When Does My Skincare

You've just found out that your favorite moisturizer and your age defying serum has an expiry date. If you're like a lot of women, you may even use it sparingly so that you make it last longer. (It's sometimes referred to as the "plastic on the lampshade" syndrome. If you leave the plastic on, the lampshade can stay new indefinitely). It never ceases to amaze us to hear this from customers. Declaring that you still have some serum left in the bottle a year later is not reason to celebrate. If you're guilty of this, we have two words for you. USE IT! It can't help you sitting pretty on your bathroom shelf.

A few guidelines for how long you should keep skincare products.

Facial Moisturizers and Serums= 6 months to 1 year (for fragile skincare with a high degree of Actives... we recommend using up the product in 2 months, once you've opened the product). Most product is packaged in quantities that is best suited for specialized ingredients and based on its directions for its use (i.e. daily) it will run out in a few weeks from normal use. Toners, Hydrating Mists= up to 1 year facial cleansers= up to 1 year facial exfoliants= up to 1 year If you have products that you've been using past their prime... don't put it on your face! In fact, you may be causing some skin issues that you are trying to rid yourself to begin with. Expired beauty products can put your skin at risk for contamination.

How can you tell if there is no expire date on the packaging?

  1. the product has changed color
  2. it's separated or feels different
  3. use your nose... does it smell bad?
  4. Is your product labeled "preservative-free"... ( without a preservative, contamination can happen quickly).