Keeping Your Skincare Healthy

There are so many cosmetic and skincare products available for purchase these days that it may seem virtually impossible to know what is safe and what isn't.

While any educated consumer knows that it is important to read labels, did you know that there are other things that you should be aware of when it comes to your skincare? From hair dyes to anti-aging cream, read on for three ways to keep your beauty regime safe and healthy!

Watch For Expiration Dates

Remember that there is a huge difference between long lasting makeup and makeup that can last forever. No matter what formula cosmetics use to make them long lasting throughout the day, all skincare related items have an expiration date. Not all good things come to those who wait, as your makeup can be the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria as it ages.

Eye makeup such as liner, mascara, and eye shadow tend to have a shorter lifespan than other products. It is especially important to replace your eye products after three months, due to the risk of eye infection after that time. If your mascara ever becomes dry or flaky, then that is its way of telling you that it's time to be thrown away. Some think that adding water to dried out eye products is a good idea, however this will in actuality encourage the growth of bacteria.

Skincare items that are deemed "all natural" are something that you should be watchful of as well. Since they are derived from plant extracts, they are at a higher risk for these harmful bacteria. Often lacking the preservatives found in mainstream skincare products, natural and organic cosmetics are at a much higher risk for expiration and causing irritation.

Know The Truth About Hair Dyes

Changing your hair color can be fun, however many people do not realize that hair dyes have been linked with certain types of cancer. While this proof is still fallible and up for debate, the truth of the matter is that many hair colorants do not go through the rigorous tests and FDA approvals that many skincare products do.

When hair dyes first hit the beauty scene, they were made out of an ingredient called coal-tar that caused severe allergic reactions in some users. Nowadays, hair color is made from petroleum-based sources, but the FDA still considers these to be a genre of coal-tar.

While this may seem like a scary consequence for highlights, it is important to be educated on the fact that hair dye is not regulated like your face makeup and skincare products are. In fact, some experts have deemed many of the chemicals that have replaced the old ingredients to be just as risky.

You can reduce your risk of cancer by making sure to color your hair as infrequently as possible, and by ensuring that you do not leave the product on your scalp any longer than what is absolutely necessary. Be sure to rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, and do your best to avoid contact with any other parts of your skin.

Use Skincare Common Sense

There are a lot of little things that you can do as part of your daily routine that will keep your skin care regime safe and effective. One of the most important things that you can do to stay beautiful and safe at the same time is to never apply your makeup while driving. You are endangering both yourself and fellow passengers and drivers when you have your eyes on the visor's vanity mirror, or even worse, your rearview mirror. Also, hitting an unexpected speed bump or uneven surface can put you at risk for serious eye injuries.

Another thing that you can do to keep your skin care safe is to make a commitment to never share makeup. Makeup counters with all of their sample products can be inviting, but always insist on having a clean applicator to use when testing. Sharing makeup with friends or relatives can also be risky, even if you think you know the person well. Everything from colds to skin infections can be transmitted through shared cosmetics, so play it safe and keep your own personal stash on hand.

Lastly, never alter makeup or hair dye. Adding water to cosmetics, or mixing over the counter hair colorants can lead to disastrous effects ranging from skin irritation to inhaling poisonous fumes. Stick to the instructions provided and don't turn your bathroom counter into a chemistry lab!

Skincare is a great way to boost our confidence through looking our best. So be smart, safe, and keep it that way through using education and common sense to get you through the years.

Source: www.skincare-news.com