Skin Care Product Expiration

Skin care products can be expensive. People love to have them but hate to buy them – and that’s exactly why it’s easy to talk yourself into keeping that $50 bottle of moisturizer you bought three years ago that’s only half-empty. Although you may be saving money, you might be doing a disservice to your skin. Here is a brief guide on when to keep and when to toss your skin care products:

Makeup

Eyes

Of all your cosmetics, your eye makeup probably has the shortest shelf life. There isn’t a good way to clean the majority of the applicators you use, so it’s easy for bacteria to grow quickly and abundantly. You should throw away your mascara every one to three months. If it’s dry and clumpy, it’s well past its expiration. When it comes to liners, pencils can last up to a year if they’re the type that can be regularly sharpened, but gel and liquid liners should be thrown away every couple of months. Cream eye shadows can last up to a year, and powder eye shadow is good for up to two years. 

Lips

Lipstick will begin to dry out after about two years, and that’s your sign to toss it. Lip gloss, on the other hand, will start becoming extra sticky when it’s reached its expiration, and that usually happens after one year. 

Face

Powders and blushes tend to last up to two years. Powders will start to become flaky and dry when it’s time to toss them. Liquid foundation can last anywhere from six months to a year. When your foundation starts to lighten and separate into layers, that’s when you’ll know it’s time for it to go.

Cleansers

Face

Facial cleansers can last up to six months. If your cleanser includes benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, it’s important to note that they decay quickly and no longer work as they should after about four to six months. Glycolic peels and acne treatment pads will begin to dry out after two months and should be thrown out once that happens.

Body

Body washes can last for two to three years. If you notice a change in consistency, smell or color, stop using the product.

Moisturizers

Face

One year is a safe bet for most moisturizers. Although products that don’t contain anti-aging properties may last longer, the bacteria that accumulates in the jar causes your moisturizer’s shelf life to decline dramatically.

Body

Body lotions can last from two to three years. If you notice a change in smell, color or consistency, it’s time to replace it.

Sunscreen

As mentioned in a previous post, sunscreen is effective for up to three years after its purchase date. To ensure shelf life longevity, it’s important to store your sunscreen in a cool or room-temperature environment.

Do you have any product expirations that weren’t addressed in this post? Leave them in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out!

22 Common Sunscreen Questions Answered

Photo © 2009 Robert S. Donovan, Flickr

If you’ve ever read one of these blog posts, you know I constantly and consistently mention wearing sunscreen. But I realize that there may be some misconceptions or confusion when it comes to the wealth of sun protection information out there.  Here is a little Q&A to enlighten you before getting out in the sun.

Sunscreen products can go all the way up to 100+, but an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 96 percent of UVB rays. Above an SPF 30 the product doesn’t block much more in the amount of UVB, and it doesn’t drastically extend the time you can be in the sun. For any increase in SPF, you may get a few extra minutes before your skin begins to redden.

2. What is a broad-spectrum sunscreen? Is it better than other types of sunscreen?
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which can prematurely age you, and UVB rays, which burn your skin. You want a product that will give you the most protection possible, and broad-spectrum is a great option for that.

3. Should I protect my hair?
Absolutely! The sun can damage any area of the skin, including you scalp. Plus, the sun can bleach and dry out your hair. Make sure to use at least an SPF 30 on the part in your hair or any other exposed area of your scalp. Also consider a moisturizing and protecting product on your tresses. Of course, you can always be ultra-fashionable and use a large hat to protect your locks and face.

4. What’s the right way to apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied about 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and 1 ounce should be applied to each extremity. That’s 1 ounce for each arm, 1 ounce for each leg, 1 ounce for the front of your torso, 1 ounce for the back of your torso and 1 ounce for your face and neck area. Yep, that’s 7 to 8 ounces total, but you want to block the sun, not simply screen it.

5. How do I keep sunscreen out of my eyes?
The best solution is to use a physical barrier, like a hat, visor or sweatband. You can use a stick sunscreen, but studies have shown that they aren’t as effective as traditional sunscreen products.

