Products designed to promote skin health often contain active ingredients or other additives that will remain effective for a certain amount of time. The shelf life of the skin care items that are part of your routine will vary depending on what the product contains – or doesn’t contain – as organic products often lack preservatives that inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria; how it is packaged since darker jars and bottles protect from sun damage and air-tight tubes seal out air; and where in your home the product is stored. Typically, when skin care items are exposed to moisture, heat, or sunlight, their integrity may be compromised. Typically, items designed for the care of the skin will retain efficacy from six months to two years, and sometimes longer.
One way to determine the longevity of a particular product is to look at the back of the container for the PAO (period after opening) symbol. The opened jar pictured with the number stands for the number of months a skin care item will remain fresh once it has been unsealed. A very general rule is that emollient products typically go bad after twenty-four months.
The FDA does not regulate the life of cosmetic products, so it is up to individual manufacturers to perform testing that enables them to list accurate information on items they sell. It is known that certain ingredients such as vitamin C are susceptible to degradation. Retinol is another example of an unstable ingredient. In some cases, the packaging or instructions on skin care may provide the customer with some insight as to its time of use.
It is recommended that skin care items be stored in a cool, dry place. A closed counter drawer may suffice if a person likes to keep all cleansers, toners, creams, and serums located in an environment that is not conducive to product longevity, such as the bathroom where heat and steam are present. This way, the containers are within reach yet unexposed to the very environment that may corrode their ingredients.
It is best to use products before they become noticeably changed from their original form. Sometimes the scent of a skin care product may change; it may develop an unpleasant odor or smell less strong over time. Whether inside or outside the jar, tube, or pump, the consistency of a product should also be the same as when purchased. Over time, ingredients may separate or become lumped together, which is indicative of an already-passed expiration date. In addition to these signs, the change in color of a substance is typically a sign that organisms have grown within the product, or it is no longer usable for its intended purposes.
Dr. Mark Hamilton, MD, FACS offers an array of products and services at his Indianapolis, Indiana office. Whether a patient is interested in a facial plastic surgery, a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, or a lesson on how to use proper skin care, the options are customized to create a unique treatment plan. Contact Dr. Hamilton today to learn about the great care that he and his team can offer you. Call 317.859.3810.