Your skincare is not just a vital piece of your beauty puzzle, but also your overall health and happiness. There’s a reason they say we need to be “comfortable in our own skin,” and we’re back again to help you feel comfy in yours. This article includes answers for the best anti aging skincare ingredients, if products expire, and more.

In exploring the products that help us do just that, it is always important to inform ourselves. When it comes to skincare products and applying them correctly, knowledge is everything. Remember, an educated consumer is a happy consumer, and your skin is no exception.

Here are five more answers to common skincare questions you need answers to before shopping around.

Question 1 - Can Skin Care Products Expire?

In the United States, you’re probably not going to see an expiration date on most regular skincare products. Such dates are only required for substances that are regulated as an over-the-counter drug or treatment like sunscreen. Because of this, you won’t usually see it on moisturizers and other lotions classified as “cosmetics.”

Is your skincare product expired? Even so, the expiration dates you do see mostly indicate when the active ingredients have expired, but the product itself may still be effective. Even then, pharmacists recommend throwing it out. Many cosmetics may note a PAO or “Period After Opening” label.  The PAO label indicates the amount of time usually measured in months after opening your product when you should throw it out.

As a rule of thumb, skincare products should be tossed after six months to a year. You should also visually inspect any products you have for anything suspect. Toss it if you see clumps, discoloration, accumulated powers, or anything else that’s out of place. 

Question 2 - What Skin Care To Avoid When Pregnant?

Not everyone always thinks about it, but your skincare product choices are critical with a little one on the way. In general, you should avoid creams and lotions with a high rate of absorbency and the presence of toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, you’ll have to know your product by the ingredients.

Some common skincare product ingredients to avoid may include but are not limited to: parabens, aluminum chloride, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and salicylic acid. 

When it pertains to essential oils, after some research and reading we decided to reference this article we came across on the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy’s website. 

Question 3 - What Are The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Products?

One of the most common skincare concerns that people raise is given to us by our own mortality. Time can be a cruel mistress on the skin, but there are plenty of over-the-counter products that may help. First, you’ll want to consider a trio of products to help keep these three points in mind:

-Protection: The biggest issue with aging of skin is often its exposure to the sun. Many experts have recommended sun protection for anti-aging. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection rating of 30 or more.

-Moisturize: To keep your skin hydrated. Choosing a moisturizer based on your skin’s type is essential. Depending on your age, or if your skin is more dry or oily, you may want either an oil-based or water-based moisturizer. Get to know your skin, perform “patch tests” on every product, and know what’s inside. 

-Cleanse: A cleanser is essential to address skin issues that regular soaps and washes don’t address. Choose a cleanser tailored to your skin type and try to choose one that may address other issues you may have like acne. Our natural bar soap gently cleanses and exfoliates skin without stripping away natural oils.

Finally, consider what’s inside all of your products. Try to choose products rich with natural ingredients that nourish the skin like collagen or Vitamin A, and plenty of antioxidants to keep the skin fresh.

Question 4 - Can Skincare Cause Breakouts?

This is actually a difficult question, and the answer varies both by product and person. You’ll need to be aware of every ingredient that’s in any product you use and if you have any related skin allergies or sensitivities.

Consult with a dermatologist if you need to. Meanwhile, you can also perform a “patch test” to determine if your skin is allergic. Do this by applying a dab on the crease of your elbow and wait to see how your skin reacts.

If any irritation at all occurs, then toss it out. You’ll also want to learn the difference between a breakout and skin purge.

Question 5 - Are Skin Care Products Necessary?

The truth is, when it comes to your health, every person is different. “One size fits all” just doesn’t work for everyone. Still, it doesn’t hurt to tend to the health of your skin and take the extra steps. Some people may only have to moisturize a few times here and there, while others need to every day. The easy answer is, it depends on your skin type.

However, your lifestyle may also play a role. The quality of our skin can be influenced by everything from our genetic makeup, to the climate where we live, and the lifestyles we enjoy. If you expose yourself to high levels of stress or spend most of your life in the sun, you’re exposing your skin to increased risks.

Having no skincare regimen at all may only set you up for problems down the road. It certainly doesn’t hurt to take the extra step of treating our skin right. 

A Soap Your Skin Care Regime Could Benefit From

At Eczema Care Company we know all too well the struggle that it is to find great skincare products that don’t cause irritation or adverse reactions. Our honey & oatmeal soap is designed with you in mind! With all natural ingredients, it gently exfoliates your skin while cleansing it, keeping natural skin oils intact. Try it risk free today and your skin will thank you!