It is important to use sunscreen, as it protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But it is equally important to not use to sunscreen after its expiration date as then it will offer you no protection against the harmful rays of the sun.

Generally, sunscreens can be used from one year to three years, as it all depends on the product. Therefore, people should not buy the product that does not have date on the product. The efficacy of the products also depends on where it was kept.

To cite an example, if it was stored in glove compartment of the car then its active ingredients would have broken down in the health. The HPRA Irish medicines' watchdog has suggested looking out for a European address on the label of the sunscreen.

It is also important to look at SPF (sun-protection factor) a measure that helps prevent UVB rays to negative impact the skin. With rise in SPF number, the protection level increases and it has to be taken where a person lives and on his type of work.

There are many sun screen products that have different categories of sun protection, like low (SPF 6 to 10), medium (SPF 15, 20 and 25) and high (SPF 30 and 50) and very high (SPF 50 plus). No product offers 100% sun protection.