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Hey there, beauty buffs and self-tanner fans! Ever find yourself wondering if self-tanners go bad?
Spoiler: they do, just like any other cosmetic out there. Yep, these bronzing beauties have their shelf-life. In today’s chat, we’re diving into all the details.
We’ll cover how long they last when to toss them, and what could happen if you dare to use one past its prime.
Let’s get into it!
Does It Expire?
Self-tanners do have an expiration date! Typically, they last about 6-12 months once opened.
After that, they can lose their effectiveness and their formula might change, which could cause skin irritations or give you a patchy tan.
When Does Self-Tanner Expire?
Usually, you can count on your self-tanner lasting for about 6-12 months after you first open it. So, if it’s been sitting on your shelf longer than that, it’s probably time to toss it.
Does Fake Tan Expire If Unopened?
If you haven’t cracked open that bottle yet, good news! Unopened self-tanners can last up to 2-3 years, provided you store them properly.
The key ingredient, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), doesn’t play well with air and light, so keep it in a cool, dark place to make it last.
How to Keep Your Product Fresh and Effective for Longer
Wondering if tanning lotion expires? Let’s talk about how to keep your products working their best for as long as possible.
First off, while you can’t magically make a product last forever, you can help it reach its full 6-12-month lifespan. The secret? Room temperature! It’s a big deal not just for cosmetics, but for electronics too.
Just like your skin, products hate extreme temperatures. Too hot or too cold? Not a fan. So, the key is to avoid those temperature swings.
You might think the bathroom cupboard is a great spot for your skincare stash. But if your bathroom gets hot and steamy, think again. That humidity and heat can be a product’s worst enemy.
For the best results, store your items somewhere dry, cool, and stable. Avoid places that get super hot or super cold. High temperatures can mess with the product’s texture and reduce the effectiveness of its active ingredients.
Keep your products comfy, and they’ll keep you looking fabulous!
Side Effects of Using Expired Products
I always steer clear of expired products, but last year, I made a mistake. I accidentally took an expired retinoid I love on holiday. I figured I’d just go with it since I’d used it for years. Big mistake. The night before a wedding, I broke out in pimples!
I knew this wasn’t a normal reaction since I’d used the product for ages. Even the texture was off, but I ignored my gut feeling, thinking I’d be fine.
Besides pimples, you might run into:
- Allergic reactions: Think rashes or hives.
- Poor application: The product might be blobby or watery.
- No results: Your tan might apply okay but end up looking unnatural or a strange color. Expired St Tropez tanning lotions, in particular, can cause uneven discoloration or even irritation due to changes in their formulation over time.
I get why you might gamble with an expired fake tan if your skin isn’t sensitive. But using expired sunscreen? No way. It’s just not worth it because sunscreen expires.
