Here's a question for you: Have you cleaned your bathroom lately? I know that might sound strange, but a lot of people don't seem to realize that the products you have sitting in your shower, medicine cabinet, and bathroom shelves don't last forever. In fact, most of them come with an expiration date that if you don't pay attention to, could cost you an eye. Okay, maybe I'm being a little dramatic. But you can totally get an infection, pinkeye or worse!
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Truth is any kind of hygiene products, like body washes, tooth paste and even deodorant, will eventually go bad. Same goes for your makeup and other cosmetics. So how do you know when it's finally time to toss these things out? Well I did a ton of internet browsing and looked up some guidelines on the lifespan of most bathroom products. Check it out and get ready to throw some stuff out!
Shampoo and conditioner: If you've had the same shampoo and conditioner sitting in your shower rack for months, chances are you have nothing to worry about. According to Real Simple magazine, Shampoo and conditioners can last up to a good three years. But who keeps shampoo and conditioner for that long?
Hairstyling products: They can normally last you three to five years, BUT that's if they're alcohol-based which I wouldn't recommend to being with. Haven't used it in over a year? I'd play it safe and toss it!
Body washes: Depending on how natural or what kind of ingredients they have in them, shower gels and body washes can last you anywhere from six months to two years. It really depends though.
Loofah sponges: Loofahs can very easily pick up bacteria since they're constantly in a damp state. Most derms recommend switching them every three to four weeks.
Razor: If you've been using the same razor for more than five weeks, I'd suggest you get rid of it. Not only are your more prone to ingrown hairs but dirty, old razors can definitely lead to bacterial infections.
Tooth brush: My dentist dad recommends replacing your tooth brush every two to three months. But if you just suffered from a cold, flu or strep throat, replace right away!
Deodorant: Apparently deodorants can last you a VERY longtime–I'm talking over two years in some cases. Cool thing is even if it's passed it's expiration date it most likely won't harm you. It just might not work. "Using deodorant or antiperspirant past the expiration date, you're not really running the risk of harming yourself or your skin," Susan Raffy Consulting, a cosmetic chemist and owner of cosmetic consulting firm Susan Raffy Consulting told Outsideonline.com.
Perfume: Perfume is another one that can last you up to two years. It might lose its smell but according to Dr. Jessica Krant, M.D., founder of Art of Dermatology in New York, it won't get you sick!
Tooth paste: Most toothpastes lasts up to two years, but if you use it past the expiration dates you don't really have to worry. According to the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), expired toothpaste doesn't pose any health threats. "While using expired products isn't dangerous, the consistency or quality of the product may deteriorate. For example, the blinding agents in toothpaste may become cakey with age, or the toothpaste may not foam as well in the mouth," Charles Silvius DDS, president of the MDS told Dentistandoverma.com.
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