An expert has raised the alarm about an important skincare fact many consumers are unaware of that could completely change the way they use their products.
A small symbol located on most skincare product containers indicate the number of months a product remains safe and effective after being opened.
Failing to heed this expiration guideline can lead to skin irritation, bacterial contamination, and the breakdown of essential active ingredients.
Products like sunscreen lose their ability to protect against UV rays once expired, putting your skin at even greater risk.
Dr Emily Alfonsi, Medical Director at Shade Skin, a Skin Cancer Clinic, is advising consumers to be more mindful of the expiration dates on their skincare and beauty products, cautioning that using expired items can lead to skin irritation, infections, and even long-term harm.
The “12M” logo, commonly found on product packaging but often overlooked, signifies how many months a product remains effective after being opened. Dr Alfonsi emphasised that ignoring this indicator could put your skin at risk.
Understanding the 12M symbol
The “12M” icon refers to the “Period After Opening” (PAO) — a recommendation for how long a product remains safe to use once the packaging is opened.
A product with the “12M” label, for instance, should be discarded 12 months after it’s opened.
“Many consumers don’t realise that beauty and skincare products have a limited shelf life after opening,” said Dr Alfonsi.
“Using expired products exposes your skin to harmful bacteria and degrades the effectiveness of active ingredients, leaving your skin vulnerable to irritation and other issues.”
The dangers of using expired products
As skincare products age, the active ingredients gradually lose their potency, and harmful bacteria, mould, or yeast can thrive in opened containers.
This is particularly concerning for products like sunscreen, which, when expired, fail to provide adequate protection from UV rays.
