Health & Lifestyle

Why you should NEVER hang on to a lipstick for more than a year if you want to avoid nasty infections, according to skin experts

  •  Dermatologists have found meningitis-causing bacteria in old lipsticks
  •  Powders are good for two years, but mascara should go in a few months
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While it may be tempting to hold on to old favorite makeup products, over time, they will harbor bacteria that could cause serious skin problems.

Dried-out mascaras can be a cesspit for nasty bacteria – causing eyelid infections like conjunctivitis or painful styes. 

Meanwhile, dermatologists have described acne breakouts, rashes on eyelids and scaly, red cheeks thanks to foundation and blush that’s well past its use-by date.

Every time a makeup product is opened, bacteria can get inside and will thrive in the moist container or bathroom cabinet.

If your hands are dirty when applying makeup, this can also transfer germs into the product.

And once bacteria is on the skin, it can settle and grow, causing infections and zits. 

But optimum timelines for throwing out makeup depends on two factors.

First, the climate: products stored in hot and humid locations will become risky at a much faster rate, as heat and moisture promote the growth of mold and yeast.

Secondly, the type of product…

Mascaras only last three months, while foundations can hold out for a couple of years

Mascaras only last three months, while foundations can hold out for a couple of years

MASCARAS ARE GOOD FOR THREE MONTHS

Don’t keep a mascara for more than three months, New York-based dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner warned.

Eyelashes and eyelids naturally have bacteria on them, meaning a mascara wand or eyeliner may pick them up while being used.

When it is returned to its dark, moist container, it can multiply and build up over time and cause an infection when reapplied. 

And by three months, it’s likely enough bacteria has built up to risk an infection.

Experts say there are signs to watch out for too. 

If it starts to smell weird, such as of burning plastic, and is very clumpy, it is likely to be expired, Dr Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York, told Health.

The Mayo Clinic advises chucking it if the mascara tube seems to be getting dry – and avoid adding water to the product, as it will only increase the bacteria-growing properties.

Every time a makeup product is opened, bacteria can get inside and will thrive in the moist container or bathroom cabinet

Every time a makeup product is opened, bacteria can get inside and will thrive in the moist container or bathroom cabinet

EYELINER PENCIL IS SIX MONTHS – BUT LIQUID IS THREE 

Eyeliner every three to six months, but pencils will last longer than liquid.

Products that contain water, such as liquid eyeliner, are more prone to bacteria, which thrive in moist environments, say experts.

YOU CAN GET TWO YEARS OUT OF A FOUNDATION – AND ANYTHING POWDERED

Primers and foundations typically last about two years, Dr Zeichner said.

But if you notice your liquid foundation separating or changing color before then, it is time to get rid,as it may be a sign of built-up bacteria.

This can cause breakouts, as the bugs get into pores on your skin.

Powdered products such as blush and eye shadow will usually last about two years.

Eyeshadows need particular attention since they come into contact with a mucous membrane, where there is more opportunity for bacteria to get into the powder.

If you have had an eye infection such as pink eye, germs might have snuck into your products while you had any visible symptoms.

NEVER HANG ON TO A LIPSTICK FOR MORE THAN A YEAR 

Lipsticks should be renewed every year, said Dr Zeichner. As the item is used directly on the mouth, it is an easy route for nasty bacteria from food to transfer onto the surrounding skin.

According to celebrity dermatologist Dr Ajay Rana, expired lipsticks have been found to contain enterococcus faecalis, a deadly bacteria that causes meningitis. 

In 2015, scientists at London Metropolitan University found that old lipglosses contained unsafe levels of potentially lethal bacteria enterococcus faecalis.

You should also avoid sharing lipstick, and any makeup products for that matter, as this can be an easy way for bacteria to spread from person to person, the experts add.

BEAUTY BLENDERS ARE GOOD FOR THREE TO SIX MONTHS

Makeup applicators such as a beauty blender sponge should be swapped out every three to six months. 

Sponges are particularly bad for holding on to dead skin cells and bacteria, particularly those that are moist. 

If bacteria remains in the sponge, repeated use can lead to inflammatory rashes.


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