The expiry date of skincare products is important, and so is the place where they are stored. It's a well established fact that skincare products need to be stored in a place which is cool and dry. Cool cucumber slices or aloe vera gel can help to soothe eye puffiness when applied directly. Clearly, applying refrigerated natural ingredients can instantly make us feel better. Does that mean even store-bought skincare products should be put in the refrigerator? It may be a good idea to store some of the skincare products like eye creams and serums in the fridge.

What are the benefits of storing skincare products in refrigerator?

Storing skincare products in the fridge may offer some benefits:

1. Prolongs shelf life

Cold temperatures can help slow down the degradation of active ingredients in skincare products. "This is specifically true in the case of natural and organic products that lack preservatives," says dermatologist Dr Vijay Singhal.

Storing skincare products may help to prolong shelf life. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

2. Enhances efficacy

Using products like eye creams and under-eye masks for eye care? They can be more effective at reducing puffiness, soothing irritation, and calming redness when applied cold.

3. Soothing effect

Using ice topically may reduce inflammation and pain, as per a research published in Frontiers in Physiology in 2017. "Skincare products that are stored in cool places like the fridge can also provide relief to irritated, red or inflamed skin," says Dr Singhal.

Skincare products suitable for refrigeration

Certain skincare products can benefit from being stored in the fridge. These include:

1. Eye creams

Cooling eye creams can help to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes. "Storing them in refrigerator can enhance this effect, and make them more effective at reducing eye puffiness and calming the skin around the eyes," says the expert.

2. Face masks

Gel-based or sheet masks, especially those made for hydrating and calming the skin, perform better when cold. The cool temperature helps to reduce inflammation and refreshes the skin.

3. Serums

"Serums for face, especially the ones with Vitamin C, should be kept in refrigerator because they are prone to oxidation," says the expert. Refrigerating vitamin C can help preserve its efficacy, as per a research published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis in 2021.

4. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel can be used to treat sunburn, wounds, and other skin conditions like acne, according to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Keeping it in the fridge can enhance its cooling, soothing properties.

5. Facial mists

A refreshing facial mist can be even more revitalising if it is kept in a cold place. "The chilled mist can help to invigorate the skin and calm redness," says Dr Singhal.

Use these products as soon as they feel comfortable on the skin. It may typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Skincare products that should not be refrigerated

Some skincare products do not benefit from being stored in the fridge and could even be damaged by the cold. These include:

1. Oil-based products

Oils can become cloudy or solidify when they are refrigerated. This does not necessarily ruin the skincare product, but it can alter its texture, making it harder to apply.

2. Lotions

The cold temperature can cause the ingredients of lotions to separate. This can compromise the texture as well as effectiveness of the skincare product. So, store them at room temperature only.

3. Clay-based products

Clay masks and other clay-based skincare products may dry out faster if stored in the fridge. This can lead to a change in consistency that can make them difficult to apply.

4. Sunscreen

Storing sunscreen in the refrigerator can cause it to become too thick and the formula may break down. So, it can be difficult to spread it out evenly on the skin, and can compromise the product's ability to protect against ultraviolet rays.

Don't store sunscreen in fridge. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

5. Fragrance products

Perfumes, essential oils, and other fragrance-heavy products can lose their scent when exposed to low temperatures. The cold can alter the delicate balance of the aromatic compounds.

What is the optimal fridge temperature for skincare products?

The ideal temperature for storing skincare products in the fridge is around 40 degree Fahrenheit to 50 degree Fahrenheit. "It is cool enough to extend the products' shelf life and enhance their cooling effects without being so cold that it ends up damages the product's consistency," says Dr Singhal.

While a special skincare fridge is not strictly necessary, it can be beneficial. A dedicated skincare fridge is usually smaller and designed to maintain a consistent temperature. Using a kitchen fridge is perfectly fine, but it is important to store the products in a designated area where they won’t be exposed to food particles or fluctuating temperatures from frequent opening and closing of the door of the refrigerator.

How to safely store skincare products?

To ensure your skincare products remain effective and safe, do the following -

• Air and moisture can degrade many skincare products, so make sure the lids are always sealed tightly after use.
• Humidity can cause mold growth and product degradation. If you are not using the fridge, keep products in a dry, cool area that means away from direct sunlight.
• Use clean hands or tools while applying products to avoid introducing bacteria into the containers.
• Even when refrigerated, skincare products have a shelf life. Always check the expiry date and look out for changes in colour, smell, or consistency, which can indicate they are spoiled.
• If you are using a kitchen fridge, store skincare products in a separate section to avoid contamination and exposure to strong food odours, which can alter the scent of your products.

Storing skincare products in a refrigerator may be beneficial for your skin and the items. Storing them in the fridge may maximise the shelf life and effectiveness of your skincare products. But buying a skincare fridge is not a necessity. You just need to keep them in a room away from direct sunlight and moisture.

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