When it comes to food or medicine, we have no problem tossing those items which have passed their sell-by-date. We know that safety and efficacy is compromised when the expiration date has passed, so out they go.
You may not know it, but the same goes for makeup, beauty and skincare items. Using these once expired, can have negative consequences on your skin and actually cause damage. This is exactly what you do not need when you’re doing everything you can to retain the integrity and condition of your skin as you age.
Do Expiration Dates Really Matter?
In short, yes!
I found this out the hard way.
Several weeks ago, the skin on my face and neck felt (want for a better word) scaly. It was dry, itchy, red in parts and just not right. I didn’t know why. I thought it could be the woollen jumper I was wearing or the new soap I had showered with.
I changed both.
Still there. I delved a little deeper.
I went through my daily skincare routine and realised I was using a moisturiser that I had had for quite some time. It looked fine and smelt fine but when I tried to think of how long ago I bought it, I realised it was years rather than months ago. I thought that this could well be the culprit.
I stopped using it and guess what? My skin returned to normal within a few days.
I binned the moisturizer. I also blitzed my shelves, makeup bag and bathroom cabinet throwing away anything else that I knew I’d had for a while.
How Long Should We Keep Skincare & Beauty Products?
I did a little bit of research about how long we should keep potions and lotions and this is what I found out (guess what, it’s not years!!).
Generally speaking, most ‘liquid’ items should be used between 6-12 months of opening. This is due to the transference of bacteria (usually from our fingers or unclean applicators) into the item which reduces the freshness. Also, opening sealed products starts the process of oxidation which ultimately renders the item useless very quickly.
Interestingly, pump applications can last slightly longer because the integrity of the product remains intact and fresher for longer given the hermetically sealed container. Something to consider when making your next purchase.
Product Specific Expiration Dates
LIQUID FOUNDATION:
However you apply your foundation (brush, sponge or fingers) I’m sure you are not washing or cleaning after each application. This is the perfect recipe for introducing bacteria into your foundation which is a slippery slope to a skin disaster. Ensure you wash any applicator tools more regularly or use disposable sponge applicators.
FACIAL MOISTURISER:
The best products are those that come in a pump application and are hermetically sealed to help reduce the transference of bacteria. If you have a pot, try scoop out creams with a cotton bud so that your fingers don’t contaminate the cream, this way, the product will stay fresher for longer.
CONCEALERS, LIPSTICK & CREAM BLUSH:
Once your items are no longer applying smoothly, look discoloured or have any odd lumps in them, it’s time to throw them out. Any product that comes into contact with your eyes should be replaced more often to stop any infections in this sensitive area – conjunctivitis is not a good look!
As an extra piece of advice, any product that comes in ‘cream’ form should not be left in your car – that is how I lost a perfectly good MAC Honey Bunny lipstick! The heat is not forgiving at all…even for £18 MAC lipsticks!
MASCARA & LIQUID LINERS:
These will actually dry up quite quickly on their own but they are the biggest culprits of causing conjunctivitis. So, don’t ever lend them out and replace around 3-6 months.
POWDERED PRODUCTS
So we are talking about fixing powder, eye shadows and blushers. These generally last longer – around 2 years. Make sure the brushes that you use though are kept clean and never share brushes with others.
Take Home….Don’t Risk It!
There is no legislation for sell by dates or validation on beauty products so it is down to us.
To recap:
- Always check expiration dates. Oftentimes, the box that the item comes in may have an expiration date. But the bottomline is that most don’t have. A good tip is to write the purchase date on the item when you buy it so that you know when the time has come to let go.
- Be aware of any skin sensitivity and stop using immediately if something doesn’t feel right.
- If the product has any lumps, is not gliding on, smells funny or looks weird – time to let go.
- Regularly clean out your makeup bag, bathroom cabinet to expel old products.
- Clean applicator brushes often and use disposable where possible.
- Buy products that are hermetically sealed in pump applications.
Using old lotions and products can seriously cause breakouts and redness, and scaly skin!! Trust me I know.
Actually when I think about it, I had that moisturiser longer than 3 years……cringe…..
