We all buy various beauty products with the promise that we will use them regularly. But after time, it often happens that they take their place in the depths of the cupboard with all kinds of other creams, serums etc. and so they start to be used less and less, and finally we even forget about them. However, what we must not forget is that they also have an expiration date like all other products and it is extremely important to keep an eye on it.
We will tell you about all this and other useful tips in the following lines of this article.
Types of expiration date
Like food, cosmetics have their period in which they are most effective and safe to use. Most often, the expiration date is written on the outer packaging or on the product itself. But let’s first start with the fact that cosmetics have 2 types of shelf life. The first starts from the period of production of the product itself, and the second – from the moment it is opened.
In the first case, the shelf life can vary from 2 to 3 years. Most items have been tested and approved to remain on the shelf unopened within this period. Therefore, it is very important to check the packaging for this information before purchasing and using the product.
With the second one, the situation is a little different. This is about the period in which the given product must be used after it has been opened. We’ve all noticed the little symbol at the bottom of our cosmetics that looks like a cream box with an open cap, and inside it says 6M or 12M. Well, this is an indicator of the period in which this product will be safe and most effective to use. Depending on the type of item, they should mostly be used between 6 and 12 months. In short, the clock on the effectiveness of your cosmetics starts ticking from the moment you unpack it. Quite often the two types are confused, but you already know how they differ and how important it is to be careful.
Which products have a shorter shelf life and how is it determined?
Ingredients play a big role in determining this. Products with natural ingredients such as fruits, flowers, tree extracts, etc., are likely to lose their primary effect faster than products with synthetic components.
External factors also play a big role in this process. It is preferable to keep all kinds of cosmetics in a dry and cool place, away from sunlight. Frequent contact with the product also leads to the transfer of bacteria. As a result, cosmetics “spoil” faster. For example, fumbling in the box of cream with unwashed hands. With Imperium Est products, this situation can be
completely prevented. The convenient pump of our serums and creams, together with Airglass Slim Refill technology, prevent bacteria and air from entering the bottle.
How do we know that the product is not suitable for use?
Color, smell, consistency – these are the factors in which, if there is any change, the product is not suitable for use. It is key to be careful and pay attention to these elements before using certain cosmetics that you have not touched for a long time. Even the slightest change in any of these factors indicates that the place of this product is no longer in your cosmetics cabinet.
What are the risks of using expired cosmetics?
As with food products, with cosmetics, it is not advisable to use expired products. They lose their effectiveness after the specified period and can lead to skin irritations, acne and redness. Experts say that among the products with which the expiration date should be strictly monitored is sunscreen. Using one after its designated period of efficacy and protection, not only its formula becomes more watery, it can also lead to sunburns,
spots, rashes, and other skin irritations.
Tips on how to “extend the life” of your cosmetics
1. Remove your cosmetics from the bathroom. Moisture caused by the hot water you shower with is not your cosmetics’ best friend.
2. Try to keep them in a cool place, away from sunlight. Most influencers and makeup artists buy small refrigerators to store their products.
3. Avoid thrusting in the cream container, use a spatula to protect the remaining cream from the bacteria found on your hands.
4. Write down when you open the products so that you can monitor their expiration date.
You already know how important it is to pay attention to the expiration date of your cosmetics. If you are not sure whether you will be able to use up a specific product in the given period, you can bet on travel-size packages, which are smaller. Follow the expiration date to get the most out of each product’s benefits and prevent skin irritation.
