This Is What Happens To Your Skin When You Use Expired Cosmetics

Expiration dates for food seems to make sense for obvious reasons, but did you know makeup has equally important reasons to make sure you use them prior to the expiration date?

Not only will outdated makeup and skincare products work less effectively… but it can do serious damage to your skin!

The worst thing you can do is ignore the dates and keep products well past their prime. Here is a quick round up from various beauty professionals on what actually happens to your skin when you use an expired product.

Dr. Jason Rivers, a clinical professor at the University of British Columbia. Via Best Health Magazine:

"Tossing products is mainly a health issue;"…"You should be most careful with water-basedproducts, such as mascara, because of the risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to infection. Symptomsinclude redness, pain, swelling, pus, pimples or pink eye."

Dr. Hadley King, M.D., the dermatologist at SKINNEY Medspa in New York City. Via MSN Better Living:

"The consistency of the product is going to change over time…they're going to dry out, get clumpy and not apply as smoothly. That's true for everything from mascara to lipstick and foundation.

"The optimal performance of these products will decrease over time."

"A foundation with SPF has expired, the sun protection may not be as strong as it was when fresh," [This also applies to products that include a salicylic acid for acne prevention or retinol to prevent fine lines. Moreover, if you use acne preventing products that contain salicylic acid or if you use retinol as an anti-aging supplement]."

Dr. Gary Goldfaden, Dermatologist and Founder of GoldfadenMD Via Stylecater:

"When a product expires this means that the preservatives have stopped being as effective as they once were or have stopped working altogether. This can lead to infections. "

Dr. Marina Peredo, Dermatologist and Associate clinical professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Via Stylecater:

"Expired makeup usually means there is a loss in the chemical structure of the product which can wreak havoc when applied to the skin, this can lead to redness and irritation and, in most cases,allergic reactions."

Dr. Jessica Krant, MD, MPH, is Dermatologist, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate, and Founder of Art of Dermatology on 5th Avenue in New York City. Via Stylecater:

"Most makeup is made with preservatives that not only keep the mixture even and smooth but also help prevent bacteria or viruses from growing. Eventually, the preservatives may fail and repeated touching and an opening of makeup can eventually lead to contamination. If the bacteria or viruses get into your eyes or into microscopic cuts or sores or acne on your skin, infections such as herpes and staph impetigo can form, which can be difficult to treat, and in the worst situations, may be permanently scarring or life threatening."

Amanda Gabbard, beauty specialist and makeup expert at the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria New York. Via Stylecater:

"Mascara and lip gloss are definitely the most sensitive to bacteria as they have direct contact with eyes and lips."

(Source)