Keep or Toss? Here’s When to Toss Your Skin Care
Most of us have more skin care products than we can conceivably use in our daily routines. Chances are, you have an old serum or moisturizer sitting on your shelf, and you can’t remember how long it’s been there. We’re here to help—below are some tips on when to toss your skin care products and stock up on some new faves.
Before sorting through your skin care collection, please note that the recommendations below are based on how long a formula lasts once the seal is broken and the product is open. This is referred to as the period after opening.
Note that preservatives serve a useful function in cosmetics: they prevent potentially harmful bacteria from growing, protecting both you and the products. Cosmetics labeled “preservative-free” are tested for stability but you should take extra care when handling them, for example limiting the number of times you open them and apply them to your hands or face, to make sure they last as long as possible.
MOISTURIZER, SERUM AND TONER
Period after opening: 6 months to 1 year.
These three skin care essentials typically last 6 months to 1 year after opening. This window is large because products can lose efficacy depending on how you take care of them. To maximize the life of your moisturizers, serums and toners, be sure to tightly cap them after use and clean off the bottles and containers every few uses. This ensures that no excess gunk or bacteria falls into the product so your fave formulas can continue to work efficiently.
Period after opening: 6 months to 1 year.
These three skin care essentials typically last 6 months to 1 year after opening. This window is large because products can lose efficacy depending on how you take care of them. To maximize the life of your moisturizers, serums and toners, be sure to tightly cap them after use and clean off the bottles and containers every few uses. This ensures that no excess gunk or bacteria falls into the product so your fave formulas can continue to work efficiently.
CLEANSER
Period after opening: 1 year.
Cleansers can last up to a year. Over time, cleansers can lose potency, so they won’t provide the benefits that they did when used within the POA. This means that your moisturizing cleanser or anti-aging cleanser will longer work effectively.
Period after opening: 1 year.
Cleansers can last up to a year. Over time, cleansers can lose potency, so they won’t provide the benefits that they did when used within the POA. This means that your moisturizing cleanser or anti-aging cleanser will longer work effectively.
EYE CREAM
Period after opening: 1 year.
Similar to moisturizer, serum and toner, eye creams should be tightly capped to ensure maximum potency for each use. Eye cream is often packaged in a container and applied by hand, so it’s also very important to make sure your hands are clean before each use. If hands are not clean, the product can become contaminated and lose its payoff. Not to mention, since eyes are very sensitive, this could cause irritation and possibly even infection. You can also use a mini spatula for safer application. Once again, taking care of your product and taking these sanitary measures will keep the product’s efficacy at a maximum.
Period after opening: 1 year.
Similar to moisturizer, serum and toner, eye creams should be tightly capped to ensure maximum potency for each use. Eye cream is often packaged in a container and applied by hand, so it’s also very important to make sure your hands are clean before each use. If hands are not clean, the product can become contaminated and lose its payoff. Not to mention, since eyes are very sensitive, this could cause irritation and possibly even infection. You can also use a mini spatula for safer application. Once again, taking care of your product and taking these sanitary measures will keep the product’s efficacy at a maximum.
MASKS & EXFOLIATORS
Period after opening: 1 year.
Exfoliators and face masks that are packaged in a tube or jar can last up to a year after opening. To ensure you receive the full payoff, make sure that your face masks are always closed properly and clean them after every few uses. Sheet masks, on the other hand, have the lowest period after opening of any skin care product. Sheet masks must be used as soon as they’re opened, as they dry out extremely fast. If unopened, a sheet mask can last up to a year.
Period after opening: 1 year.
Exfoliators and face masks that are packaged in a tube or jar can last up to a year after opening. To ensure you receive the full payoff, make sure that your face masks are always closed properly and clean them after every few uses. Sheet masks, on the other hand, have the lowest period after opening of any skin care product. Sheet masks must be used as soon as they’re opened, as they dry out extremely fast. If unopened, a sheet mask can last up to a year.
Now you can sort through your skin care products and easily determine what to keep and what to toss. Once you’ve organized your collection, stock up on some skin care routine staples like belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser, Anew Power Serum, Anew Clinical Eye Lift Pro Dual Eye System and Clearskin® Pore Penetrating Black Mineral Mask.
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