Our bodies can suddenly become intolerant to a product that we've been using for years, so we might want to experiment by eliminating a product. Unfortunately, skincare products don't last forever and the vast majority, if not all, will have an expiration date. Once a product has expired, it may be less effective and cause adverse skin reactions. If the product does not have a date or this symbol on the packaging, a good rule of thumb for its shelf life is one to two years, unless otherwise indicated in the container.
While products may vary, in general, unopened products have a shelf life of about two years if stored properly, Stenzel says. After opening a product, it must be used as directed, within one year. Of course, this doesn't apply to over-the-counter products, such as sunscreens or acne formulas, which have an expiration date indicated on the packaging. These additional steps, including serums, masks, treatments, and even specialized sunscreens, are essential to complete your skincare routine and obtain optimal benefits.
It found that only 26% of regular users of skincare products apply SPF to their face every day, one in five (19%) admit that they don't usually remove their makeup before sleeping, 37% have used products after their expiration, and 59% are not sure which skincare products can and cannot be used together. No matter what kind of wonderful skincare products you use (if you leave your makeup on overnight, this can be very bad for your skin), your pores could become clogged and you could get breakouts. It has happened to all of us that you buy a new skincare product only to use it a handful of times before the novelty wears off. Don't worry, carry a pen with your products so you can keep track of when you start using them.
To know if a product has been damaged, I prefer to use common sense and personal judgment, inspecting a product for any visible or olfactory changes. But remember that no single product or ingredient can do all of these things, so product combinations help you ensure you keep your skin healthy. You should also give your products the time they need to absorb into the skin and penetrate soon, which is one of the first steps in the skincare routine, and finish with products that have to stay on the skin, such as moisturizers. Along with basic skincare products, such as vitamin C and retinol, SPF is one of the most formidable skin care products and one of the best ways to protect against sun damage that may cause premature aging.
The best way to find out the expiration date of a product is to look for a symbol on the label that looks like an open container with the letters “6 m” or “12 m” printed on it, indicating the number of months left before the product expires after opening. Most skincare products must be formulated with a strong preservative system, so you don't have to worry about using your fingers to get a cream or mask out of a jar (there's really no need to use those skincare spatulas that have become so popular). Many spas and skincare clinics offer free consultations and can help you choose what's best for you, Soto explains. Surprisingly, half of skincare users say they have no idea when any of their products will expire, and more than one in three (37%) admit that they continue to use a product after its expiration date. Heather Rogers, a dermatologist and board-certified dermatologic surgeon, applies skin care products in the correct order to ensure that your skin receives all the benefits of each product.
We all know that skincare products can be an expensive investment and the more products you use, the greater the total price.
