Do you have a drawer or bag full of makeup that you haven’t touched in a while? It’s important to check the expiration dates on your makeup products before using them.
Using expired makeup can be harmful to your health, and here’s why:.
Expired Makeup Can Cause Skin Irritation and Infections
Makeup products that have expired may contain bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause skin irritation and infections. These microorganisms can grow in your makeup as it gets older, and you won’t be able to see or smell them.
When you apply expired makeup, the bacteria and other microorganisms can transfer to your skin, leading to breakouts, rashes, and infections.
Expired lipsticks and lip glosses are particularly risky as they come into direct contact with your mouth, a place that is already full of bacteria. Using expired lip products can cause infections, cold sores, and even fever blisters.
Expired Makeup Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Makeup products that have gone bad can also lead to allergic reactions. When makeup products expire, they can cause the ingredients in them to break down, which can cause chemical changes.
These changes can cause allergic reactions when you apply the makeup to your skin. An allergic reaction can cause itching, redness, and swelling. Severe allergic reactions can cause hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
Expired Foundation Can Cause Uneven Skin Tone
Foundation that has gone bad can cause your skin tone to appear uneven and patchy. Over time, foundation can begin to separate and oxidize, which can cause it to turn orange or gray.
Applying expired foundation can make your skin appear dull and lifeless.
Expired Mascara Can Cause Eye Infections
Mascara has a short shelf life and should be thrown out after three months. Mascara wands can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and using an expired mascara wand can lead to eye infections such as conjunctivitis or pink eye.
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These infections can be painful and take a long time to clear up.
Expired Makeup Can Lose Its Effectiveness
Using expired makeup can also mean that you are not getting the full benefits of the product. Makeup products that have gone bad may not work as well as they should.
An expired mascara may not lengthen and thicken your lashes as effectively as a new one would. Expired lipstick may be dry and difficult to apply.
How to Tell If Your Makeup Has Expired
Most makeup products have a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol on them. This symbol tells you how long the product is safe to use after it has been opened. The PAO symbol is a number followed by an “M” for months.
For example, if a product has “6M” on it, it means that the product is safe to use for six months after it has been opened.
If a product does not have a PAO symbol, you can still check for signs that it has gone bad. Here are some signs that your makeup has expired:.
- The texture has changed
- The color has changed
- The product has separated
- The product smells bad
- The product has dried out
How to Properly Store Your Makeup
Properly storing your makeup can help extend its shelf life. Here are some tips for storing your makeup:.
- Store your makeup in a cool, dry place
- Do not store your makeup in direct sunlight or in a humid area like a bathroom
- Keep your makeup brushes and sponges clean
- Avoid sharing makeup products with others
Conclusion
Expire makeup can be harmful to your health. Using expired makeup can cause skin irritation and infections, allergic reactions, uneven skin tone, and even eye infections.
It’s important to check the expiration dates on your makeup products before using them, and to properly store your makeup to help extend its shelf life.
