All about the expiration of cosmetics (yes, exists)

That lifts the hand who does not have a closet, box, bookcase or corner of his house dedicated to dozens of creams, makeup and potingues that never used (nor will it probably use), but that, however, keeps "special occasions".Include within this group of cosmetics masks, illuminators, exfoliants, specific neck, eyes or any other part of the face, not to mention shadow palettes in phosphorite or lipstick tones 'vamp' (which we buy in industrial quantities in 2014 andthat we never use).We do not throw them in the trash because they are products that cost a lot of money and we hope to need them someday.But what if all those cosmetics were expired?It turns out that, as with food, beauty products also expire (some more easily than others) and their conservation is crucial to extend their life.In addition, it is important to know the state in which our creams and makeup are found, since applying expired products could be very harmful to our skin.To solve all doubts about it, we have contacted an expert in the matter, the dermatologist Adriana Juanes, of the Laser Medical Institute, solves when, how and why the expiration of cosmetics, and reveals some tricks to extend his life the maximum possible.

What do we mean when we talk about cosmetics expiration?

As with the food, most cosmetics are perishable, that is, they expire or lose much of their properties over time.While it is true that they cannot cause us stomach poisoning or seriously affecting our body, applying expired cosmetics can have negative consequences in our skin.As Dr. Juanes explains, “there are certain cosmetics that can expire or lose properties if it spends too much time and, without a doubt, this can affect our skin.In the best case, these products would not comply with effectiveness in their objectives (ant-aging, combat acne, hydration, toning ...) and, sometimes, they can cause cutaneous irritation, as well as rashes, if too much time has passed orIts conservation has not been adequate ".

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Of course, it should be noted that not all cosmetics are equal and, therefore, the longevity of each of them depends on several factors."The life of each cosmetic varies according to the active ingredients and excipients that make it up, and also depends on oxidative capacity, temperature and environmental conditions in which they are preserved," clarifies the dermatologist, specialist at the Laser Medical Institute.For example, a moisturizer or serum usually has about 30 months margin, as long as it has not been in contact with the outside;Lip bars can last up to three years, since they are well preserved in different environments, although they can be a battery nest if they are shared with other people or if you have had any infection;And eyelashes do not usually last more than a month or two because, as with nail lacquers, they tend to dry and lose texture.

How is it, A YEAR INTO ZOOM CLASSES, MEOTINGS AND CONFERENCES AND YOU STILL DON'T KNOW TO RAISE YOUR HAND IN THE ZOOM.😑

— Shauna Wed Mar 24 16:47:00 +0000 2021

How can we know when our products expire?

Although most mortals do not look at such details, most cosmetics usually include the expiration date in their containers;It is an icon of an open jar that includes a figure, referring to the time it takes to expire the product once it has been opened.However, as with food, in many cases that date is not entirely reliable.As explainedThey are not composed of active products so delicate and the packaging format is safer ”.

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On the other hand, regardless of the date that marks the container, we can detect if our cosmetics are in good condition or if, because of their appearance, we should get rid of them."Small details such as the smell or color changes of the cosmetic product can alert us of its expiration, as well as the changes in the texture," adds the dermatologist.

What can we do to extend the life of our cosmetics?

As we have explained at the beginning of this article, the care and conservation of our products can influence their lives.After all, order and good maintenance, as well as the review of the products will regularly make them retain in good condition for a longer time.“We must keep them at an ambient temperature (rather fresh, although not extreme), ensure the correct closure of each product and be obedient to the conservation instructions that indicate in the containers.There are even cosmetics that include security containers, ”says Dr. Juanes.

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Finally, it should be noted that once the product begins to deteriorate, not everything is lost.Depending on the product in question, we can give it a second life, as long as it has not expired at all.Adriana Juanes, from the Laser Medical Institute, recommends us, "there are makeup or cosmetics that can be saved by emusing them with moisturizing or emollient cream, although when product has lost properties and is expired it is difficult to recover it".

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