Out With The Old, In With The New!

Most of us love the familiar skin care and beauty products we have collected in our bathroom drawers and catch all baskets. It’s fun to look through the samples and try different things! But, have you ever wondered what their shelf life is? Expired serums, lotions, sunscreens and cosmetics can become unstable and irritate the skin. With the calendar getting ready to roll into a new year, now is the time to go through your stash and part ways with things that are outdated or taking up space.

Common sense plays a huge part in making sure that your products are safe. When applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations your Skin Medica products will be used prior to losing their potency. Retinol

should be replaced 9 months after opening. Most facial cleansers have a shelf life of 1 year once opened.  There are no hard and fast rules, but here are some smart guidelines and suggestions.

  • Wash your hands before use, and always keep the outside of your containers clean. Store bottles in a cool, dry, dark place
  • Securely replace caps, lids, or other opening device after each use
  • If your products color, consistency, smell or texture changes, throw it out (product with Vitamin C will change color if exposed to oxygen or sunlight)
  • Don’t stick your fingers in jars, single use applicators like a sponge, cotton swab, or a cosmetic spatula are best (no double dipping)
  • Wash your brushes at least once per month and disinfect between uses
  • Don’t expose or store your sunscreen where temperatures can heat up like in your car for example.

It’s hard to toss that favorite mascara or all the sparkly packaged samples we seem to collect, but they have a shelf life as well. Mascara – replace every 3 months, eye liner – replace every 3 – 6 months, foundation / concealer – replace every 12 months, lip color – every 12 months, make-up brushes – every 1 – 5 years (clean them well on a regular basis), make-up sponges every month.

Skin care essentials can be quite expensive, and throwing them away can be costly and frustrating. Purchase items that have been scientifically proven to ensure quality results.  Remember that your skin cells turn over on a 12-week cycle, so you will need to give your products time to work. Resist the temptation to try the latest trend at the cosmetic counter. Most of these products don’t deliver. Avoid falling into the snare of keeping your old product to save money; it’s just not worth it.

I am proud of the reputation Prysi Cosmetic Surgery has for offering superior advice and merchandise. My staff is available to answer your questions and make recommendations. Here’s to a beautiful 2018!

Mark F. Prysi

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