It is essential not to use cosmetic products once they have expired, as it is not recommended to change them or mix them. The recommendations of good practices for the use of cosmetic products are a great help for our care.
The AEMPS -Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products- has published a document called « Decalogue of good practices in cosmetic products «. Its objective is to avoid problems related to the use of these products, since a series of misuses and practices of cosmetic products have been identified that may pose a risk to public health.
The Spanish Cosmetovigilance System, which is responsible for ensuring the safety of all cosmetic products that are on the market, has detected that many of the problems related to cosmetics come from misuse by consumers . And, although they are a minority, they can be avoided by following the recommendations that we explain throughout the article.
Let's see next what these recommendations are.
1. Always read the labeling
A good practice for cosmetic products is to always read the labeling of the one that we are going to use . Likewise, you must also consult the instructions for use and pay special attention to all the warnings and precautions that are indicated.
In this way, we will be informing ourselves of the components that this product contains and we will avoid, for example, adverse reactions of certain substances to which we know we have an allergy .
2. Use the product for the purpose for which it was manufactured
The second point of the decalogue of good practices for cosmetic products is quite clear. Cosmetic products should not be used for a purpose not intended by the manufacturer . Thus, we should not, for example, use a hand cream to try to hydrate the skin of the face.
3. Respect the expiration dates and the period after opening
It is essential not to use cosmetic products once they have expired , or after the maximum date that a product supports after it has been opened . The reason for this is that molecules, after a certain time, can modify their chemical structure. The humidity of the environment or light are conditions that cause them to react chemically and turn into other different molecules.
In this way, if we use a product outside the recommended dates, it is possible that the composition has changed. If so, either we will not obtain the desired effects or undesirable and harmful effects will occur.
4. Keep the products properly
Similar to the previous point, it is essential to properly store cosmetic products - avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight - as well as keeping cosmetic containers clean and tightly closed. Otherwise, the composition of the product can be modified and produce the same effects that would occur in expired products.
5. Wash your hands before using the cosmetic product
This habit is essential to avoid both infections and unwanted reactions in the area where we use the product . The hands are full of microorganisms and dirt .
In case of not having good hygiene, we will transport all these substances to the area where we apply the product. The consequences can be a skin infection or an allergic reaction of the dermatitis type.
6. Do not share products that may be in contact with fluids
Some cosmetic products, such as eye pencils or lipsticks, are in contact with fluids from our body. By sharing them, we would be in contact with other people's fluids. Shared fluids pose a possibility for disease transmission .
7. Do not mix products or add additional substances to the initial product
Many people modify the initial composition of cosmetic products , as they think that they can obtain a more marked or more beneficial effect . This habit is wrong and can cause undesired effects on the consumer.
8. Avoid the transfer of products not intended by the manufacturer.
The packaging of cosmetic products is manufactured in a specific way to guarantee its good preservation. Transferring a product to another container will not guarantee this conservation , which may cause a modification of the content of the same.
9. Discard products that are not reusable
There are some community dispensers that are not reusable. If the manufacture of the container already specifies from the beginning that it cannot be reused, then they should be discarded once the content has been consumed .
10. Throw away those products that look bad
When we are going to use a cosmetic product that has any alteration in its color, smell or consistency, we must throw it away and not use it. It can be damaged and it can irritate the area in which we are going to apply it .
Conclusion on good practices for cosmetic products
It is essential to follow this decalogue of good practices for cosmetic products published by AEMPS. If we put it into practice we will save ourselves many discomforts and concerns related to the unwanted effects unleashed by this type of products.
Although it seems to us that cosmetics are harmless, we must understand that their composition is chemical and they apply care very similar to that used in medicines. Let us be careful when using them and, in addition to acquiring them in certified places for sale, let us preserve them correctly.
Decalogue of good practices for cosmetic products
By beauty tips
A cosmetic routine aims to keep the skin healthy and free of blemishes. What does it consist of? What care should I include? In this space we detail everything you should take into account.
Most women worry about taking care of their skin. So maintaining a cosmetic routine becomes quite a feat. To carry it out, products with special characteristics that help simplify skin care are often preferred.
However, it is important to consider other care, which also includes care of the neck area and neckline. What are the factors that cause skin aggressions? Why is it so important to follow a cosmetic routine? Below we detail it.
Factors that cause skin aggressions
Every day, the skin is exposed to a large number of factors that can cause aggression. Even over time, this influences the appearance of signs of aging. According to a publication in Dermato-Endocrinology , these factors include:
- Sunlight and blue light from electronic device screens. Both are associated with the appearance of blemishes and blemishes.
- Cigarette smoking. It can alter the tone of the skin to a grayish color.
- Sleep bad. It is related to the presence of dark circles, puffy eyes and increased paleness.
- Stress. It affects skin tone, worsens skin diseases and contributes to premature aging.
- Extreme temperatures. It produces alterations in the production of the skin's natural oils, increasing dryness.
- Contamination. It clogs the pores and produces oxidative stress, which manifests itself in wrinkles and blemishes.
You may be interested: 10 benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin
Cosmetic routine: less is more
It is good to keep in mind that in the cosmetic routine the philosophy of "less is more" is applied . The simpler the skincare, the easier it is to maintain it over time and find a suitable time of day to carry it out.
On the other hand, using many products can increase the risk of skin sensitivity or allergies . Thus, it is enough to choose the appropriate options according to the characteristics of the skin and its needs. In case of doubts, it is advisable to consult the dermatologist.
Steps to cosmetic routine
The objective of the cosmetic routine is to contribute to the beautification of the skin, while reducing the risk of premature aging. For this, three basic steps are recommended that can be applied during the day. Put them into practice!
Cleaning
The ideal is to do it in the morning and at night. You can use a cleansing lotion or micellar water specific for sensitive or oily skin . With the vehicle that best fits us (gel, water, milk, etc.). You can use, if required, a cotton ball, or simply use your fingertips, without causing too much friction on the skin.
Hydration
After cleansing, the skin must be hydrated. This step is essential, since the adequate level of water must be maintained so that the skin maintains its barrier function and elasticity. This step must conform to what the skin requires, according to its characteristics.
Products with Vitamin C or creams containing hyaluronic acid can be used as evidenced in the 2014 publication in The Journal of Clinical and aesthetic Dermatology . In addition, to be effective, it is essential to do it after proper cleaning.
Solar protection
Very important to avoid future tissue damage, annoying spots or simply skin aging. In fact, no one should leave the home without first applying a good sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30. Sun exposure is one of the factors that most deteriorates the skin. Therefore, it is essential to protect yourself from an early age.
Other recommendations for the cosmetic routine
There are other simple steps to complement the basic steps of the cosmetic routine. Regarding this, it is advisable to pay attention to the care that is carried out at night. Facial cleansing is recommended, to remove dirt from the skin and makeup residues that may remain from the day.
After cleaning, the next thing is to add a product that contains retinol or AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids), which have a slight peeling effect . It can also be a product with antioxidants (like Vitamin C, for example).
Weekly exfoliation
To avoid causing aggressions to the skin, the ideal is to carry out an exfoliation every 7 or 14 days. This treatment is intended to help shed dead cells that are not naturally removed. After finishing its application, it is good to use a mask with a nourishing or calming effect.
Also want to read: The wrinkles of the person who smokes
Annual dermatological control
Perform a control with the dermatologist to control nevi, sun spots or any other skin involvement. This can be done with an annual consultation with the professional. It goes without saying that these preventive measures are also important.
The best skincare routine is one that preserves the skin in good condition, maintains its natural hydration and protects it from external aggressions.
Cosmetic routine: everything you need to know
By beauty tips
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