When is the last time you went through your products and checked for expired skincare? If your skin is acting out then you could be using expired products. This may also be the case if you notice that the products aren’t doing what they claim. Do you even look at the label and check for expiration dates? You should always check the expiration dates upon opening beauty products. Not only does makeup expire, but skincare products expire as well. Depending on the ingredients list, the amount of time you have to use up a product once open can be as little as 6 months.
I recently went through my skincare products and was alarmed by the amount of expired products I was using. Some products had an expiration date of 6 months, and I had been using them for two years. There was no funny odor or off texture. So I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t happen to check the labels. I had to recycle lots of products. It didn’t sting as much since a lot of stuff was sent for review consideration. But if I had purchased all of those products I’d be burned. Here’s a few tips to get the most out of your products and not waste money tossing expired skincare.
- Try to limit the amount of skincare products that you open at the same time. Open what you need for your current regimen, and actually use everything. With daily use it’s more than possible to use the products up before the expiration dates.
- Store products according to the type of ingredients and label instructions. For instance, Vitamin C serums should be stored in a cool, dark place like in the refrigerator.
- Try to avoid products in jars as they are not very sanitary. If a jar is unavoidable, only use clean, dry hands to apply product. Or preferably a disposable spatula.
Now that you’ve gone through your entire skincare collection and realized that almost everything is expired, don’t be bummed. Here’s ten skincare products that you should try while rebuilding your collection. They’re my current faves and keep my skin looking flawless. Remember, only pick up what you need and open what you will use.
The Simple Foaming Cleanser is a great basic face cleanser. It doesn’t contain any perfumes, dyes or chemicals to upset the skin. And it contains a blend of Chamomile, Pro Vitamin B5, Calendula, Gernium and Vitamin E to nourish skin. I like to use it mixed with whatever specialized cleanser I’m using as it foams amazingly well with just a half pump. If I don’t see foam I don’t feel clean.
Speaking of specialized cleansers, I love the Derma E Very Clear Acne Cleanser. It’s formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid and an Anti Blemish Complex of Tea Tree, Willow Bark, Rosewood, Lavender and Chamomile to help combat breakouts. For some reason I’ve been getting random breakouts on my forehead and jawline. This cleanser knocks them right out. My only peeve is the cleanser is gel-like in texture and doesn’t foam very much. That’s why I pair it with the Simple. I use the concentrated Derma E Very Clear Acne Spot Treatment to clear up stubborn cystic acne that attacks my jawline. This combo of products is also perfect for pubescent teens.
Another current favorite from Derma E is the Advanced Peptides & Collagen Serum. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m getting old y’all. Just a little bit. And I’m starting to see frown lines on my forehead. Maybe I just need to smile more. But I’m also seeing smile lines. So I guess that’s not the problem. In any case I’m not feeling them. So I’ve been going hard with the anti-aging products. This serum targets deep lines and wrinkles with anti-aging peptides and anti-oxidants Vitamin C & Green Tea. It’s lightweight and sinks right into the skin. And I’ve been seeing results. Slight. But I see them so I’m sold.
I use my Clarisonic MIA with my daily cleansers to get a deep clean. But sometimes I need some extra exfoliation. In comes the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It’s a rice based powder that activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that exfoliates dead skin. It also helps to balance skin tone with a blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal. It’s super fine so it’s not harsh on the skin. But it exfoliates well and leaves the skin smooth and glowing.
I use this microfoliant at least once a week at night and follow it with toner, and the Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil. This oil contains Camellia and Tamanu oils to help restore the skin’s natural barrier. Orchid Flower and Chia Seed Oil to smooth visible lines and lock in critical moisture. And Sunflower, Rice Bran and Rosemary Extracts to create a shield against free radical damage. It sinks right in and moisturizes so good without leaving me looking like an oil slick.
Now, I never skip toner. My current favorite is the Mario Badescu Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea Facial Spray. A blend of Cucumber and Peppermint waters leaves the skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. While Green Tea provides antioxidant protection.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t use eye cream regularly until now, as it’s super important. Especially when you’re aging. And if you’re like me and naturally have dark circles under your eyes AND don’t get enough sleep. I should never skip eye cream. My current go to is the Malin + Goetz Revitalizing Eye Gel. It nourishes the delicate skin under the eyes, improving the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. Rice and soy protein brighten the eye area. While cucumber cools & soothes dry skin and help alleviate puffiness. If I don’t use this I look like how I live. An added bonus is it helps my under eye concealer apply smoother.
The Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Oil is a miracle oil. But OMG is it super expensive at $128. After saying that I have to admit that these days I’m willing to spend a bit more when it comes to good skincare (Disclosure: This product was sent for review consideration). Anyway, this oil is the truth. It’s formulated with a bundle of essential oils and nutrients to make your skin pop. Anti-aging Juvenessence firms the skin while Bioplasma moisturizes, and Vitamins A & C nourish, brighten and protect. I’ve been using it at the end of my nightly routine to moisturize my face, neck and boobs. Let me tell y’all, I wake up glowing with extra smooth skin. I don’t be wanting to wash my face. I’m pretty sure I’ll be using this up before it expires as I’m about to start trying it on my bootay lol.
For the last few years I’ve been using oil cleansers to remove my makeup. But I’ve recently ran out and switched to micellar water since I have a few in my stash that needs to be used up. The Bioderma Sensibio H20 removes most of my makeup in preparation for cleansing my face. It doesn’t leave my face feeling stripped, doesn’t burn my eyes and micelles naturally helps to rebuild the skin’s protective film. Between this and my cleansers my skin is left squeaky clean and smooth without a trace of makeup.
I hope you guys have found some gems you’d like to try among my current skincare faves. More importantly, I hope you take some time this weekend to go through your stash and toss that expired skincare!
