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Makeup is a daily staple for millions, but how often do you check its expiry date? Expired makeup is more than just ineffective; it can seriously harm your skin. As millions of us cannot spend a day without our beloved makeup, it is important to pay attention to its expiration date. When kept over makeup’s expiration dates, even your favourite lipstick is prone to causing infections.
To know more about the woes that expired makeup can cause, we got in touch with Dr Damini Verma, Dermatologist, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, to provide us with some essential information.
What are the Skin Problems Caused By Expired Makeup?
Expired makeup products may irritate the skin in a number of ways. The most typical responses are allergic contact dermatitis, as a result of which redness, itching, and rashes will appear.
“In other situations, many patients have also experienced a bacterial or fungal infection due to old makeup, since bacteria can be found in those products. Even such a practice as using expired eye makeup may cause stye or conjunctivitis,” Dr Verma explained.
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Tips to Increase Your Makeup’s Shelf Life
Most makeup products come with a designated shelf life after opening. However, some products like lipsticks, serums and foundations tend to be affected more than just the date on the packaging label. To make them last longer for the most potent use, Dr Damini suggested:
- Store makeup in a dry and cool, and dark place (away from the sun).
- Makeup products should not be kept in damp bathrooms as they can develop mould.
- When applying makeup, minimise contamination by always washing your hands or ensuring clean brushes are used.
- Put the caps on firmly after usage.
- Do not share your products with other people, as it can lead to contact dermatitis.
- And lastly, remember the dates when you opened a product to remember the months left of usage.
Advice on How to Prevent Using Expired Makeup
Makeup is a prized possession for many, as oftentimes these products cost a hefty amount of money. However, no money is worth saving if it leads to skin damage like acne and infections. Dr Damini pointed out a few ways to maximise the use of your products after opening their seal.
Tips Include:
- Use scheduled checks at three-month intervals.
- At each check, remove all your expired products, and put soon-to-expire products on priority use.
- Take pictures of the products when you open them, especially base products like foundation, concealer, powder and contour. Moreover, read labels and test consistency if you suspect something fishy.
- Write on the box or put a sticker on it the day you opened each product, so you do not forget.
- Calendar reminders to change high-risk models such as mascara and eyeliner, in 3 to 6 months.
- Avoid stocking up more products than you can consume daily, where utilised products can get expired before you end up consuming them.
- Do not share your makeup, as sharing would only increase the possibility of transferring bacteria and accelerate contamination.
- Purchase small packages in case you hardly finish large packages, since this would enable you to consume goods before expiry.
Final Verdict: Read and Store
Applying old makeup is not only a matter of losing its functions, but also about skin damage. To avoid getting permanent scarring and acne, it is best to take special care of your makeup products as well as applicators like makeup brushes, sponges and pads. The health of your skin aside, no makeup is worth ruining your skin. Never do makeup with expired items, maintain high levels of hygiene, and declutter every once in a while to make sure your beauty routine is safe to use and not harmful to your skin.