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Checking On Your Skincare Expiration Date
Picture this: You've been eagerly waiting to try that viral skincare product or that particular product that you had been researching for months. You finally bought it, opened it, applied it with anticipation, and... oh no! Your skin starts freaking out. What could have gone wrong, is the product not suitable for my skin type? The culprit could be something as straightforward as an expired product. That's why it's important to check on the expiration date and understand how to read and check the expiration date on your skincare goodies.
Table of Contents
Why Do Skincare Products Expire?
Keeping track of skincare expiration dates might be the least important thing that I should keep track of in our daily lives. It's tough to stay on top of things when there are numerous skincare product brands available in the market, each with its own variation of expiry date. However, understanding the preservation period for skincare products is just as important as knowing how long could you preserve your food. And with the current trend of companies promoting naturally based ingredient skincare products, these products are more prone to be spoiling. So beauty companies use stabilizers and preservatives to maintain their product’s effectiveness and the general life span.
Reading Skincare Expiration Dates
There are a few things you need to know to understand the expiration dates for skincare products. First, the manufacturing date is the date that indicates when a product was made. Sometimes manufacturers may not provide the manufacturing date and instead use a batch code for their reference. In some cases, you might not see the manufacturing date labeled but the expiration date is typically required and presented.
Next, it's important to note the expiration date for most new and unopened skincare products. Typically, skincare products should have a shelf life of 2-3 years. When it comes to routine products like toners, cleansers, serums, and creams, it's more relevant to use the open-by date. However, for products like sheet masks, it's best to refer to the expiration date.
You may also notice Korean characters on the packaging related to the dates.
"제조" indicates the manufacturing date, while
"까지" indicates the expiration date or ( open-by) date.
The Open-By Date and PAO Symbol
An expiration date is provided on skincare products as an open-by date. However, when trying to determine when a skincare product will go bad, the expiration date on the packaging is not the complete answer. The expiration date provides you with the open-by date for the product, meaning it's the last day you should open it. Technically speaking, the expiration date is the date before which you should open your skincare product. Open-by dates are generally more relevant for routine items that you'll use repeatedly over time. Once you open a skincare product, it's important to refer to the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol. This symbol indicates how long a skincare product can be safely used after opening it. The symbol looks like a jar with a number and letter inside. The number and letter is very self-explanatory where the number is the months and the letter "M" refers to months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shelf life of skincare products after opening?
Skincare products expire and can cause harm if used past their expiration date. Look for an open jar symbol on the packaging that includes a number and the letter "M" to see how long the product is good for after opening.
Can expired skincare products be harmful?
It's crucial to know that using expired skincare products can harm your skin since they may accumulate bacteria and other contaminated microorganisms. These harmful elements can result in your skin becoming irritated, infected, or having other negative reactions. Additionally, as the product ages, its effectiveness may decline as the components break down over time.
What are some common signs that a skincare product has expired?
You can easily spot some common signs that a skincare product has expired. The texture of the product may change, such as becoming thicker, lumpy, or separated. The color of the product may also change, indicating that it has oxidized or become contaminated. Another sign to look out for is an unusual or unpleasant odor, which suggests that the product has gone bad or become contaminated.
How can I make my skincare products last longerand proper storage?
Proper storage for your skincare products is key to prolonging their shelf life. Always store your skincare products in a dry and cool place and away from sunlight. Do not have direct contact with the product since it could contaminate it with germs and bacteria from your hands. Lastly, always remember to close the container tightly to prevent air from causing chemical reactions with some of the ingredients and speeding up the product's expiration.