Constant direct sunlight is detrimental to the efficacy of your lotions and potions! Excessive UV exposure breaks down the molecules of the ingredients, decreasing their potency and shelf life and increasing oxidation and rancidity.

1

August, 2018

Active ingredients suffer in long-term direct sunlight too, particularly vitamin C and retinol, which completely break down and become ineffective. The heat can also destabilize the emulsion causing it to separate.

Just like you wouldn’t store your food in a sunny, warm or moist environment, neither should you store your potions. Whether you use conventional or plant based skincare it should always be stored in a cool dark place. Particular attention should be made with organic skincare because the preservative system is milder, and therefore extra care needs to be taken into account when handling these products.

One of the worst places to store your lotions is ‘The Bathroom’ and that goes for your toothbrush too! This is because the air is warm and moist – a perfect breeding ground for germs, and yes… even if you keep the toilet lid closed when flushing the loo (which distributes millions of microorganisms into the air. The bathroom is definitely not the place to store your lunch and therefore neither your skincare products.

The ideal place to store your products is in the fridge – not ideal when you have to keep going up and down the stairs – unless you’re also looking for a workout. Oils, lotions and serums are wonderful used straight from the fridge, but do not store them in the door compartment as the constant opening/closing of the door can also destabilize the product – particularly GLA rich oils, making them go rancid quicker. Find an area on a shelf in your fridge or store them in a bedroom cabinet away from heat and direct light and always use your product within the use-by date.

Products that you wash off; shampoos, shower gels and body scrubs can remain in the bathroom but make sure to keep lids on and water and fingers out!