When Good Skin Care Goes Bad
It’s tough when good skin care goes bad. And, hard to say goodbye to something you love, But one day, ALL skin care products cease to be effective. And, as soon as you take the lid off, the timer starts ticking.
In each day the passes, your skin care may lose a little of its beauty power and no longer work like you want. And, using skin care past its prime can lead to even more skin issues.
Nobody wants that.
So, how long can you use your favorite moisturizer, toner, face mask, eye cream, or lip balm before it time to say, “So long?”
Here’s a cheat sheet to see whether it’s time –
To Keep It or Toss It
Face Masks
One Year Unless...
If your face mask comes packaged in a jar or a tube, it’s good for a year after opened with good product care.
If your face mask is a sheet mask, it should be used immediately after opening. Otherwise, it will dry out quickly. If your sheet mask is unopened, it should last a year.
Cleanser, Eye Creams, & Exfoliators
One Year
Cleansers, eye creams, & exfoliators can last up to a year with good product care.
Eye cream is often packaged in a container that applies with your fingers, so make sure your hands are clean before each use.
Remember, the skin around your eyes is uber sensitive.
Moisturizers, Toners, & Serums
6 Months to One Year
These three skin care essentials typically last 6 months to 1 year after opening. The reason there is a 6-month window is because effectiveness will depend on the care taken with the product.
Factors like how it’s packaged and where you keep it can affect how quickly it will degrade.
Lip Balm
One Year
Lip balms can last up to a year. However, if you use them while you are sick or while you have a cold sore, toss them when you are healed.
It’s better to start with a fresh lip balm once you are well, so those germs don’t follow you into your future.
Remember, if you must stick your fingers into a product, make sure they are clean. Dirty hands have germs and bacteria, and those things will contaminate your amazing product. Even the oil of your skin can breakdown a product over time and make it less effective. So, find that beauty spatula you never use, and…well, you know.
Using expired or contaminated skin care can jeopardize your beautiful skin. So, rotate your products out when it’s their time to go. When good skin care goes bad, make the clean break and toss it.