6. How long does SPF last?
I’ll answer this as a two-part question. First, SPF should be applied at least every two hours  and more if you’re sweating a lot, swimming or doing any other activity that is rubbing off or wearing away at your sunscreen. As far as the actual breakdown of the product, sunscreen is effective for three years after its purchase date, but this is given it's stored at room temperature and not exposed to extreme heat, like in a hot car, which breaks down the product more quickly. 

7. How should I apply sunscreen to my back?
If you don’t have someone you trust to apply sunscreen to your back, there are products available to help with applying lotions to the hard-to-reach areas of your back. You can use spray products, but studies have shown they aren’t as effective and you would also want to be careful about breathing those types of chemicals in to your lungs, as some have been shown to be carcinogenic.

8. Does sunscreen affect fish?
Unfortunately yes, some of the chemicals in sunscreens have been found to have an adverse affect on the environment. If this is a concern for you, there are plenty of physical barriers like clothing, hats and sunglasses that you could use to protect yourself and the environment.

9. Are there special sunscreens for people who suffer from rosacea?
People who suffer from rosacea can be susceptible to some of the chemicals in traditional sunscreens. If you find yourself in this scenario, try mineral sunscreens, fragrance-free sunscreens or sunscreens formulated for people with sensitive skin.

10. Should I wear SPF clothing? (UPF)
Sun-protective clothing is actually referred to as UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. And of course you should use these! They protect better than regular clothing, and there’s no need to worry about reapplying your sunscreen on the covered parts of your body.

11. Can chemicals in sunscreen hurt me?
Yes, some chemicals in sunscreen can harm you, but you shouldn’t skip the sunscreen for fear of the chemicals. Studies have shown that oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate are chemicals you should avoid in sunscreen products. If you are concerned about or sensitive to certain chemicals, look for sunscreen without them, if possible, or consider physical barrier options like UPF clothing and products.

12. Are sport formulas really waterproof/long-lasting?
Not really. All sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and if you’re doing something that wears away at that sunscreen, it needs to be reapplied even more often.

13. Is sunscreen a “fountain of youth”?
In a way, yes; a recent study in Australia showed that people who used sunscreen consistently tended to age slower than those who didn’t. This is likely due to protection from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause your skin to show signs of aging like wrinkles or sun spots.

14. How much sunscreen do I need to use?
You should apply 1 ounce to each extremity; that’s 1 ounce for each arm, 1 ounce for each leg, 1 ounce for the front of your torso, 1 ounce for the back of your torso, and 1 ounce for your face and neck area. Yep, that’s 7 to 8 ounces total, but you want to block the sun, not simply screen it.

15. Do people with darker skin need to use sunscreen? If yes, should they use something different than lighter-skinned people?
Yes, people with darker skin don’t burn as easily, but they still sustain the same damage. They usually aren’t aware of the damage because of the lack of sunburn, though. People with darker skin should still use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapplied every two hours, with 1 ounce of product on each extremity.

16. Will sunscreen aggravate my acne?
Sunscreen can trigger acne, so use fragrance-free or oil-free options to avoid breakouts.

17. Will using sunscreen keep me from getting enough vitamin D?
Don’t skimp on sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen can inhibit vitamin D absorption, but most likely, you won’t wear it to the extent that you develop a vitamin D deficiency. If nothing else, you can take vitamin D supplements to correct this possible issue.

18. How often should I buy new sunscreen?
Sunscreen is good for three years unless it’s left out in the sun where the chemicals break down more quickly. Find a product you like and store it at room temperature.

19. Are spray sunscreens and stick sunscreens OK to use?
Studies have shown that these forms of sunscreens aren’t as effective as traditional sunscreen lotions. Also, the chemicals in spray sunscreens can be harmful if inhaled. I would recommend sticking to lotion-type sunscreen products.

