Old makeup can cause your skin to break out or become infected. Makeup develops harmful toxins that could include bacteria as it ages. Following a good skincare routine and knowing when to swap out your makeup can help protect the skin on your face and keep it from developing perioral dermatitis or other skin conditions.
Makeup Expiration Times
Over time, your cosmetics break down and degrade. You should always throw out any product if it’s past its expiration date. Unfortunately, not all products may have an expiration date displayed on their packaging. You should follow this rule of thumb when determining whether makeup needs to be swapped out:
- Mascara generally lasts from four to six months.
- Eyeliner can last from three to six months.
- You can use foundations and concealer for up to a year.
- Lip gloss is usually good for 12 to 18 months.
- Power products usually last for 12 to 18 months.
- Cream products can last from 12 to 18 months.
When you open makeup that doesn’t have an expiration date, label the container with the date you opened it. You can use small stick-on labels or even masking tape to write the opened date on the container.
Makeup Applicators
Don’t forget about makeup applicators and sponges. They have old makeup on them. If they are disposable, get rid of them after a single use.
For makeup applicators that are not disposable, ideally, they should be cleaned after each use. However, this might not always be possible with a busy schedule, so you should at least aim to clean them weekly.
Skin Issues From Using Old Makeup
Using old makeup can cause several skin issues, including:
- Acne
- Eye infections
- Rashes
While throwing away makeup after it expires might seem like a waste of money, you’ll spend even more trying to clear up an infection. Make your skincare a priority today.
Build a Great Skincare Routine in Miami Beach, FL
Greater Miami Skin & Laser Center serves Miami Beach and the surrounding areas in Florida. To find out more about building a skincare routine that helps keep your skin resilient while wearing makeup, speak to a member of our medical team now. To arrange a consultation, please call 305-532-4478.
