Have you ever opened a cosmetics container and taken a close look at what's printed on it?
A small number and symbol printed there often tell you exactly how long that product stays safe to use.
Checking the expiration date means reading the unopened or after-opening period printed on a cosmetics container to gauge when it's still safe to use. Today we're covering this habit as Self Skin Consulting Episode 18.
🔍 What does that symbol on the container mean
You've probably seen a little open-jar icon with a number and an M next to it. That's called the PAO symbol, and it tells you how many months a product stays good for after you open it.
For example, 12M means the product is good for 12 months from the day you first opened it. This labeling usually appears on products with a shelf life over 30 months; shorter-lived products instead carry an hourglass icon with an unopened-use-by date.
Whether a product is still sealed or already opened changes the standard entirely, and once you know that difference, today's Self Skin Consulting is basically half done.
📦 One storage habit can change the timeline
Even the same product can last a shorter or longer time depending on where you keep it.
Keeping it on a windowsill or bathroom shelf Direct sunlight and humidity can shorten how long it lasts
A cool, dry drawer Less swing in temperature and humidity helps it last longer
For serums or creams you tend to dip your fingers into, keeping a small spatula nearby alone makes your storage habit noticeably safer.
🧴 Which container should you open first
If you've got a lot of containers and don't know where to start, it's easier to check the ones you use least often first.
Cleanser Used daily, so it's often finished within its expiration window
Serum & cream If the scent changed or it's separated, toss it even if time remains
Sunscreen A tube left over from last year is worth double-checking before you use it again
If you have inflammation, a wound, or a feeling of heat on your skin, it's worth checking with a professional before trying a new product.
🌎 It applies just the same in Peru and Chile
In places with different climate and humidity, like Peru or Chile, temperature differences can make a cosmetic's real shelf life shrink faster, which is also worth keeping in mind.
Checking the expiration dates and storage of what you already own, before constantly adding new products, is the better choice for both your skin and your wallet.
Today's Self Skin Consulting formula = check the container's symbol + check where you store it + check for scent or color changes
Before adding anything new, checking the expiration date first is where low-and-slow aging begins.
You don't need to overhaul everything at once. Opening just one container today to check its symbol is enough.
🚀 Next up
Next time in Self Skin Consulting, we'll cover how to choose a moisturizer. For today, just pull one container out of your drawer and check its symbol.
If you have inflammation, a wound, a feeling of heat, or a condition different from usual, don't push it, talk to a professional.