20. How effective are sunscreen-insect repellent combos?
These combination products tend to be less effective than each product on their own. For maximum protection on all levels, apply sunscreen first, then apply bug repellent.

21. Is there a way to remove sunscreen?
Most sunscreens will wear away on their own over the course of the day, but if for some reason you feel like the product has left a residue behind, simply using water, soap and a little bit of elbow grease is best.

22. Can my diet help protect my skin from the sun?
There are studies that suggest beneficial chemicals in fruits and vegetables can provide added sun protection, but they do not replace sunscreen or physical sun barrier products.

Do you have any questions that weren’t answered in this post? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll try to help you out!

Skin Through the Ages: The 30s

*This post is the third in a series called “Skin Through the Ages.” The series will focus on how to take care of and manage skin at various points in life.

Do you feel like an adult yet? Ready or not, your face is starting to show it. Now is when you’ll begin to see the results of the work (or lack thereof) you put into your skin in your teens and your 20s. Your skin will start to dull in your 30s due to it not shedding dead skin cells at the same rate it did when you were younger. This is also when you may start to develop lines on your forehead, around your eyes or at the corners of your mouth. You may also see some sunspots, but don’t give up! Although you’re starting to see signs of aging, you can still slow down the process with proper care. Let’s go over what you should do during your 30s to help slow Mother Nature down.

Exfoliation
Now is the time to get serious about exfoliation. In your 30s, the rate at which your skin turns over new skin cells and sheds old ones slows, so you’ll need to help the process. Remember, according to the exfoliation blog post, pick an exfoliating product that is right for your skin, whether you choose a manual or chemical method. Choose a product that is gentle enough to use on a regular basis to keep skin from looking dull.

Anti-aging products
It’s sad to say, but it’s time to start incorporating anti-aging products into your skin care routine. Don’t go overboard and buy every product out there. Your skin is just starting to age and some anti-aging products might be too aggressive, which can irritate your skin. Add a good anti-aging facial cream and eye cream to your routine to help boost collagen levels and plump up those fine lines.

Sunscreen
You knew it was coming. Keep using your sunscreen every day, multiple times a day, regardless of the weather outside. Sun damage is the most preventative aging factor out there. Fair-skinned people will possibly begin to see some discoloration (sun spots) in their 30s if they haven’t been diligent about wearing sunscreen on a regular basis. Unless you want to look like this guy’s bad side, keep using your sunscreen!

In with the good
With all this talk of the body’s processes slowing down, the skin becoming damaged more easily and the body not recovering the way it used to, it’s more important than ever to consider what you’re putting into your body. Make sure you’re drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day to help flush out your body and help carry nutrients where they need to go. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of whole grains, lean meats and good fats, and minimal amounts of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Take a multi-vitamin daily to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Remember, we are what we eat, so eat the best foods possible to give yourself the healthiest body possible.

Are there any other concerns you might have about caring for your skin during your 30s? Post your questions and concerns in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out! You can also schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Patel by clicking here. 

Skin Through The Ages: The Teenage Years

 
This post is the first in a series called “Skin Through the Ages.” The series will focus on how to take care of and manage skin at various points in life. This post addresses the teenage years. 

Do me a favor. Take a minute and close out the chats, games and other apps you have running. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let me get to the point quickly. You’re going to get old one day. Yeah, I know, it’ll happen a million years from now, but one day in the not-so-distant future, you’ll look in the mirror and ask, “What are those lines? Where did I get this spot on my face? I AM getting old!” Then you’ll wonder why you didn’t listen to that blog post you came across when you were still young and had great skin. So consider yourself lucky and listen to these skin care tips that will have your friends in the future seriously jealous of your youthful complexion.

What am I?
You can’t take care of your skin if you don’t know what type of skin you have. The five basic skin types are dry, normal, oily, combination and sensitive. The names describe each skin type exactly as they sound. If you’re still unsure, you can have your skin analyzed at a skin care counter in the mall or make an appointment with a dermatologist or other skin care professional.

