Is it time to throw away your skincare products? Here we tell you

If you are a compulsive hoarder of makeup and skincare products, this note is perfect for you.

We know how hard it can be to part with something we love, especially if it’s a product that, even though it’s still half full and cost a little over budget, you feel like you still haven’t gotten the most out of it. No way, it’s time to stop fooling yourself. As much as you say that one day you will use it again, but it’s been more than a year and you haven’t touched it, it’s time to say goodbye, not only because it takes up space on your shelf, but because it can harm your skin.

Most skincare products have an average life of 2-3 years. Ingredients and preservatives are the variables that determine how quickly they expire. From the moment you open it, the life time already runs. Past their “shelf” life, the formulations of these products can start to look strange and the preservatives are no longer effective, making the skin prone to contact with unwanted microbes that can lead to irritation, breakouts, and in very serious cases , some infection. Take a look at your products and decide once and for all if they stay or go.

SERUMS AND MOISTURIZERS

Either of these two lasts a year or so after opening, depending on the formula that each one contains. If it contains essential oils, for example, it will go bad much sooner. If you are not sure that it has expired, pay attention and analyze how your skin reacts when applying it compared to when you just bought it. Many times it is quite obvious when your moisturizer has expired because it does not moisturize as before. Also, if you notice that they have changed in texture or smell, it is a sign that it is time to throw it away and buy a new one.

TONERS

Once opened, toners tend to last a little less than any other skincare product . It is advisable to replace them after one year from when they were first opened, especially if they include ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, glycolic, citric or salicylic acids. Using it after this time can cause skin irritations.

MASKS

They generally expire in about a year or two from opening, depending on the active ingredient they contain. For example, the clay ones dry very quickly but the activated carbon ones may not expire as long as they are well sealed in their packaging. Sheet masks can last a bit longer if you store them in the fridge.

CLEANSERS

These products vary greatly. Some may last a year or two and others may not expire as long as they are not exposed to extreme temperatures. It is best that you check the label and make sure how long it lasts specifically.

SUNSCREENS

If there is a specific product that you should throw away at the exact moment in which its expiration date passes, this is it. Unlike other products, sunscreen has been shown to lose its effectiveness past the expiration date, and since we want it to protect against sunlight damage, it’s not worth the risk. They all have an expiration date on the packaging, so keep an eye on it so you get rid of it without excuse.

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