It’s so hard, letting go. I swear I am a bit of a hoarder. I have such a hard time getting rid of things! What if I need it?! And without fail, whenever I get rid of something I find a reason soon after why I should have kept it!
One thing though we just cannot justify holding onto too long is cosmetics: you risk your health in doing so! As time goes on the product warps, breaks down, stops working, doesn’t go on as smooth…and worst of all, collects bacteria. Eye infections, rashes, breakouts? No thank you! So here’s a chart to help you remember when to toss things!
A few more helpful hints:
–Take a small stick on circle and label when you open something if you’re probe to forgetting! Slap it on the bottom and that way you’ll know.
–If you’re unlucky enough to get some sort of infection (like pink eye, a cold sore, et cetera). Do yourself a favor and toss whatever came in contact with it. It’s not worth reinfecting yourself.
–A lot of products have a small symbol showing an “open” jar and a number next to it under the ingredients or somewhere on the box. This number indicates the number of months you should keep it after opening it. Follow that number as products shelf life varies depending on ingredients!
–This chart is just a guideline. Where you keep your products, the temperatures they’re subjected to, et cetera affect their lifespan.
–If something smells funny or off or just wrong, toss it. Just because you haven’t had it too long doesn’t mean it hasn’t gone bad. Often times expired products smell like crayons or playdough or rancid oil. So take a sniff of what you’re using. Any change in texture or smell is not a good sign.
–I really can’t think of anything you should keep more than a couple years, so if you’re past the 24 month mark stop deliberating and toss it!
Hope this was helpful! Remember, when in doubt toss it! Keeping your skin beautiful, and your face infection free is worth it! Just think of it as an excuse to try something new!
Cheers to Trying, Timing, and Tossing,
March 9, 2013