The term “Spring Cleaning” is popular this time of year. It is time to do a
makeover of our homes, wardrobes and selves. It is when we get to store
away the bulky winter coats and open the drawer that has all of last year’s
shorts and tank tops. Some might be out of style or stretched out beyond
repair… so we haul off the old to make room for the new.
I go through my closet twice a year. If I have not worn it in the last year
(unless it is a specialty item like a formal dress), it goes in the sell/give away
pile. Likewise if workout clothes, t-shirts, pajamas are worn or stretched out,
they get tossed.
The same needs to be done with our makeup bags and the skincare products
piling up under the bathroom sink! Different seasons and weather call for
different skincare regimens.
Are you holding on to a random eyeshadow because you used it once in
2014 and you think you might wear it again? Or are you keeping a three
year old night cream because it is only half used and was painfully
expensive? Such decisions are never going to benefit the health or look of
your skin. Expired cosmetics and skincare products work less efficiently and
can also damage the skin. Consistency of the products change, and active
ingredients become compromised. Inflammation, redness, breakouts,
swelling and infection can be a few of the effects from using soiled skincare
and bacteria infested products.
Every product has a shelf life of a few months to a few years from the PAO=
Period After Opening. Marking products with a sharpie of the date opened is
a good habit to get into. If you have to question how long something has
been lurking in your cabinet, chances are you should throw it out. Risking a
breakout or fungal infection on your face will not be worth it! Some tips to
remember:
o Liquid or emollient textured products get contaminated a lot
faster than powders.
o If it has a funky smell or different color than when you bought it,
toss it.
o Cleaning brushes and sponges should be normal monthly
maintenance. Washing and disinfecting brushes is an important
step to keeping healthy skin. Make sure you allow air to circulate
360 degrees around damp brushes, hanging them over the edge
of your vanity or bathroom sink. Laying them flat on a clean
towel will not allow the center to dry, potentially causing mold
and bacteria to grow which will eventually be distributed to
your skin all while spreading to your palettes and powders.
o Wipe down the inside of your makeup bag with antibacterial wet
wipes every 1-2 months.
o Throw out and replace sponges.
Here is a Cheat Sheet for when to make it a DITCH DAY:
MAKEUP:
o Mascara= 3 months
o Cream, liquid or stick foundations = 6-12 months
o Powdered products (blush, bronzers, pressed powder)= 2-3 years
**Soaking pressed powders and palettes in isopropyl alcohol and
allowing to fully dry before use will help keep bacteria levels down,
thus improving the shelf life. It will not, though, keep the pigment
intensity from fading.
o Lipstick, lip pencils= 2 years
o Lip gloss or stain (liquid) =6 months
SKINCARE:
o Cleansers= 12 months
o Toners=6-12 months
o AHA/BHA exfoliates= 12 months
o Moisturizers or serums =12 months
o Lip treatments, balms = 6-8 months
Now that you have fresh products, what else can you do for you skin heading
into spring and summer?
FACIAL
The perfect time to get a facial is the start of every season. Our skin needs to
be equipped for the variances between heaters and air conditioners, season
allergies, and ski vacations versus beach vacations. We see our skin
everyday so it might be harder to notice the environmental effects, but an
aesthetician will detect all skin issues and give you the tools to keep your
skin healthy and glowing.
EXFOLIATE
Winter seems to leave our skin dull and dry. Yes, even Austin’s winter.
When spring hits, we tend to be more active and often times sweaty. If the
exfoliation step gets skipped, all of the dry dead skin cells will remain on the
surface of the skin leading to enlarged pores, blackheads and deeper creases
or wrinkles. One of my favorite exfoliating masks is Pure Enzymes by
Cosmedix.
It has antioxidants from cranberries, and the enzymes act like PacMan eating away the built up dead skin and impurities. Speak to an
aesthetician about an exfoliating mask or product that is right for you.
HYDRATION
It is so important to keep yourself hydrated, and the truth will come out…on
your face. If the appearance of skin around your eyes is a concern, 4 out of 5
times it is due to dehydration. Drinking an appropriate amount of water is just
as important as what you apply on your skin! Always use a moisturizer as it
forms a topical barrier of hydration on your skin to hold in water. I find that
most people typically need a heavier moisturizer in the colder seasons but
can switch to a lighter one in the spring. My favorite warm weather
moisturizer is Mystic by Cosmedix. It is a refreshing light spray that can be
used even by those who have oily or acne and can be applied under
makeup or spritzed as a refresher throughout the day.
Remember that your pores open more in the warmer weather and therefore
will absorb more product. Do your SPRING CLEANING and make sure that
you are putting new, healthy products and makeup on your skin!
**Disclaimer: I am not an aesthetician or a medical provider. I do run a
medical clinic and medspa, though, and am knowledgeable about these facts
under the advisement and personal consultation with our med spa provider.
Please check with your own dermatologist or aesthetician before trying any
new products or treatments.