Do it to it.
Now that you know your skin care type, it’s time to take care of it twice a day. Wash and moisturize your skin every morning and every night. Use spot treatments as needed for your acne, scars or other problems. Most importantly, use products meant for teenage skin. The stuff your grandma uses is probably not right for you now.

Too slick?
You may think your skin is already soft enough or too oily for lotion, but that isn’t true. After washing, your skin needs moisture. If you don’t use a proper product, your skin will likely over-compensate, producing its own oil to get back to its natural state. This can cause your face to be even more oily and at risk for acne. Use the right moisturizer for your skin type, including an oil-free lotion and one with sunscreen.

Take it off!
Hold on a second, we’re talking about your makeup. Yes, morning-after makeup looks good on TV and in the movies, but it will look quite the opposite in real life. Leftover makeup can suffocate your skin overnight and make your eyes feel gritty and irritated in the morning. Even if you’re too exhausted to do your whole skin care routine, AT LEAST take off your makeup.

Hands off!
Yeah, I know, we’re really bossy when it comes to your skin, but keep your hands off of your face! Unless you just washed your hands, wherever they’ve been is going to wind up on your FACE! Pretty gross, right?  Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

Hands off! (Part deux)
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, don’t pick at your pimples! Although your face is nice, it isn’t magic. You know how when you scrape your knee or arm and get a scar? The same will happen to your face. That’s not cute.

You aren’t a baker…
So don’t cook your skin! Yes, that nice golden glow looks really good, but you should think twice unless you want to look like this. If you must have the tan-like glow, use a bronzer or self-tanner, but leave the frying in the kitchen.

So off you go, and if for some reason your skin confuses you, leave me a comment below and I’ll help you work it out! You can also schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology by clicking here.

A Chilly Weather Skin Care Routine

It’s that time of year -- when heavy clothes, blankets and hot cocoa are in full fashion. Along with those changes, have you considered altering your skin care routine? If not, you should. Cold air doesn’t hold humidity as well, hence the dry winter air. Plus, furnaces, fireplaces and heaters only serve to further dry out your skin. Here are some tips to help your skin endure the winter months unscathed.

Change exfoliants
I can’t say it enough. Pay attention to the condition of your skin. If it seems flakier than normal, you may want to increase how often you exfoliate or change products. By that same token, if your skin looks like it’s more damaged than normal, you’d want to ease up on exfoliating or find a product that is not as harsh. Winter weather can really throw your skin a curve ball, so adjust your exfoliants as needed. For more info, check out our exfoliation blog post.

Don’t forget sunscreen
It may be cold out, but you still need your sunscreen. You should still be wearing a lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Try to find a thick, moisturizing lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher to do double duty on the moisturizer and sunscreen. For more info and tips on winter sun care, check out our “Sunburn in a Winter Wonderland” blog post.

Moisturize inside out
Although the weather is perfect for cocoa, tea or coffee, you still need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. While those beverages do contain water, your body still needs plain water for optimal hydration. Add foods that are rich with healthy fats like nuts, fish and avocado to help add essential oils and nutrients back into your body. If need be, take supplements like fish oil and vitamins C, E and B complex to keep skin healthy through the winter. There is more information on the best foods for skin health in our blog post from a few months ago.

Moisturize outside in
Step up your beauty products to formulas that are more moisturizing than your summer products. Use a heavy cream to keep your skin soft and non-flaky. Consider adding aromatherapy oils to your body wash to help nourish dry skin. Also, take warm baths and showers, as the hot water will only further dry out your skin. Use a humidifier in your home to put moisture back into the air. Apply lotion to your hands and feet before bed, and then put thick socks on them (yes, your hands too) to help seal in moisture over night. Use eye drops to keep dry eyes at bay. Finally, use lip balm like there’s no tomorrow.

Hopefully these tips help you fare the winter months better. You still have questions? No problem, just leave them in the comments below and I’ll try to help you out!

