You might have seen all over Instagram that refrigerating skincare is having its moment. They even started selling fridges that are made especially for your skincare. They called it the Vogue Fridge.
Questions about whether should we refrigerate our skincare have been raised. Therefore, here is what we think about whether you should store your skincare in the fridge or otherwise. Turns out, it all depends on the ingredients.
Skincare Products You Can Store in Fridge
You might need to know this. Before any product is released to the public, companies are required to conduct tests such as exposing the formula to harsh UV light, varying humidity, and temperature levels and even leaving the product open to see how it reacts. These assessments verify that the formula is safe and stable in all kinds of conditions. The majority of skincare products are created to be stored at room temperature, which is how most customers store their items, without any issues. There are, however, some formulas that enjoy a chillier environment:
- Vitamin C: Since it is an active ingredient, it might be best to leave it in the fridge. It’s extra important to avoid exposure to UV light when storing it!
- Individually Packaged Ampoules: An ampoule is just a fancy word for a concentrated treatment with a high level of active ingredients. They are typically in small packages and sealed off to cut air-exposure to harness the full benefits of the active ingredient used. Some brands do recommend keeping it in the fridge, but we always recommend asking!
- Water-Based Products: Keeping items like hydrating toners, essences, aloe gel, and sheet masks in the fridge can provide a refreshing and cooling effect. We can’t tell you that it’ll make them last longer, but it’ll sure feel great!
- Items Containing Natural Extracts: Just like you would keep certain fruits in the fridge; some products that have natural extracts should be stored in lower temperatures. Brands will usually state this on their packaging.
Skincare Products You Shouldn`t Store in Fridge
- Sunscreen and Silicone-Based Products: These are found to be more stable at room temperature. If it gets too cold, these formulas can harden up in the fridge and might even separate in the bottle.
- Creams with High Oil or Wax Content: In a chillier environment, depending on the kind of oils, waxes, and formulating technology used, the products can solidify.
- Formulas with an Unusual Consistency: Products that have a jam, jelly, memory foam, or whipped cream-like consistency, also, have a higher chance of being affected by the change in temperature.
The rule of thumb is that storing your skincare products in the refrigerator can 'somewhat' extend the shelf life and stabilize some actives, but most formulas are created to be specifically stored at room temperature. All in all, we don't believe there’s a need to obsess too much about applying another rule to the already complicated realms of skincare.
Classic Ice Cubes Hacks: Ice your Face, Thanks Us Later..
1. Cucumber + Honey Cube Cleanser
For a glowing skin cleanser, try a frozen facial scrub. Cucumbers are naturally cooling and soothing to skin irritations while they are gently clean and moisturize the skin. Start by pureeing a cucumber, then add a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of honey, pour into an ice tray and freeze. Before using, let the cube sit for 30 seconds or so to soften slightly. Gently rub the cube over your face and neck, using the icy slush to exfoliate. You can let the juice sit on your face for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
2. Green Tea Puffy Eye Cubes
Green tea has become a facial favorite. With plenty of antioxidants and a dose of caffeine, it’s a perfect eye soother. This is one of the reasons why we always heard of using tea bags on your eyes. Brew a cup of strong green tea and pour it into an ice cube tray. Apply a cube to dark circles and puffy eyes, and the caffeine and ice combo will reduce swelling and excess fluid around the eyes.
3. Ice Cube Rosewater Facial
Rosewater is the perfect cure for refreshing dry skin. Aside from its natural toning, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory properties, rosewater feels refreshing and downright glamorous. If you already have a bottle of rosewater in your makeup cabinet, you can simply pour it into an ice tray to freeze into cubes. Then apply to your face and under-eye area to reduce puffiness. If you don’t have any on hand, making your rosewater at home is also a really simple and cost-effective option.
4. Aloe Sun-Soother Cubes
Who doesn`t love aloe vera around here? For a simple sunburn soother, pour pure aloe vera into an ice cube tray and freeze. Apply to burned skin for instant relief. Even if you’re not getting much sun, these aloe cubes still come in handy to soothe irritated areas and moisturize dehydrated skin.
5. Lavender Ice Face Massage
One thing with ice cubes, you can massage your face instead of just putting the ice cubes on your skin. The facial massage definitely something that all of us should do more often.
For an easy massage, wrap a handful of ice cubes in a bath rag, add a few drops of a soothing essential oil like lavender, and gently massage your face and neck before bed. The massage and ice will improve circulation, and the lavender will help you get a good night’s sleep.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to check out what we do daily! Skynfyx is run by a group of skin doctors and skincare experts who want everybody to achieve flawless skin at the cheapest possible cost. Skynfyx also can customize a skincare range just for your skin condition.
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