With the rise of skinfluencers and live selling, it’s no surprise that we find ourselves purchasing multiple products in search of that one product that truly works. But when products start piling up on our shelves, this question pops up in our mind: are these expired?
Using expired skin care products can do our skin more harm than good, possibly even undoing any progress your skin had previously.
Read on as we share all you need to know about skin care and their expiry dates!
Do skin care products have expiry dates?
Just like food and medicine, skin care products have expiration dates as well. Using them on your skin past their prime can be ineffective, and even harmful to your skin. Over time, the active ingredients in skin care products tend to break down, reducing their potency and efficacy.
Factors that affect skin care’s shelf life
Not all skin care products expire at the same rate. Several factors determine how long a product stays fresh and effective:
- Exposure to light & air: Sunlight and oxygen can degrade active ingredients, making the product less effective.
- Storage conditions: Keeping skin care in warm, humid environments (like your bathroom) can shorten its lifespan.
- Packaging: Products in airtight pump bottles or opaque containers tend to last longer than those in jars, which are exposed to air and bacteria every time they’re opened.
If you notice changes in the product’s texture, colour or smell, even if it’s still within its expiration date, it might be time to toss it. Products that have separated into layers or developed clumps should be discarded.
What happens if you use expired products?
Using expired skin care products can cause more harm than good for your skin. As the active ingredients break down over time, the formula loses its effectiveness. This reduces its ability to provide sufficient effects and results for your skin.
Expired products could also lead to irritation, redness or breakouts as preservatives lose their potency, which potentially increases the risk of bacterial or fungal growth.
To keep your skin healthy and make sure you’re getting the most out of your skin care routine, it is crucial to check expiration dates regularly and replace any products that are past their prime.
How to check for expiration dates?
Before using any skin care product, do a quick check on its expiry date. Most products will have:
- A printed expiration date: This tells you when the product will expire, even if unopened.
- A PAO (Period After Opening) symbol: Look for a small jar icon with a number, like 12M (12 months), indicating how long the product is good for after opening.
3 proper ways to store your skin care
Taking care of your skin also means taking care of your skin care products! Proper storage helps maintain their effectiveness and ensures you get the most out of every drop. Here are some ways to store your skin care properly:
- Keep them in a cool, dark place: Avoid direct sunlight and humid environments to preserve their stability.
- Consider buying smaller quantities: This minimises waste and ensures you’re always using fresh, potent formulas.
- Label your products: Add a small sticker with the date you opened them to keep track of their shelf life.
At the end of the day, skin care is an investment in yourself. So treat your products with care and caution, and they’ll take care of your skin in return!
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