May 16, 2007 - Spring Clean Your Cosmetics to Avoid Infection

Dr. Nicolette Picerno cautions beauty mavens when to toss that gloss

By Betsy Martin
Decibel Communications

Most women don’t expect to find a health risk gracing the inside of their makeup bag. But in the case of products that have exceeded their shelf life or have been improperly stored and exposed to infection, there is significant risk, according to Dr. Nicolette Picerno (www.nicolettepicernomd.com), Denver’s only double-board certified female facial plastic surgeon.

Dr. Picerno is a practicing partner at Faces First Center for Cosmetic Surgery with offices in Denver at the Centura-Porter Adventist Campus and in Lone Tree, Colorado. As one of only three female facial cosmetic surgeons in Colorado to be double-board certified, she performs surgical procedures and non-invasive cosmetic treatments from the neck up. She is certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

That risk is one reason Dr. Picerno recommends a periodic purge of make-up product. Additionally, she insists on proprietary use of any product including sponges and brushes. “Sponges and brushes can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, so they should be washed on a weekly basis and sponges should be replaced every month,” Dr. Picerno advises. She warns against sharing products like mascara that can transmitted eye infections from one user to the other. When having a professional make-up application, it’s safest to bring your own make-up brushes and sponges with you rather than to use the brushes and sponges a make-up professional might use on multiple clients, she adds.

Use these tips from Dr. Picerno to review the contents of your make-up inventory:

Foundation
Shelf Life: Oil-Free Foundation (12 months); Others (18 months)
“It’s a good idea to use foundation quickly. Oil-free ones have the shortest shelf life because they tend to dry out quicker than other types.”

Powder
Shelf Life: Two years
“Although powder will actually last longer, two years is the longest you should really keep it. After that, it can start to get a bit dry and, in the case of pressed powder, it may not go on as smoothly. This is unavoidable, as powder mixes with natural skin oils left on the sponge.”

Concealer
Shelf Life: 12 to 18 months
“Stick concealer lasts the longest of any type. Liquid based concealers may start to separate or go lumpy when they're going bad.

Blusher
Shelf Life: Powder Blush (two years); Cream Blush (12-18 months)
“After two years, powder blushers may start to get a bit dry or develop a 'slippery' texture, caused by mixing with natural oils from skin. Cream blushes have a shorter shelf life because they contain more emulsions, which are less stable and break down over time.”

Mascara
Shelf Life: Three to four months
“Change mascara every three to four months, because repeated use and exposure to germs can put you at risk for eye infections, such as a sty.”

Lipstick
Shelf Life: One year
“Lipstick and lip gloss should both be thrown out after a year. To make them last longer, store in the refrigerator.”

Fragrance
Shelf Life: 18 months to two years
“Fragrances carry little risk of becoming contaminated because they usually contain alcohol, which is a natural preservative.”

Contact Dr. Picerno at 303-744-2300 or visit her website at www.nicolettepicernomd.com.