Let's keep things safe & fabulous...
You wouldn't eat mouldy break or expired milk, so why would you use a skincare product that's past it's shelf life? Here's a few tips to make sure what you're putting onto your face, is still benefitting you!
You wouldn't eat mouldy break or expired milk, so why would you use a skincare product that's past it's shelf life? Here's a few tips to make sure what you're putting onto your face, is still benefitting you!
Curently it's only a legal requirement to place expiry dates on products that are over-the-counter drug treatments like SPF's and Acne-treating products. This means that some cosmetic companies don't actually put expiry dates on top their packaging... making our lives just that bit harder.
Thankfully though, some companies do - simply look for the date at the bottom of the product (usually a stamp-like format).
Sometimes the 'stamp' is actually a little product drawing with a number inside - this can indicate how long you're meant to use that product from opening it, most product will be good to continue using if they are around 6-12 months.
If you still can't see a 'stamp' or 'drawing indicator', is there a batch number? There should be. You can contact the company and give them the batch number to find out when the product will expire.
Use this blog post as a reminder to check your skincare's shelf life!
If finding the expiry date/batch number doesn’t work, use your senses!
If your product smells strange, has changed colour or texture, or has started to separate, it's time to stop using it.
Look for greeny or yellow tinges, in products that used to be white or clear. This means that the product either gone rancid, oxidised or become ineffective.
Vegan? All-Natural product...
Check your natural products more frequently as they tend to have shorter shelf lives because they have fewer preservatives.
Ingredients can lose effectiveness -
Over-the-counter treatments for acne or those containing SPF are only meant to be used within a time frame, using them after this time may not necessarily harm your skin, but it's probably not doing anything for it either.
If the treatment is out of date, it's probably not protecting your skin fully, in terms of an SPF, if it's not working then your skin will be exposed to harmful rays whilst you're thinking it's protected.
Ingredients can become unstable, especially retinols or vitamin c's, whilst acids can become even more potent over time.
Ew ... Bacteria can grow inside -
If you haven't seen the viral video of someone cutting open their really, really old beauty blender, where have you been?
With certain products, those that contains preservatives, once it's expired the water-based formulas can actually grow bacteria - and not the good kind!
Products packaged in jars that require you to constantly dip your finger into the formula can also be a bacterial risk. Toss these products after their expiration dates to avoid skin irritation and breakouts.
Does it smell like melted crayons.. chuck it out!
Usually the melted crayons or products smelling 'off' can mean that the oils inside have become rancid. This means the chemical bonds have become compromised by the oxygen in our air, and will lose all beneficial nutrients. If it smells like plastic or strong chemical smell - toss 'em out ASAP.
1. Always check the expiry date of your new product - then pop a reminder in your phone to remind you when to stop using it!
2. Keep your products out of direct sunlight, in a cool dark place.
3. Use a plastic, or glass mini spatula rather than your fingers when using product you need to dip your fingers into.
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