Sunburn in a Winter Wonderland

By this time, all your summer clothes have been packed up for the season, and you’ve unloaded all of your sweaters, coats, boots and other warm weather apparel. But what about your sunscreen? If you thought you didn’t need sunscreen in the winter, I’m here to tell you sunscreen should always be part of your daily regimen! While you might be semi-hibernating for the winter, the sun is not, and even small amounts of sun during a walk into a store from the parking lot can be damaging.  Here are some reasons you should still protect your skin, even during the winter.

Sunburns
Odds are you’ve seen pictures of people smiling people at the bottom of a ski run with that funny raccoon-faced look? All that redness doesn’t just come from windburn. Ice and snow works just like the water at the beach or a pool: it reflects UV rays. In the case of a snow skier, being at a higher elevation means the sunlight will be stronger, emitting more UV rays.  To avoid the red-faced raccoon look, use a sports sunscreen on your face that is at least 30 SPF.

Skin Cancer
Although other types of cancer may get more publicity, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to skincancer.org, “Each year, there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.” Skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.  So bundle up and cover up to help keep skin cancer at bay.

Youthful skin
Nothing ages skin faster than over exposure to the sun. Consider the example of a Chicago-area man, profiled in this article, who looks 66 years old on one side of his face and 86 years old on the other. The man drove a semi-truck for nearly 30 years of his life, meaning the left side of his face was exposed to the sun for roughly eight hours a day. Take care of your skin to avoid looking 20 years older than you actually are.

Counteract Prescriptions
Many prescription medicines can leave you vulnerable to the sun, and while the sun may not seem as bright during the colder months, it can still cause skin damage. Some common medications that cause sensitivity to the sun are birth control pills, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antidepressants and diuretics. Ask your pharmacist if any of your medications could make you more sensitive to sunlight.

Extra moisture
Cold winter temperatures have a way of sucking all of the moisture not only out of the air, but also out of your skin. Why not doubly treat your skin by using a moisturizer combined with a sunscreen? This way, you’re keeping dry, cracked skin at bay, along with sunburns and wrinkles.

The BB Basics

Photo by SodanieChea, some rights reserved.

In the last few weeks, BB cream has become a household word – sort of. There are a variety of advertisements extolling the value of a good BB cream, and some extolling the value of a not-so-good BB cream. But what is it? I’ve answered a few key questions below.

What is a BB cream?

Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s, BB creams rapidly gained popularity in Asia over the next few decades.

BB creams are billed as an “all-in-one” solution to replace serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation and primer. Most of these creams are mineral-based, and are often used to cover and treat acne, age spots and sun spots.  

Do they really work?

Although BB creams are a great solution for women without the time or money to use separate products that are already proven to work, they are not a perfect substitute. To the extent that you can use a separate, proven moisturizer, foundation or other product, do. We already know that the separate products work. Until more research is done specifically on BB creams, there is not enough information to say that they are a perfect substitute for all other facial creams.

Who should use BB creams?

BB creams are best suited for women who are too busy to consistently keep up with a multi-product facial routine, or who do not have the budget to do it regularly.

Additionally, in the U.S., BB creams have become more of a substitute for foundation due to their good coverage.

Bottom line, if you aren’t already using moisturizer and sunscreen every day, a BB cream is a step in the right direction. If you already have a routine that works, don’t change it unless you have to.

Which BB creams are the best?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re on a budget, the over-the-counter drugstore BB creams will run about $12 to $15. Maybelline, L’Oreal and Garnier all sell these creams. I like the L’Oreal brand, as it offers the best sun protection with 30 SPF. Department store beauty counters sell creams for $35 to $40 or more. The comparison is similar to that between a drugstore foundation and a department store foundation.

Deciding which brand of BB cream to try varies with each woman’s need. Pay attention to whether the cream offers coverage, light reflection, antioxidants or better sun protection, and then decide what works best for you. There are even vegan and cruelty-free varieties.

Have more questions about BB creams? Leave them in the comments below and we’ll answer them!