With so many wonderful skincare products in the market, it becomes tough to stay loyal to just a few. However, hoarding comes with cons too. With every new purchase, your older products (some which you haven’t used even once), inch closer to their expiry dates. If the products have crossed their shelf-life, you will notice a change in colour, texture and smell. Expired moisturisers aren’t safe for your skin and here are a few other reasons why you should avoid using them.
3 Main Reasons To Stay Away From Expired Moisturisers
Trust us, it’s for your own good!
Who Invited Bacteria?
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Bacteria enters a product the first time you open and use it. Also, dipping your fingers into the moisturiser tub can transfer bacteria to the product. To prevent bacteria from entering and growing inside the moisturiser container, you must always make sure that your fingers are sanitised and clean. Also, avoid keeping the moisturiser container open for long, as dirt and bacteria can settle on its surface. If the bacteria does manage to come in contact with your skin, it’s going to cause rashes and inflammation. And who wants to deal with that?
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The Moisturiser Loses Its Super Powers
As your moisturiser ages, it loses its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin. It slowly loses its ability to lock in moisture into the skin too. Plus, its evident change in consistency and formulation prevents it from gliding smoothly on the skin and hydrate it.
Active Ingredients Aren’t So Active Anymore
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When you open a new product, its active ingredients begin the process of breaking down. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, Vitamin C, salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, lose their efficiency if used past their shelf-life.
Moisturisers can also get spoiled faster if you don’t store them well. Any place that’s hot and humid, is not favourable for moisturisers. They should be kept in cool and dry places. As far as a moisturiser’s shelf-life is considered, both, its manufacturing and expiry dates are mentioned on the packaging. If not, then moisturisers usually last for 1-3 years. If at all you do end up accidentally using an expired moisturiser and your skin flares up, don’t worry, just wash the product off with plain water.
Speaking of expired beauty products, why don’t you take some time off this weekend to declutter your skincare and makeup shelves? If a product has expired, don’t hold on to it because of sentimental value–get rid of it! For the sake of your skin’s health, try to get a solid skincare routine in place and only use a few skincare products. The more you products you own, the chances of losing count of your stash are higher.
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