We usually check the expiration dates of the groceries when buying them. We also keep an eye out if the milk in the fridge is expiring or a jar of pasta sauce is about to expire. But come to think of can skin care expire? The answer is yes! Just like anything skin care also have a shelf life.
Let’s get to know in this article why, when and how skin care expires.
Why Can Skin Care Expire?
Skin care products mainly contain preservatives and active ingredients due to which these can break down over tome. It is the same like in foods. Exposure to air, light and heat can accelerate the degradation of these ingredients. Over the time the effectiveness of ingredients starts to decrease like of retinol, vitamin C etc.
Moreover expired skin care products may cause irritation and skin issues, having the potential growth of bacteria.
How To Tell If A Product Is Expired?
Almost all skin care products have an expiration date mentioned on the container / product, but if it is not presented look for PAO symbol. This refers to Period After Opening, like a a number is printed with an “M” which indicated months. So to give an example if it says “12M” it means the product is good for 12 months after opening.
In case your product doesn’t have either, here are some signs to tell if it’s time to toss it:
1. Colour Change: If your product appears darker, yellowed or any other color other than its original color, that means it has oxidised or gone bad.
2. Texture Change: When it separates your cream or clumps in your gel or gets grainy inside your serum, it means it’s gone bad.
3. Smell: Most skin care products start smelling “off” if they are expired. Most of the time, this becomes sour or rancid in smell.
4. Performance: If the product fails to perform well, then it is becoming old.
Common Expiration Timelines for Popular Products
Here’s a quick breakdown of common shelf lives for popular skincare items:
– Cleansers: 6-12 months
– Toners: 6-12 months
– Moisturizers & Creams: 6-12 months for pots; up to 24 months for pump bottles
– Serums (especially vitamin C): 3-6 months
– SPF Sunscreen: Up to 12 months
– Exfoliating Acids: 6-12 months
What Happens If You Use Expired Skincare?
Using expired skincare can lead to unwanted effects. Here’s a list of what expired products might cause:
– Irritation and Redness: Active ingredients can become unstable, leading to irritation.
– Breakouts: Bacteria might multiply in expired products which leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
– Loss of Effectiveness: Some products can become ineffective with expiration dates, especially the ones for treatments like acne medication or serums.
Want To Know Tips To Make Your Skincare Last Longer?
If you want to get the most out of your products, here are some easy storage tips:
– Keep Them Cool and Dry: Store products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity, like a dedicated drawer or cupboard.
– Seal Them Properly: Ensure that the lids are tightly sealed to avoid unnecessary exposure to air and contaminants.
– Consider Using a Skincare Fridge: For products with ingredients that are sensitive to heat, such as vitamin C serums, a mini skincare fridge can extend their lifespan.
– Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use clean hands or spatulas to scoop out products, especially with creams or gels in jars, to reduce bacterial contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are expired skincare harmful?
A: Yes, it leads to irritation, redness, breakouts, and even infections in some cases.
Q: Can I use expired sunscreen?
A: No, it basically loses its effectiveness, which makes you more vulnerable to sun.
Q: Do natural or organic products expire faster?
A: As organic products often contain fewer preservatives, they contain short shelf life. So the answer is yes, they do expire faster.
Q: Is it okay to store products in the bathroom?
A: While convenient, bathrooms are humid and can promote bacterial growth in your products. Try to store them in a drier, cooler place.
When to Let Your Skin Care Go
To your information skin care products also have a shelf life. Keep an eye for expiration dates and also look for signs that indicate spoiled or damaged product, as it’s important for you to get rid of those unwanted products. After all, your skin deserves the best care with fresh and effective products.
Keep your skincare lineup up-to-date!