A Simple Fix for Healthier Skin

Catch up on the latest health news, tips, and trends.

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A Simple Fix for Healthier Skin

Millennials spend more than $2,600 a year (not to mention immeasurable amounts of time) on beauty — and the rise of dermorexia has put even more of a spotlight on the state of our skin. But all the serums and products in the world aren’t going to do much if we’re using expired makeup.

Why?

Preservatives in makeup don’t necessarily work beyond their expiration date. Once they break down, “the makeup is susceptible to microbial growth, potentially causing infections and contact dermatitis,” says dermatologist Amy Huang, MD. Plus, simply reusing makeup daily can introduce bacteria and other potentially harmful organisms. Doing that with expired makeup can make the problem even worse.

“Natural” or “clean” makeup doesn’t get a pass, either: Since it “often lacks synthetic preservatives … it can expire sooner than conventional products,” says Hannah Kopelman, DO.  

Great. Throwing away all my makeup. 

It's frustrating that makeup shelf life can be short (as little as three months for some products — more on that below). Plus, there aren't any federal laws that require companies to include that info on their packaging, which can make expiration dates even harder to follow. (Unclear if new FDA oversight into the cosmetics industry could change that.)

In the meantime, before you throw anything out, check the smell and consistency (like if your liquid foundation is blotchy, powder is clumpy, or mascara is dry). If everything seems fine, but you can't remember when you bought it, it might still make sense to toss.

Your move

When you buy new makeup, stay safe by:

• Noting the expiration date. It’s usually (but not always) denoted as an open jar symbol with a number and the letter “M,” for months, on the packaging or product itself. General rule of thumb: Replace mascara and liquid eyeliner every three months, cream- or water-based foundation and blush every six months to a year, and lipstick after a year. 

• Cleaning your tools and not sharing your makeup. Even if you’re dying to try your friend’s new mascara, stick to your own to avoid contamination.

• Keeping it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. “Exposure to air, light, and fluctuating temperatures can cause makeup to degrade [faster],” says Kopelman.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

I can never sleep on an airplane — but I have a long flight coming up. What can I do to help?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Nora Zabel Tossounian, MD

Internist with Hackensack Meridian Health

• Adjust your bedtime before your trip. “Gradually shift your sleep schedule closer to your destination's time zone a few days before your flight. This helps your body adjust to the new time and makes it easier to fall asleep on the plane,” she says.

• Skip coffee and booze at the airport. They can impact your sleep, so avoid them before your flight. Avoiding them while in the air helps too, she adds.

Read the rest of her advice here.

This week, Editorial Director Karell Roxas tested out a pillow and linen spray that supposedly makes bedtime “a soothing moment of zen.”

What we tried: Osea Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist

What it’ll cost you: $38

What we thought: 5/10. A friend gifted this to me and swore that it would “transform my sleep.” In the interest of science, I sprayed this on my bed every day for a few weeks straight, but I didn’t notice any marked difference in the quality of my sleep or relaxation. The upside: It smelled fantastic — like lavender, tea tree, and rosemary — which created a pleasant sleeping environment.

"Chicken-sizing"

What one woman turned to instead of conventional workouts. It requires impeckable form.