Did you know that, just like pretty much everything else, your skin care products have an expiration date? Once a product is opened, the clock starts ticking. Let's take a look at some of the most common products and their actual shelf-lives.
Moisturizer, serum and toner
These three items normally last between six months and one year after they are opened. To maximize the life of your moisturizers, serums and toners, be sure to tightly cap them after use and clean off the bottles or containers every few uses. Doing this ensures that no excess bacteria falls into the product.
Moisturizers often come in a container and are applied by hand, so it is important to make sure your hands are clean before each use. For a safer application, you can always use a mini spatula to get the moisturizer out of the container.
Cleanser
Cleansers can last up to one year after being opened. If used after this time period, they will not provide the benefits that they did in the beginning. Both anti-aging and moisturizing cleansers fall under this umbrella.
Eye Cream
Just like with the serums, moisturizers and toners, eye cream should be discarded six months to a year after the initial opening. Make sure eye creams are tightly closed after each use. Because eyes are very sensitive, cleanliness is a MUST when applying eye creams. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before touching the product and/or your eyes. Not doing this may cause infection or irritation.
Masks and Exfoliators
Masks and exfoliators that are packaged in a tube or jar can last up to one year after opening. Make sure your face masks are always closed properly and clean them after every few uses.
Sheet masks, on the other hand, have the lowest shelf-life of any skin product. They must be used as soon as they are opened, or they will dry out and be useless. If unopened, a sheet mask can last as long as one year.
Although this list isn't complete, I hope you can get a feel for when to throw away your old, unused skin care products. If used correctly, skin care items should only last a month or two before having to reorder.
To help you remember, I am attaching a reorder checklist of the products I discussed, as well as the timing for each. I hope this helps you.
Until next time, please feel free to go to avon.com/repstore/avonwithmissy to find out even more about the many skin care options available.
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