Are you sure your favorite cream is stored in the right place? Most of us store our beauty products in the bathroom, but the temperature changes and humidity that are generated after the shower can damage the active ingredients of your face or body cream. Also pay attention to make-up and organic or natural products, because they need to be stored even more carefully. How? Here is a simple guide to understand how to identify the expiration date of cosmetic creams and preserve the performance of anti-aging formulations over time.
PAO: the life span of the dermocosmetic
How many times have you found lipsticks or face creams in bags or suitcases left at the bottom of a closet for who knows how long and been assailed by the desire to try them immediately? We've all been there, but it's not the right or recommended move to make. Unlike food, the packaging of dermocosmetics does not refer to the expiration date, but rather indicates the PAO (Period After Opening). The PAO is the period of time within which to consume the cream once the package has been opened . The PAO is indicated in all European Union countries with the same symbol: an open jar, present both on the primary container (in direct contact with the cosmetic) and, if applicable, on the secondary container (the external packaging). The shelf life of the opened product is indicated on the jar or next to it in months, written in number, followed by the letter "M".
How to store dermocosmetics correctly
Having clarified the concept that the expiration date of unopened face cream does not exist , it is necessary to follow good habits for the correct storage of beauty products. The ABC includes storing face and body creams away from light and heat. For all those who keep them in the bathroom, it is recommended to reserve a specific space for them, such as a drawer or a closed shelf to prevent the products from coming into contact with temperature changes associated with bathing or showering. The latest generation dermocosmetics meet the needs of the most attentive consumers by presenting airless packaging, where the possibility of contamination with external agents is reduced to a minimum and the active ingredients are protected.
Another important factor is the size of the bottle: have you ever wondered why eye and lip contour products never have capacities greater than 15 or 20 ml? The reason is that the skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive and the product must be used up more quickly to maintain its active ingredients; for this reason, the expiration date of contour creams is closer. The expiration date of body creams is longer thanks to INCI rich in natural oils and plant extracts such as shea butter and coconut, which promote a more stable and long-lasting formula over time.
Using expired creams: are there any contraindications?
Obviously it is not advisable to use expired creams , especially in the case of sensitive and reactive skin. Using a cream beyond its expiration date can make it more vulnerable to contamination by mold and bacteria that affect its properties and results. This is especially evident in the case of sun products. The expiration date of the sunscreen indicates the effectiveness of the filters against UVA and UVB rays; once the PAO has passed, the protective action ceases and it is easy to find sunburn. Every summer it is important to buy and equip yourself with a cream with sun protection with an expiration date that is longer than the period in which you stay at the seaside or on vacation.
Packaging and storage of Skinius creams with Fospidina
Skinius creams are all stored in high-performance packaging, from airless containers to coated glass jars, to protect all the active ingredients in our anti-aging formulations. The products for the contours of the eyes and lips have an adequate capacity to preserve the effectiveness of the active ingredients for the period in which the cream will be used. The specific PAO is reported on all packaging to guarantee the comfort of textures suitable for even the most sensitive skin.