How long have you had that lipstick and mascara? They are your favorite products, and try to use them in moderation because you fear you won’t find them anymore or they cost a lot. Your thrift, in this case, can be a mistake: all cosmetics have an expiration date, and using them beyond the safe period puts your health at risk. Makeup expires, just like food. You would never eat mozzarella for a few months. Wouldn’t you trust cooking eggs that are past their expiration date?
Yet with makeup, there is less prudence and more tolerance. As if the fact that some products do not show obvious signs of deterioration can be put on the skin with serenity without complications. It is not so. Your skin, which is extremely sensitive and vulnerable, may react to the ingredients in the product if they have reached their expiration date. This could cause redness or irritation. But not only that, do you know the risks you run?
Mold
A common problem with old cosmetics is mold because moisture can build up in the packaging and encourage growth. What are the consequences? At best, some rash, at worst some infection or allergic reactions, including respiratory.
The Effectiveness Of The Active Ingredients Is Reduced
The effectiveness of the active ingredients after expiration is compromised. For example, sunscreen foundation may no longer be effective at protecting against sun damage. This also applies to products that include salicylic acid for acne prevention or retinol to prevent wrinkles.
Inflammation And Contact Dermatitis
Skin inflammation is the main danger. The molecules present in expired products tend to break down and cause reactions with the skin, which can cause inflammation, even severe, and contact dermatitis, with symptoms such as bumps, rashes, or even blisters and swelling of the skin.
Bacterial Infections
Not just mold, because your expired makeup can also start harboring bacteria. This can mean boils that look like acne when it comes to your skin. And when it comes to your eyes, conjunctivitis. As for lipstick, using an expired one can cause swelling.
How To Recognize An Expired Cosmetic
The expiration date of cosmetics is always well marked on the box: you can read the expiration date when the product is closed and the months within which to use the makeup once opened. If that’s not enough, pay attention to the following details:
- Color change: it is especially relevant for the foundation.
- Fragrance alteration: If the product smells strange or smells different than when you first bought it, throw it away.
- Texture Separates: If your foundation starts to separate in layers or your mascara wand dries up, you should throw it away. Do not add water to the mascara to increase the humidity, as this can also increase the bacterial production capabilities.
The makeup typically lasts a year from the date of manufacture before it expires. The rules to follow are as follows:
- Mascara and liquid eyeliner are considered safe for three months after opening. Liquid products used near the eye have a higher risk of spreading bacteria.
- Gel pencil eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for one year.
- The water-based foundation is typically used for a year, while the oil-based foundation is for about 18 months.
- When stored properly and free of moisture, Powdered products will last up to two years.
- The lipstick is good for one to two years, and the lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.
Minimizing the spread of bacteria in makeup starts with using clean brushes and applicators. The meetings used to apply makeup should be washed every seven to ten days to avoid the growth of bacteria.
Also Read: Tips For Healthy Skin
