Face washes, cleansers and toners
The foundation of any effective skincare routine, cleanser and toner keeps your skin looking clean and bright. But after six to eight months these products are more likely to be harbouring bacteria, mostly caused by the germs that come with everyday use. Oil and cream-based products will resist the germs longer than foamier water-based versions, but for maximum spot banishing it's worth starting afresh every once in a while.
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Moisturiser
I’ll be the first to admit that I am a full on moisturiser addict so I’ve got more than my fair share of half-used pots stuffed into drawers/makeup bags/bathroom cupboards. Fortunately, a plain, simple moisturiser, should last between one and two years, although ones with added vitamins will have a shorter lifespan as the active ingredients expire. Make a note to use clean hands when you’re dipping into it, not only for your skin’s sake, but to ensure you’re not introducing bacteria to the pot.
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Face and eye creams
Anti-aging creams often contain ingredients such as retinols and antioxidants that don’t take long to decline in quality, so I’m afraid that despite being the most expensive items in your routine, once opened they’re only going to be good for the first three to six months. After that, they won’t do your face any harm, but they probably won’t do it much good either.
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Face oils
The new big thing in skincare, facial oils promise to give you silky, hydrated skin. And while some feel a bit nervous about regularly covering their face in something this heavy, the good news is that it can last a really long time. Make sure you store it in a cool, dark place (that means not the shelf in your bathroom), with some even recommending that you keep it in your refrigerator.
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Peels and masks
Face peels and masks can last for up to two years (unopened, duh), but if you’ve got one that’s been laying around for a while then be sure to pay attention to its consistency, colour and texture. Over time, the chemicals in these products can break down, doing more harm than good to your skin. Unsurprisingly, clay masks can dry out so may last considerably less time. Whatever type you go for, these should have a calming effect, so if you put it on and it stings then whack it off, quickly.
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Spot-fighters
Although spot-fighting products containing b
enzoyl peroxide
and
salicylic acid
might hang around your drawers longer than other products because they’re only used occasionally, they’re actually one of the fastest spoiling products. After three to six months these active ingredients start to deteriorate, so you’re basically just smudging empty sauce on your face and blocking your pores more. Charming.
Exfoliators
There’s a reason that microbead pollution in the ocean is such a big deal - it’s because exfoliating products are virtually indestructible. Once opened, exfoliators can easily last for two years although it’s worth keeping an eye out that water and other bacteria-breeding gunk isn’t getting into it, especially if it’s in a pot rather than a squeezy tube. If it looks a bit minging, it’s ready for slinging.
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Suncream
We’ve all got a bottle of suncream in the back of a cupboard somewhere, a nostalgic throwback to that sun-kissed/burnt week in Crete a couple of years back. And on the rare occasions that summertime actually goes full whack, we slap a bit on and soak up the sweet coconut smell that reminds us of far-flung shores. It’s only sensible, right? Well once opened suncream has a recommended shelf life of just six months, although can last longer is stored in a cool, dark place. Many will have individual instructions on, but if not then it’s best to err on the side of caution.
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Body lotion
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All the other stuff
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It’s not only skincare products that go off after a while -
. And no matter how much cream and overpriced serum we slather onto our face, it’s
skin-friendly nutrition
that really can make the biggest difference to whether we’re feeling polished or pimply. But hopefully, this little guide will separate the spoiled from the saviours when it comes to keeping your skin on top form.