful ingredients and feels so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it. A Sunscreen Date Night (or Day) Idea 💘 For Couples: Swap greasy lotions for a lightweight, antioxidant-packed SPF that won’t rub off on your date’s shoulder. Bonus: a little SPF-infused back rub is never a bad idea! For Gal Pals: Make SPF reapplication part of your beach, brunch, or hike routine—because nothing says friendship like looking out for each other’s skin health! For Yourself: Give yourself the glow-up you deserve. Layer on sunscreen, grab your favorite drink, and bask in your own radiance! This Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day, let’s commit to relationships that go the distance—starting with the one we have with our skin. Because love is great, but SPF is forever. Ready to love the skin you’re in? Grab your Melan sunscreen and make SPF your daily love language. 💕

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and we are launching our first SPF products to spread awareness and give back to Melanoma Research.