There comes a point when you take a look at the endless stacks of skincare you have hoarded over time and ask yourself, are these still safe to use? Does skincare expire? How do you know when it's time you bid your sweet goodbye to your beloved?

Though some things may last forever, such as bad habits; the truth is a single tube of cleanser was not formulated to last a lifetime. Despite holding on to the pretty stash of skincare products, the fact does not change. And this is something you must understand for your skin health. Below we have given a lowdown on expired products and when it's time to toss them off. 

What may happen if you use expired products?

The first thing you may have to consider when using products past their expiry date is the health risks they may bring. You may want to be aware of a few infections, exposure to microbes, and contact dermatitis. There may be chances of your skin breaking out more than usual, getting irritable, and in rare scenarios chemical burns. 

Preservatives in skincare products tend to have a limited lifespan after which they may not be effective. They become more susceptible to microbial growth as they break down past their expiration. Expired eye products are likely to cause infections since they harbor bacteria over time. Since eye products are applied very close to your eyes they serve as perfect breeding grounds for fungi and bacteria. 

This may cause styes, pink eye, conjunctivitis, and other infections of the eye. So those of you wondering is it okay to use expired skin care products, it is certainly not. 

Though perfumes do not harm upon expiration, their chemical composition certainly changes and they may cause sensitivity on your skin. 

The efficacy of the products must also be considered upon expiration. As the chemical composition is altered you may not be able to apply the product as evenly on your skin. This may cause pores and acne. 

When are your products due to hit the trash can?

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important to apply on your skin every day despite the weather conditions. It is rather common for some of you to not be able to finish a single bottle that quickly. Since you use sunscreen for many seasons, you may want to check its effectiveness. Sunscreen tends to have a shelf life of about two years however this also sometimes depends on the care you give it. Upon heat exposure, the active vehicle ingredients may get impacted in their consistency. 

So how do you tell if sunscreen has expired? You may want to consider it with the likes of a milk can in your fridge. As it goes bad the color changes and it starts giving a foul smell. If you notice all these things, it's time you dispose of them. 

Cleansers

Cleansers may last a lifetime if they are in their packaging. However, once the seal is broken you may have a year to use it. Creamy formulations stand an exception here as they tend to change color and smell rancid rather quickly owing to the presence of oils. 

Moisturizers

Can we use expired face cream? So, it has become part of your routine to wake up, wash your face and apply moisturizer. As loyal as you should be to this product, you may want to keep a check on its expiry. A moisturizer usually lasts a year or more. It also depends on the conditions it's exposed to, so unless you notice any difference in the consistency, smell, or color you may be good to go. 

Serums

These tiny drops are rather mighty for your skin as they enhance your complexion. Serums however do not last as long as you would prefer. 

Is it okay to use expired skin care products like serums? They may not have any harmful impact on your skin but they may lose their effectiveness and may not make up for the huge amounts of cash you invest. 

Serums are not prone to any contamination because of their wonderful packing. They usually come in pump bottles or opaque squeeze tubes so the chances of bacterial growth due to using fingers or degradation in composition due to UV exposure are less. Nevertheless, as with other products, if you sense something wrong then it surely is. 

Lip shades

Lipstick may boost your confidence and some of you may also have a signature shade. Unlike other products, lipsticks may last for years. So how will you tell if it has gone bad? If the application is difficult upon drying or a smell and cracks are appearing on it, it’s time to throw it away. This is most likely upon exposure to bacteria and skin soils. 

Foundation

The foundation is something that sets the base for other makeup products. it gives your glow the desired glow that you may otherwise not naturally have. If you are using liquid foundation, you may keep it for up to 18 months but if it is powder-based then it is likely to last 24 months. However, despite this time if it is working well on your skin without causing any side effects, you may continue its use. 

The final verdict

Does skincare expire and is it okay to use expired skin care products you ask? It is rather important that you look at your cosmetics in the same manner you see food items. The use of expired products can be dangerous for your skin. 

The simplest way to gauge the expiry of a product is through its packaging. Some come with numbers besides open-lid pots like 12m; suggesting the product may last for 12 months. If you can not seem to spot the label you may consider factors like texture, distinct color change, and separation in formulas forming separate layers and fragrances.