We’re not sure what it is, but there’s something about summer that brings a sense of renewal and energy! As we ease into our summer routines, it’s the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine, too.
While cleaning out your skincare cabinet or drawer likely isn’t high on your priority list, it’s a task that will help you purge old products and make way for more effective products that leave your skin glowing.
Light a candle, put on your favourite tunes, set aside an hour or two, and start organizing!
How to clean out your skincare products
1. Gather all of your products.
Place the products so you can see everything and take stock of what you currently own. You may be surprised by how many products you have! A product here and a product there can really add up over the years. Check your cabinets, drawers, purses—anywhere you may have stashed one.
Organize them into categories like cleansers, toners, moisturizers, specialty products (like masks or eye creams) and sunscreens.
2. Check the expiration date on each product.
Over time, products can expire, become ineffective or even cause irritation if they’re past their prime. While the shelf life will vary, there are general rules of thumb for tossing old products to avoid bacteria and ineffectiveness. For example, cleansers and moisturizers are generally good for six months to a year after they’ve been opened.
Just because something hasn’t reached its expiration date doesn’t mean it hasn’t gone bad! Check for changes in colour, texture or smell. Toss broken or empty containers, too.
3. Ask yourself whether you truly need it.
A cabinet clean-out is an opportunity to evaluate whether you’ve been using the products you own (hello, impulse buys). Plus, you can look for duplicates and identify any gaps in your routine. Streamline your collection to what you truly need and use. If a product is new or in otherwise good condition, consider gifting it to a friend so it doesn’t go to waste.
4. Clean and organize.
Before putting your products back into your cabinet or drawer, give them a little wipe to remove grime and residue. Wash makeup brushes or other tools. Wipe down the cabinet or drawer, including the handles.
Place the products back in a way that makes them easy to access. Arrange them by category or the order in which you use them. Consider using organizers, trays or baskets to keep everything in place and prevent products from getting knocked over or forgotten.
5. Plan to do it all again!
Make it a point to go through your products every few months so you always have the best tools in your skincare arsenal.
Cleaning out your skincare cabinet may seem like a small task, but it’s an important step in making sure your products stay effective and maintaining a healthy routine. So, roll up your sleeves and get decluttering. Your skin will thank you!
Looking for product recommendations? Talk to our talented team of skincare experts at our Burlington, Waterloo, Vaughan and Newmarket day spas.
