Viewers Stunned By Woman's Experience Using Expired Sunblock: 'Painful'

A woman's video showing the reaction she claimed her skin had when she used expired sunscreen has gone viral and shocked viewers.

Morgan Vacala posted a video that was viewed more than five million times since she shared it on May 25 showing the burn that developed on her forehead.

"Don't be stupid, check the expiration date on your sunscreen," read the caption of her video, which was accompanied by several hashtags, including "#sunpoisoning" and "#seconddegreeburn."

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that everyone should use sunscreen.

"The best type of sunscreen is the one you will use again and again," the organization stated. "Just make sure it offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher and is water-resistant."

It noted that dermatologists advise that people should use sunscreen every day when they are outside, not just during the summer. When used properly, a bottle of sunscreen should not last a long time.

"Some sunscreens include an expiration date," the agency reported. "If the expiration date has passed, throw out the sunscreen."

If someone buys a bottle of sunscreen that doesn't have an expiration date, they are encouraged to write the date of purchase on it.

"You also can look for visible signs that the sunscreen may no longer be good," the piece published by the association stated. "Any obvious changes in the color or consistency of the product mean it's time to purchase a new bottle."

In her first video, Vacala showed a photo and a short clip of what the burn looked like on her forehead.

Viewers were stunned and took to the comments section to share their thoughts.

"It expires?" a TikTok user asked. "I'm a grown a** adult and didn't realize."

Another urged fellow viewers to check the expiration date on sunscreen bottles while they are shopping.

"You just saved my family from major burns," one viewer wrote. "Day 2 of vacay and just reached over to the beach bag and they're all expired."

"That had to be so painful," a viewer commented. "I'm so sorry."

Some shared that they've had a similar experience and suffered burns.

One asked Vacala what brand of sunscreen she used, and she said she was wearing sunblock from Banana Boat.

According to its website, Banana Boat products with SPF are effective for three years since the date they were manufactured.

The company stated that the sunscreen should be used within three years of the manufacture date for it to be effective.

Vacala posted another video showing a montage of photos that chronicled her skin gradually healing.

"It took about two to three weeks to fully heal," the video's voiceover said. "I grew up boating and always in the pool. Never had an issue burning like this."

She said at the end of her video that hats are now her "new best friend."

A spokesperson for Banana Boat told Newsweek in an email that the company takes these concerns and experiences seriously and is working to connect with Vacala.

"Banana Boat products with SPF maintain their quality and performance for three years from the date of manufacture and the expiration dates are printed on all Banana Boat products with SPF," the spokesperson said. "Beyond the three years, we recommend the product be discarded and replaced with a new product."

Newsweek reached out to Morgan Vacala for further comment.

This is not the only post that stunned viewers.

An air traffic controller claimed in a viral video that controllers go home at night and there is no one at the airport to work traffic. He said pilots talk to other pilots to ensure they won't hit each other.

One woman shared a video showing herself getting nearly $700 worth of products at Ulta for just 34 cents.

A man shared that he discovered a spider was in his ear after he experienced pressure and a tapping sensation.