Using expired cosmetics can seem harmless, but it is much more dangerous than most people think. When you use makeup, lotions, or other cosmetics past their expiration dates, it can have serious consequences on your skin health.

Over time, expired products can breed harmful bacteria which can lead to infections, acne breakouts, rashes, and other skin conditions. In this article, we will explore why using expired cosmetics is a bad idea and the potential risks involved.

How to Identify Expired Cosmetics

To avoid using expired products, you first need to know how to spot them. Most cosmetics have a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol on the packaging. This symbol tells you the number of months the product can be used after opening.

For example, if a product has a PAO symbol of six months, it should be discarded after that time has passed, even if it still looks and smells fine.

Another way to identify expired cosmetics is to look for changes in consistency, texture, or odor. If a product starts to separate or develop an unusual odor, it may be time to toss it out.

Similarly, if a cream or lotion becomes too thick or runny, it’s often a sign that it has expired.

The Risks of Using Expired Cosmetics

Expired cosmetics can be dangerous to your skin for a variety of reasons. Over time, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to infections and other irritating skin conditions.

Using expired makeup can also cause allergic reactions and rashes, especially if you have sensitive skin.

One of the biggest dangers of using expired cosmetics is their potential to cause acne breakouts. As products age, their ingredients can become less effective or even completely inactive.

This means that instead of nourishing and rejuvenating your skin, they can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Specific Risks for Different Types of Cosmetics

While all expired cosmetics are harmful, some pose more risks than others. Here is a closer look at the specific risks for different types of products:.

Eyeliners and Mascara

Using expired eyeliners and mascara can be particularly dangerous because they come into contact with your eyes. These products can become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to infections like pink eye.

If you experience any itching, irritation, or redness after using mascara or eyeliner, it may be a sign that they have expired and that you should stop using them.

Foundation and Concealer

Expired foundation and concealer can lead to problems like acne breakouts and skin irritation. Over time, these products can accumulate bacteria and other toxins which can clog your pores and cause inflammation.

Using expired foundation or concealer can also cause your skin to appear dull, dry, or flaky as it is no longer nourishing your skin effectively.

Lipstick and Lip Gloss

Using expired lipstick and lip gloss can also be dangerous because they can lead to infections and cold scores around the mouth. This happens because expired lip products tend to dry out the skin.

As a result, bacteria can enter the cracks around the lips and cause infections. Using expired lipsticks and glosses can also lead to allergic reactions or papules on your lips, which can be itchy or painful.

Sunscreen

Though it may not be an obvious danger, using expired sunscreen is very dangerous and can lead to sunburn and skin cancer. Sunscreen is formulated to degrade after a certain period of time to ensure maximum effectiveness.

When sunscreen expires, it can no longer protect your skin from harmful UV rays. When you use expired sunscreen, you increase your risk of sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer.

The Bottom Line

Using expired cosmetics is a bad idea for your skin health and can cause a lot of problems, including acne, rashes, infections, and visible signs of aging.

Always check the expiration dates of your cosmetics, and toss them out immediately if they have expired. If you’re unsure about whether a product is still safe to use, it’s better to be safe and dispose of it than to risk causing problems for your skin.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it deserves to be treated with the utmost care.