Check your skincare stash to see what needs to be replaced and what doesn't

A half-empty cream, a serum you no longer know the opening date of, and last season's sunscreen. Your bathroom cabinet often contains more than you use daily.

Before buying new skincare, it pays to calmly check your stock. Look at the shelf life, storage, and changes in the product, so you can determine what to replace and what to use up first.

Not everything in an old package is unusable

First check the expiration date and the PAO indication: the opened jar with a period of use after opening. Also look at the scent, color, and texture. A product that is still sealed and stored correctly may have a different period than an opened product. Follow the instructions on the packaging and from the brand.

These products deserve extra attention

For SPF, check the shelf life, opening date, and storage instructions. Do not use sunscreen that smells strange or has started to separate. A normal scent and texture do not prove that the protection is still reliable; if in doubt, ask the brand for advice or replace the product.

Products in jars are more often in contact with fingers. Active serums can discolor; follow the brand's instructions to assess what is an expected change and when you should no longer use the product.

Replace or use up

Replace products that are past their date, have changed scent, or cause irritation. It is better to consistently use up a good product than to open multiple almost identical variants at the same time.

Make room for a conscious purchase

After the check, one clear need may remain. That is your starting point for Black Friday, not the amount of the discount.

Suitable products and categories

View Best sellers. Choose based on skin needs and existing routine; do not introduce multiple new products at the same time.

View Complete skincare routines. Choose based on skin needs and existing routine; do not introduce multiple new products at the same time.

Personal advice

Unsure what suits your skin? Send a message via the chat on sQincare.shop about which products you use and what your skin does. Yvonne or one of her qualified staff members will personally think along with you.

About the author

This article was written in collaboration with Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician and owner of Salon Rustique and sQincare.shop. In case of pain, swelling, eczema, or persistent skin complaints, we recommend an assessment by a doctor.