4 Effects Wearing Expired Cosmetics, Can Irritate And Infection

Illustration (Jhong Pascua/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Make-up products usually have an expiration date or expiration period, although perhaps this age tag is not as easy as being found in food products and medicines that are sold freely.

"If makeup products change color or smell bad, they may have expired and shouldn't have been used," said New York City dermatologist Marisa Garshik, MD, FAAD, as broadcast by Livestrong, told by ANTARA.

Changes in texture such as separation and consistency changes can also be a sign that the product has expired or passed the expiration date. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the expiration date of makeup products varies, however, generally lasts for several months to several years. Cream or liquid products tend to expire faster than dry ones or powders.

Then, what is the risk of using expired makeup products?

Garshik said when the product expired, preservatives used to help prevent excessive bacterial growth may no longer be effective.

"This can cause skin problems such as infection, irritation and acne," he said. Expired makeup products are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, especially products that come into contact with the skin, such as consumers.

Rapid bacterial growth and buildup of moisture that invites mold can cause redness and irritation of the skin. Skin inflammation can also accompany irritation caused by the use of expired cosmetics.

Another risk is skin infection. Dermatologists from Schweiger Dermatology Group, Philadelphia, Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, said that cosmetics made from water such as powder bases can be a medium for bacteria to grow. Expired products can cause skin infections such as foliculitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Eye infections can also occur because many makeup products are used around eye areas such as mascara and eyeliners. Using expired eye makeup products can increase the risk of eye infection such as red eyes.

While some cases of red eyes can disappear on their own, antibiotics or pollutants may be needed, according to Stanford Health Care.

If a person is prone to allergic reactions, it's important to know about his makeup life. A dermatologist at New York City Brendan Camp, MD, says over time the chemical composition of makeup can change and it can cause allergic reactions such as rashes or contact dermatitis.

"Alert reactions may appear with redness, itching, swelling or scaly spots," he said.

Bacteria are common causes of acne. When bacteria grow in old makeup, it can cause or worsen acne. Bacteria that cause acne can stick to makeup to make things worse. After someone stops using makeup that contains bacteria, acne may disappear.

Using eye makeup products such as eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner can cause eye problems if the product has expired.

"If used around the eyes, expired makeup products can also cause bintit," Garshik said.

To prevent eye infections such as red eyes and bintite around the eyes, it is important to change eye makeup regularly. For that reason, eye makeup expires faster than other products. Any side effects of using expired makeup products require doctor instructions.

If irritation or skin sensitivity occurs after using a product. It is recommended to seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist that can help you determine the cause and prescribe the right treatment," Camp said.