Daily Mail

Bathroom mistake can put you at risk of deadly cancer, expert warns

30 April 2025

Daily Mail · Expert comment · 30 April 2025

In April 2025 the Daily Mail reported Dr Ed's warning that a common habit, keeping sunscreen in the bathroom, could leave people less protected than they think.

What Dr Ed said

Dr Ed explained that hot steam from showers and baths, along with warm temperatures and direct sunlight, can break down the protective ingredients in sunscreen, so the product may not prevent skin damage as it should. He urged people to check their bottles for signs that the active ingredients have degraded.

Summarised from the article; no direct quote from Dr Ed is reproduced here.

Clinical context

Sunscreen is a regulated product with a tested shelf life, but heat and humidity can shorten it. A cool drawer or cupboard is better than a steamy bathroom, a car or a sunny windowsill. Replace sunscreen that has passed its expiry date or changed in texture, colour or smell. Daily sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce skin ageing and skin cancer risk, so it is worth keeping in good condition. See our guide to skin cancer awareness and mole checks.