How Long Should my Products Last?

A question we often get asked is how long skincare products should last, especially when purchasing a product some people feel is more expensive than over-the-counter skincare.

There are so many variables in determining the answer to this question. Generally, powerful medical-grade skin products, with pedigree science behind them (peer-reviewed clinical trials) do cost a bit more, but they can last anywhere between 2-5 months (sometimes more) depending on the frequency and volume of use. How you apply and store your products can also affect their lifespan.

Getting the most out of your skin investment

• It’s a myth that you will see better results if you use your products more frequently than instructed
• For the best results stick to the instructions. Products have been tried and tested in a laboratory and if you use them more frequently you will end up having to purchase them more frequently
• Cleansed and toned skins are more receptive to the absorption of creams and serums, so always apply them to freshly cleansed skin that has been patted dry
• A serum goes a long way in helping to reduce the amount of moisturiser required: the skin has already absorbed one layer of product and received some hydration
• High-end moisturisers and serums are generally highly concentrated formulations – you often do not need to use much product to get the best results as they are little powerhouses of active ingredients
• In some cases, it is advisable to tilt your head back and apply serums with a dropper directly onto the skin on your face and neck so that there is no product loss due to absorption into the hand
• Use your ring finger when applying eye serums and creams as very little product is required in this area
• Dot cream or serum onto separate parts of the face: forehead, two cheeks and nose and lastly the chin area. Gently massage into the skin. It is better to work in a systematic way rather than to pump out too much product and apply to the face as a whole
• Introduce products slowly until your skin is more tolerant – this is especially important when you are using active ingredient products for the first time. In our eagerness and excitement to see results, we often apply too much product and end up using it up long before it is due to be replaced
• Store moisturisers and other products upside down on their lids if you can do so as gravity will see to it that you can squeeze out the product until the last drop. In an airtight container, air bubbles sometimes occur and then the product either comes out slowly or not at all. Turn the container upside down with the cap on and gently tap the container several times in the palm of your hand to release the air bubble

Protecting your skincare products

• Keep out of the sun in a cool, dry area where the quality of the product is not compromised. Do not refrigerate your products unless otherwise specified
• Check the expiry dates when purchasing any products and check that they are sealed when you receive them
• The product containers should be packaged correctly to protect the contents from air and light which can affect the efficacy of the product. You will often see serums in brown, blue or green glass containers or other opaque containers
• Always apply products with clean hands and make sure you replace the lid or cap tightly
• If your moisturiser is packaged in a pot or jar, always remove a small amount of cream with a cosmetic spatula that can be cleaned afterwards. Never dip your finger into the cream as this can introduce bacteria to the product, limiting its shelf life
• Never mix water into your products to make it go further as this can contaminate the product