Sun Tan Lotion

Hey Guys, just wondering how long sun tan lotion can last. Only my parents have only brought factor 8 this year and we have some 15 and 20 from last year, so is it better to wear the 15 or 20 from last year (thinking about it could even be the year before) or the factor 8 that was brought a couple of days ago, because doesn't sun tan lotion have a certain lifetime so it becomes less effective?

Much help appreciated as i plan on sunbathing tomorrow to get a tan for the ball at end of week but dont want to to turn up red and burnt!

Reply 1

Bubblebee

They recomend you buy new everyyear but I'm sure the manufacturers of anything would tell you that lol. Why not buy some yourslef?

Reply 2

Cocoa

suntan lotion is supposed to be purchased new yearly because it loses some of it's effectiveness after a period of time

also it is recommended not to use anything less than spf 15 due to the risk of skin damage and the depleting ozone layer

Reply 3

Superman

Im not able to get anywhere until at least tuesday if not wednesday to buy any

Reply 4

Cocoa

ooh forgot ::

supposed to re-apply lotion every 3-4 hrs, or immediately after water activities and/or sweating alot

Reply 5

Talya

If you are white, Factor 8 is definitely not enough.

Reply 6

bedbug

I use stuff years on end and don't burn. I do burn if I put none on. I'm sure the old stuff will be fine.

Reply 7

Fluent in Lies

I have some stuff that curdled and solidified. I apply it like a stick.

Reply 8

high priestess fnord

was talking to a suncream researcher guy a while ago. apparently all suncream gives the same protection but the higher the factor the longer the protection lasts

Reply 9

Segat1

I'd put on the 15 or 20 ,and reapply every hour or two. If you're pasty, you'll need to do this for a couple of days until you get a base, then you can move to the factor 8.

Really don't think factor 8 is worth the money though - you may as well buy moisturiser. Explained here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen#Sun_protection_factor

Reply 10

jennyflake

Go and get yourself a decent fake tan... no issues with the burning thing, and then you also get a short while of pampering! ive heard good things about those fake tans.

Reply 11

Lewisy-boy

OK heres how sun cream works... if you burn in 30 minutes (for example) then factor 8 will multiply how long it will take you to burn by 8 (4hrs)... it really isnt complicated!!

Unless you buy expensive 24hr one application stuff (which I get for travelling to hot places) but its really expensive and only recommended if you are going to proper intense places, in the UK it really isnt called for... I sometimes wear it to play cricket or something but only because I have none of the others left. As i said thats how its supposed to work, but it depends on sun intensity and the whiteness of your skin. I wear factor 15 in really hot places and factor 8 or so in this country.