End of the Year Product Clean Out!

Out with the old, in with the new! We all have those products that we love and cling onto for years because it’s that perfect shade of red, or have that drawer full of half used mascara, blush, or eye shadows because we think we will need it in the future. But it is time to come to terms with the fact that these products eventually become breeding grounds for bacteria. The New Year is a good time to clean out your make up and facial products you’ve had for years. 

Here are some guidelines for your End of the Year Product Clean Out:

• Facial Moisturizers: These have a shelf life of two to three years unopened, however once opened they are good for 6 to 12 months. Keep in mind, facial moisturizers that include added ingredients such as antioxidants or vitamins (A, C, or E) can expire quicker due to their sensitivity to light. In contrast, ones that contain acids (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) may have a longer shelf life. 

• Liquid Foundation: Unopened, foundation can last up to two years, but once opened it has a shelf life of 12 months. Most formulas are water based, which means bacteria loves them, so storing them in a cool, dry area will prolong the life of your foundation.   

• Mascaras: To prevent bacteria from forming it should be replaced every three months because every time the applicator is taken out it can pick up bacteria. Do not share your mascara! 

• Eyeliner/Eye Shadow: Due to contact with the eye’s mucous membrane, the possibility of transferring bacteria to the product and back to the eye is higher, which increases the risk for infection. Powder eye shadows and eyeliner should be replaced every three months.

• Lipstick: For most formulas lipstick can last for about two years, but since it is exposed to the mouth often it’s recommended to replace them if used while sick. Storing them in a cool, dry area helps their shelf life. 

• Nail Polish: It can last up to two years. Nail polish will not go bad from bacteria, but it can dry up and get clumpy. Keeping the top on tightly helps. 

• Powders and Blush: Have a shelf life of about two years, although cream blush should be replaced after one year. To prolong the life of your powders and blush clean your brush regularly.  

• Tools: Makeup brushes should be cleaned once a month with a gentle shampoo or cleanser. Quick Tip: Wash them at night, lay them flat to dry overnight and they will be ready to use in the morning!
• Can’t invest in makeup brushes? Use paintbrushes! They are a fraction of the cost of top of the line makeup brushes, are made of the same hairs, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For acne prone skin, try washing your makeup brushes with one of our Glytone face washes.

Tips to Keeping a Healthy Glow during the Harsh Winter Months

Anyone can get dry skin, but with these tips everyone can avoid it.  We see it begin in the fall and by winter our skin is dull, flaky, and itchy.  The low temperatures, absence of humidity, and harsh winds all play a role in causing this unwanted dry skin.  Here are some tips to help your body keep moisture in.

1     -  Take warm, but not hot showers.  Yes, they feel great but they aren’t great for your skin.  Hot water robs your skin of its moisture, so try taking a lukewarm shower only once a day.  This rule also applies to washing your hands.

      - The best time to moisturize is right after showering.  Try to apply your cream within five minutes.  It is better to use a cream rather than a lotion because lotions are oil in water, whereas creams are water in oil.  Creams are thicker and are often in a tube or jar, not a pump.

3     - Invest in a humidifier. The winter air is in short supply of humidity, especially if your home has a fireplace.  A room heated by a fireplace has less than 10% moisture in the air.

4     -  Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!  I can’t say it enough.  Moisturizers work much more effectively when applied to exfoliated skin.  For facial exfoliation try Clarisonic’s Facial Cleansing Brush along with any glycolic acid face wash such as Glytone’s Self-Foaming Acne Cleanser, which can be purchased at your next visit.  For hydrated, smooth skin try our Avéne Emollient Cleansing Bath.

5    -  Skip the drying soaps such as anti-bacterial, bar soaps, and anything that lathers.  Stick to creamy cleansers with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or petrolatum.  Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is great for the body and for the face try Avéne’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser sold in our office. And don’t forget your lips!  Eucerin’s Aquaphor Healing Ointment works wonders for dry, cracked lips.

Problem Solved : Makeup Brushes

One of my patients brought up a very good question in my office this week. Why do makeup brushes shed? 

No matter the price of the brush, there are 2 main components when it comes to having your brushes work for you. 

The first main difference in brushes are bristle colors : most brushes are bristles that are dyed black or white, sometimes a very light tan color. The black dye they apply to brushes makes the bristle weak and causes it to break even if your brush is still "new". When you are applying makeup and you see small black bristles all over your face, it can be frustrating. You start picking them off your face and your makeup is no longer perfect. Stick with using white, tan or undyed bristle brushes. These  bristles are stronger and shed less. One of my favorites is the Sephora Pro Bronzer Brush #48 (http://www.sephora.com/pro-bronzer-brush-48-P183723?skuId=1005032). 

The 2nd half of having your brushes become the best items in your cosmetic bag is taking proper care of them, this is very important!  Wash 1-2 times per week by running lukewarm water over the brush and rinsing the brush before any soap is applied. Then apply a dime sized drop of a mild facial cleanser to the palm of your hand and work the brush in a circular motion to create a rich lather.  Finally rinse numerous times until no "suds" are rinsing from the brush.  Lay clean brushes flat on a towel and let dry overnight. Do not put the brushes back in your make-up bag until they are finished drying, bacteria can form if a moist brush sits in your cosmetic bag all day. 

Cosmetic brushes can be pricey, remember : the more you maintain your beauty tools, the longer you'll be able to use them!