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How Long do Skincare Products REALLY Last?
Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery

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Vogue magazine logo Cosmopolitan Magazine logo NewBeauty logo SHAPE logo Martha Stewart Living logo The New York Times logo VICE logo Vogue magazine logo Cosmopolitan Magazine logo NewBeauty logo SHAPE logo Martha Stewart Living logo The New York Times logo VICE logo SHAPE logo Vogue magazine logo Cosmopolitan Magazine logo SHAPE logo NewBeauty logo Martha Stewart Living logo The New York Times logo VICE logo Vogue magazine logo Cosmopolitan Magazine logo NewBeauty logo Martha Stewart Living logo The New York Times logo VICE logo SHAPE logo
Scin care bottle in someone's hands

I have been asked this question about skincare products a zillion times in my career and the answer is always the same it all depends on the particular item! I know, I know, that is a very evasive answer so I will clarify. The answer is obvious on any product with an expiration date, of course. Anything that is a Pharmaceutical Prescription such as Obagi Tretinon or Hydroquinone in products such as Clear/Blender and C+Hydroquinone in the wildly popular (and my own personal favorite) C-RX System have clear dates on the package. If you are using these products properly, they will run out ages prior to the expiration date.
Topical Vitimain C, L-Ascorbic Acid is the skincare product most patients question as it has a tendency to oxidize, just as an apple will oxidize once it is cut. The normally honey colored serum turns more amber as it is exposed to air and light, although it is still efficacious. This has been proven and studied for years by Dr. Sheldon Pinell, Head of Dermatology at Duke University and the founder of SkinCeuticals L-Ascorbic Acid. So, with a pedigree that fabulous, I tend to listen!

In general, most skincare products will last about 2 years if unopened and if stored in a cool, dry place, not your powder room. Store products in a dresser draw if possible to avoid any change in tempeture and unnecessary exposure to light. Once opened, most products are still viable for about 12-18 months due to exposure to air and light which contributes to the oxiditition process where the ingredients slowly begin to destabilize and become less efficacious. On most skincare packages, you will find an icon that resembles an opened jar with a number followed by the letter (M). This is how many months it stays effective after it has been opened. Also, when you see an adorable white bunny with pink ears, this indicates that a product is cruelty free.

Beauty Wishes to All, Penny!

Vero Beach Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alan Durkin

Dr. Alan Durkin

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At Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery in Vero Beach, Dr. Alan Durkin and their team of providers deliver incredible results tailored to your needs in a relaxing and uplifting atmosphere. Learn more about the Ocean Drive difference by scheduling your one-on-one diagnostic consultation with Dr. Durkin or Dr. Chim today.