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The shelf life of cosmetics: how to extend. Video
No matter how sad it is to part with your favorite lipstick or tube of cream, especially if there is still a third of the contents left, you need to replace cosmetics with new ones in time. After all, the expiration date on cosmetics is indicated for a reason.
Why is expired cosmetics harmful?
The harm from expired cosmetics is due to several reasons. Firstly, it is a favorable breeding ground for the multiplication of various bacteria, the penetration of which into the blood is fraught with infection. The consequences of this can be both relatively mild and severe: allergies, rashes, dermatitis, and more serious illnesses. When it comes to eye makeup, the infection can provoke conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis. Liquid foundations, lipstick can become the residence of staphylococcus, and powder – micro mites that cause seborrheic dermatitis.
Secondly, cosmetics by themselves lose their original properties, because due to chemical reactions, components can decompose and form new harmful compounds. So, sunscreen should be used within six months after opening the package, because after this time it will not protect you from ultraviolet radiation, if at all.
To make your cosmetics last longer, store them in a dry place at temperatures from +5 to + 25 ° С, protect them from heating appliances and direct sunlight. If possible, purchase products with dispensers
Signs it’s time to ditch your makeup
If the storage period of the funds has not yet expired, it can still deteriorate. Therefore, always pay attention if the smell of a cream or other product has changed or become unpleasant, the consistency has changed or there is heterogeneity (stratification, suspension, flakes). Also, the product should be thrown away if you notice a negative reaction to it. Get rid of cosmetics that were used by someone else, or that were used during a period when you had herpes, conjunctivitis, or other infectious diseases.
Determination of the expiration date
You should regularly check your cosmetic bag or makeup storage box for expired lipstick, mascara and creams. Perhaps you have unused tubes that do not contain the necessary data, and the packaging has been lost. In this case, you can find a special service on the Internet – a cosmetic calculator and calculate the production date using the batch number from the code on the package. However, this method is not always accurate and is not available for all brands.
On average, cosmetics with a liquid consistency are stored for six months, and dry ones – up to three years. Liquid eyeliner or mascara should be used no longer than three months.
Please note: the shelf life of sealed cosmetics and those that have already been used is usually different, because in the second case, there is contact with air, as well as the ingress of bacteria from fingers and from cosmetic brushes. Therefore, often on the tube with the product, two dates are indicated, before the expiration of which it is permissible to use – before opening and after. For example, a cream or scrub has a shelf life of 24 months, but after opening it is reduced to six months. If you are not sure if you can use the product before this time, it is better to buy small packages.
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