It’s that time of year again, Check your experation dates

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Any info cited for this post was found via a general online search.

As the year comes to a close I think it’s best to take stock of our household products. This also means throwing away items that may be expired.

Sometimes we might have products and we forget how old they are.

Skincare products

Many products have a PAO (Product after Opening) symbol on them.

They may look like the ones in the image below. Image sourced from Pinterest.

Some skincare products may also have an expiration date printed on it. I’ve seen this on sheet masks before.

When it’s time to throw out your skincare

There are a few tips to take notice of when the skincare is no longer safe to use.

1. If the product changes scent.
   If you have a moisturizer that is usually floral and it suddenly smells off such as musty or sour it’s time to throw it away.
2. If the product changes color.
   If you have a face oil that suddenly turns dark in color or murky throw it out.
3. If the product has been open for 6 months to a year after its first use.

The GoodFaceProject has a list of expiration dates that you may want to check out.

I also found this chart from Derm to door (Pinterest)

Makeup product

I don’t know about anyone else but I tend to keep makeup longer than I probably should. Sometimes I forget I have products.

When it’s time to throw out makeup

Like with skincare the rules are pretty similar.

If the product smells or changes texture. This can be common in liquids or even creams. But even with powders if the blush suddenly gets caky or smells funny it’s time to go.

If the product separates or has any other changes just throw it out.

I’d like to add that you should throw out mascara if you’ve had any type of eye infection.

Real Simple has a great article with a chart.

Also, remember not to store your makeup in the bathroom and keep it out of direct sunlight.

I found this charge on Pinterest as well.

You should also sort through any nail polishes or nail lacquers you have as well and toss any that aren’t any good anymore.

You can visit the website CheckFresh to see how old your products are.

Let’s not forget the bathroom

You should also check any first aid items you store in your bathroom. Such as any ointments, products for cuts, or scrapes. Also, check the dates on hydrogen peroxide.

Bandages usually don’t expire but check them to make sure they still have some tack to the adhesive.

Most ointments have an expiration date printed on the box.

You can also check on any feminine products you may have too. They don’t usually expire but if they are older they might not offer the production they once did.

if anything doesn’t work as well it’s time to throw it out.

Over-the-counter medications

Many OTC products have an expiration date on the box and bottle. This goes for vitamins as well.

Using products after they have expired may be up to you. Some products can be used for a while after the listed expiry date but you may want to double check before using.

This is also a good time to check the pantry

This is also a good time of year to check your pantry to see if you have any can goods or boxed items that need to be eaten or thrown out.

I hope this post was helpful.