Experts warn: Using expired cosmetics will promote acne

Recently, some media reported that a cosmetics company relabeled expired products and sold them to consumers, including children's facial creams. While this caused "indignation" among many netizens, some netizens also said that it doesn't matter whether cosmetics are expired or not, they are definitely not toxic. The so-called shelf life of lotions and creams actually refers to the time it takes for oil and water to separate.

What does "expired" mean?

Microbial contamination needs the most attention

"When we talk about beauty products, whether from the perspective of safety, effectiveness or comfort of use, we emphasize the importance of using them within the shelf life. Cosmetics that have exceeded their shelf life may harm the skin, the main reason being microbial contamination," said Yan Shixiang, deputy director of the Expert Committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce Beauty and Cosmetics Chamber of Commerce.

Yan Shixiang said that the shelf life of creams and lotions is generally two to three years. Oil and water separation is likely to occur after expiration. In addition to the effect of surface tension, incorrect amount of emulsifier added can also cause early oil-water separation; insufficient amount of preservatives can cause microbial contamination, which can also cause oil-water separation during the shelf life. But consumers generally cannot tell the difference, so they should immediately discard cosmetics that have oil- and water-separated components.

Potential hazards

May cause acne and pimples

"The more important reason is the substandard hygiene caused by microbial contamination." Yan Shixiang said that cosmetics, including soaps, shampoos, etc., have some nutrients added. They are not just simple cleaning products. Nutrients can also breed microorganisms. Manufacturers will add limited doses of synthetic chemical preservatives during production to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. If the shelf life has passed, the effectiveness of the preservatives will gradually disappear, and the growth of pathogenic microorganisms cannot be controlled, which will cause harm to the skin. You may develop acne and skin trauma may cause suppuration and infection. Especially severe for sensitive skin.

In terms of effectiveness, cosmetics often contain some biologically active ingredients. After being exposed to the air for a long time, high temperature, light and sunlight, chemical changes may occur, resulting in some by-products or the active ingredients being volatilized. Beauty expert Qiu Ming said that the active ingredients and nutrients will gradually degrade during use, which will cause potential harm to the skin. From the perspective of comfort, if the moisture and fit of the cosmetics applied to the skin change, the effectiveness of the cosmetics will be greatly reduced or lost.

-Safe to use

Buy after you use it up, don't stock up

Yan Shixiang said that high ambient temperature, sunlight and ultraviolet rays can all cause the life of cosmetics to be shortened. When purchasing cosmetics, consumers must check the product expiration date label and try to use up the products before purchasing, and do not stockpile. Unused cosmetics should be stored in a low-temperature, enclosed space such as the refrigerator. Do not open the box frequently to prevent the temperature from fluctuating and causing chemical instability in the product.

Beauty expert Qiu Ming said that you must ensure your hands are clean when using cosmetics. Some cosmetics are packaged with pumps to minimize oxidation after contact with air, and some are equipped with scoops to prevent hands from coming into contact with the cream.

Don’t use sunscreen from the previous year

Qiu Ming said that cosmetics can be judged by looking and smelling whether they can continue to be used. The smell of spoiled products will be different, such as perfume becoming lighter, sour, and having an odor; foundation hardening, changing color, drying up, etc., all of which prove that it has deteriorated and should no longer be used. "We encourage people to use up the cosmetics they buy as soon as possible. For example, we recommend that you buy, open and use up sunscreen in the same year. Sunscreen used the previous year will oxidize when exposed to air, reducing its sun protection function. If you feel like you can't finish it all, you can choose a small 30 ml package."

Lipstick is often wiped off with wet wipes

Qiu Ming suggested that the powder puff you carry with you should be washed frequently, and when using lipstick, you must first ensure that the skin on your lips is clean. Her experience is that after using the lipstick for a period of time, wipe it with a wet tissue to clean the part exposed to the air, and discard lipstick that has exceeded its shelf life.