'I'm a skincare expert – always check for hidden symbol before applying product'

Kirsty Card
·2-min read

Expiry dates on skincare products are more important than you may think.

They indicate the timeframe in which the product is expected to remain safe to use and at its most effective. After the expiry date, active ingredients may no longer perform as intended. And in some cases, it could have completely disastrous effects.

Celebrity skin expert Scott McGlynn – AKA @scottmcglynnofficial on social media – has recently had to issue a warning to his 245,000 fans over the use-by dates on skincare products. He was prompted to issue advice after seeing a woman fall victim to an expired product.

An Instagram video, which has gained more than 9,000 views, shows Scott reacting to a video of a woman who had used expired spot treatment on her face. But it gave her a burning sensation and she rushed to wash it off.

Scott McGlynn
Scott McGlynn has urged people to check the shelf-life of their skincare products -Credit:Instagram/scottmcglynnofficial

However, the damage had already been done. She had to go to hospital as her face was swollen for days, covered in spots and scabs.

In his response, Scott said: "Guys, pay attention on your expiry dates on your products This one's got 12 months. One opened, expires.

"These are there for a reason. And I just want to say this girl has fully recovered and she's sharing her story online. But yes, pay attention to that."

woman after using expired spot treatment
The woman was left with a swollen face covered in scabs after using expired spot treatment -Credit:Instagram/scottmcglynnofficial

If you are unsure how long a product lasts after it's been opened, there's a handy hack you should try. He explained in the caption: "Look at the back of your product and you see a number and M… example 6M / 12M."

Skincare products typically have two types of expiration indicators - the shelf life and the PAO. The shelf life tells you how long the product will last unopened, in its original condition.

The PAO is usually represented by an open jar symbol with a number followed by an "M," indicating the number of months you can use the product after opening it (for instance, "12M" means 12 months).

Many skincare products contain preservatives to inhibit microbial growth and extend the product's life. Once the preservatives lose their effectiveness, the risk of contamination increases.

The longevity of skincare products also depends on how they are stored. Heat, light, and air can all shorten a product's lifespan. It's best to store skincare products in a cool, dark place and to ensure they are sealed tightly after use.

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