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As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your regimen by decluttering old products, checking expiration dates, and making room for fresh, effective skincare essentials. Using expired products can lead to irritation, breakouts, and decreased efficacy. Here’s everything you need to know about when to toss old skincare items and how to build a refreshed routine for spring.
How to Tell If Your Skincare Products Are Expired
Many skincare products have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol—a small jar icon with a number inside (e.g., 6M, 12M, 24M). This indicates how many months the product remains effective after being opened. Additionally, here are some common signs that a product has gone bad:
- Changes in texture (separation, clumping, or curdling)
- Unpleasant odor or a rancid smell
- Color changes (darkening or yellowing)
- Decreased effectiveness or irritation after use
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to toss the product and replace it with a fresh one.
When to Replace Your Skincare Products
Here’s a general guide to skincare product shelf life:
- Cleansers: 6-12 months
- Toners: 6-12 months
- Moisturizers & Serums: 6-12 months
- Sunscreen: 6-12 months (Check the expiration date—expired SPF won’t protect your skin!)
- Eye Creams: 6-12 months
- Retinol & Active Ingredients: 3-6 months (These degrade faster once exposed to air and light.)
- Face Oils: 6-12 months (Can turn rancid if expired.)
- Masks & Exfoliators: 6-12 months
Make a habit of writing the opening date on each product to keep track of when they should be replaced.
Why Using Expired Skincare Is Risky
Expired skincare products can do more harm than good. They may contain bacteria buildup, leading to breakouts, irritation, or infections. Expired active ingredients (like vitamin C and retinol) lose potency, making them ineffective at treating your skin.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Skincare Routine
- Check Expiration Dates – Go through your collection and discard expired items.
- Store Products Properly – Keep skincare in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong shelf life.
- Wash Your Applicators – Clean makeup brushes, skincare tools, and sponges to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Simplify Your Routine – Focus on essential products that work for your skin type.
- Refresh Your SPF – Sunscreen is a must for spring and summer. Make sure yours isn’t expired!
Upgrade Your Routine with Dermatologist-Approved Products
Spring is a great time to introduce lightweight moisturizers, hydrating serums, and broad-spectrum SPF to keep your skin glowing and protected.
If you’re unsure what to replace your old products with, visit clara, the skin care store at Vanguard Aesthetics, for a FREE VISIA Digital Skin Analysis and consultation with a Skin Care Consultant. These skin care consultations are available at two Vanguard Skin Specialists locations, 9348 Grand Cordera Pwky, Ste 120 and 13492 Bass Pro Dr, Ste 100. Call 719-579-5555 to schedule today.
