When dealing with eczema, you probably have a cupboard or drawer filled with eczema creams.
Whether it’s medicated creams or natural creams, regular over the counter lotions, balms and everything else, you might be wondering…
Does eczema cream expire?
That is a valid question, because eczema creams can be expensive.
Managing eczema can be expensive.
So we want to make sure we aren’t wasting our time, energy and resources.
The answer is…yes!
Why Does Eczema Cream Expire?
Like many other products, eczema creams have an expiration date.
The expiration date is the date after which the cream is no longer guaranteed to be safe or effective.
Eczema creams can expire for a variety of reasons.
Over time, the active ingredients in the cream can break down, making the cream less effective.
Additionally, the preservatives in the cream can lose their potency, allowing bacteria and other microorganisms to grow in the cream.
This can make the cream unsafe to use and can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.
To summarize:
- Yes, eczema creams can expire
- Active ingredients can break down overtime
- Active ingredients can become less potent overtime
- Preservatives can lose their potency allowing bacteria to grow increasing your chance of a skin infection
So if you have had your doubts on whether or not does eczema cream expire, I hope I’ve cleared your doubts!
Why is it Important to Pay Attention to Expiration Dates?
It is important to pay attention to expiration dates for several reasons.
First, using an expired eczema cream may not effectively treat your symptoms.
As mentioned earlier, the active ingredients in the cream can break down over time, making the cream less effective.
If you are using an expired eczema cream, you may not be getting the relief you actually need.
Second, using an expired eczema cream can be unsafe.
As mentioned earlier, the preservatives in the cream can lose their potency over time, allowing bacteria and other microorganisms to grow in the cream.
This can make the cream unsafe to use and can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.
The last thing we want is a bacterial skin infection causing as to take antibiotics and an even stronger cream.
Ask yourself, why did you let the cream expire?
Maybe you only needed it for a short period of time and couldn’t finish it in time.
Or it didn’t work and you moved on to another cream.
Either way, don’t risk it.
What to Do if You Have an Expired Eczema Cream?
Toss it my friend but it is important to dispose of it properly.
Do not use the cream, even if it looks and smells okay.
Instead, check the packaging for disposal instructions.
Some creams can be thrown away in the trash, while others may require special disposal procedures.
If you are unsure how to dispose of your expired eczema cream, contact your local waste management facility for guidance.
When Creams Aren’t Working Anymore
This can be very frustrating. I’ve been there before.
Creams only help on the surface level and keep eczema at bay.
But this is an opportunity for you too look deeper.
Why is your skin flaring up?
Is there something in your diet triggering it?
Is there a stressful situation you are dealing with?
Did you recently change your skin care products?
Sometimes it can be one or all of them.
To help you get started, take a look at these articles below:
If you are still stuck and feel overwhelmed, you might be an excellent fit for my XZMA Healing Program.