The small rituals of using and caring for skincare

How you handle a product is part of your routine. A few small habits can make the experience more organized, from the first opening to the last use.

Let the label lead

Before using an NSA serum, lotion or cream, read the directions and warnings on that exact package. Check where it should be applied, whether it should be rinsed off, and how often it is intended to be used. If those details are unclear, ask before applying it. A photograph or a product name cannot replace the instructions supplied with the formula.

Keep the routine clean

The US Food and Drug Administration advises washing your hands before using cosmetics, keeping containers clean and closing them tightly after use. Avoid sharing makeup. Keep your application tools clean, too, and put everything away after your routine.

Choose a considered place to store it

Protect cosmetics from temperature extremes. Heat, moisture, light and air can affect a product over time. Follow its storage and expiry guidance rather than assigning the same shelf life to every jar. Noting the opening date can help you keep track.

If a cosmetic changes colour or smell, stop using it and discard it. If you experience an unexpected reaction, stop use and contact a healthcare professional. For questions about a specific item, ask your retailer with the product details.

General product-care education. Sources: FDA: Using cosmetics safely and FDA: Cosmetic shelf life. Checked October 28, 2026.