Most individuals have a hard time letting go of their favorite lipstick or face powder, even when they have passed their expiry date.

However, using expired makeup is more detrimental than you might think; it can lead to negative effects on the skin and eyes, and sometimes result in severe skin infections.

What Happens When Makeup Expires?

Makeup has an expiry date, much like food items, after which it can cause a range of skin problems. The expiry date indicates how long a cosmetic product will remain stable and effective.

Once expired, the product’s ingredients may break down, causing contamination by harmful bacteria or rendering the product ineffective, which can cause a variety of skin problems.

How Does Expired Makeup Affect Your Skin?

Using expired makeup products can cause a variety of skin problems, including acne breakouts, rashes, and skin irritation.

When makeup becomes contaminated by bacteria or other harmful microorganisms, it can cause the skin to become infected, which can result in painful boils and redness. These infections can be challenging to get rid of once they are established and may require strong antibiotics or other medications to clear up.

Expired Makeup and Your Eyes

Using expired eye makeup can result in critical eye infections, which can lead to permanent vision impairment. The danger of infection is particularly high when it comes to sharing makeup with others.

When eye makeup, particularly mascara and eyeliner, dries out, bacteria can flourish, and using such makeup can spread the infection more easily.

When to Toss Old Makeup

Different types of makeup have varying expiration dates, which can range from a few months to a few years. However, it’s critical to pay attention to your products and toss them when they may no longer be safe to use.

Here is a list of typical expiration dates:.

Lipstick – typically lasts for one year, although pigments can hold up for up to two years.

Mascara – safe to use for up to three months after opening before it becomes dried out and builds up bacteria.

Foundation – lasts for about a year, but can last for up to two years if it is powder-based.

Eye shadow – powder-based eye shadow can last for up to two years; cream-based eye shadow lasts no longer than six months.

Eyeliner – pencil eyeliners can last for up to two years before they dry out, while liquid eyeliners have a shelf life of about six months before becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

Prevent Makeup from Expiring Too Soon

There are several ways to keep your makeup fresh and prevent it from expiring too soon:.

Store your makeup in a cool, dry place: avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause certain compounds to break down.

Keep your makeup brushes clean: regularly clean your brushes with a mild soap, or consider investing in a brush cleaning solution that’s readily available in the market.

Avoid Pumping the Mascara – Pumping the mascara wand frequently introduces air into the tube, leading to faster drying out and build-up of bacteria.

Don’t Share Makeup – Avoid borrowing or lending makeup to others: doing this can introduce pathogens from one person’s eyes and skin to another person’s.

Conclusion

Using makeup that has passed its expiration date is not just unhygienic but also unsafe and can cause various skin and eye infections.

When it comes to makeup, it is essential to err on the side of caution and stick to expiration dates to avoid contracting an infection, which could leave you with permanent damage to your vision or skin. In addition to staying safe, following expiration dates and other precautions can help ensure that your cosmetics remain effective and keep you looking your best.