Did I just say your bathroom was dirty? Well, not exactly. I just think we need to “Clean-Up” your dirty bathroom products. You have likely heard the latest buzz about the “Cleanliness” of skincare and beauty products in your bathroom? It’s not much to do with how well they work or if they deliver the “youthful” benefits as promised. Instead, the latest articles talk about expiration dates and the harmful ingredients that could be in that lotion you use daily.
What makes your bathroom “dirty”?
My clients ask, “How can I start to reduce my (and my family’s) exposure to unneeded chemicals?” and “Where do I even start?”. Well, according to GoodhouseKeeping.com, the average American woman has over 10 skincare items in her bath and that’s not including what’s in the shower! No wonder it’s so confusing. And this count doesn’t include the 40 make-up items most of us have.
Now, about a “cleaner” bathroom. I know it’s an intimate space and No, I am not actually referring to your housekeeping habits. I am simply referring to simple steps you can take to declutter and clean-up your bathroom and move towards Clean.Simple.Living. Before we start to chat about chemicals, we should get rid of the old and excess items.
As we cover in my Lifestyle Shifts Shortcut, skin and beauty products have a recommended shelf life or expiration date. When was the last time you checked the date on your sunscreen tube?
FDA.GOV: “A product’s “shelf life” generally means the length of time you can expect a product to look and act as expected and to stay safe for use.” This length of time varies, depending on the type of product and how it is used and stored.”
Where to start:
- Take a look at ALL items that have an expiration date. Acne products and Sunscreens are considered both Cosmetics and DRUGS and do have dated containers.
- Have makeup that has been in your kit for over 6-12 mos? PITCH IT! Bacteria builds up on those items and that’s not healthy for you. (Mascara has a 3 mos =/- life.)
- Clear off your counters (yep, clean them). Limit what goes back on counters because this will simplify how your bathroom feels to you.
- Pack up the items you have put away under the sink…you are likely not using them much. Try it for two weeks, if you don’t miss them, pitch the open items, and donate the unopened packages.
- Old Bar Soap? Pitch that too.
Just by taking these simple steps, you eliminate some of the worst products as those are ones with possible bacteria growing in them.
In Lifestyle Shifts Shortcut, we take the steps you need to move forward in your health journey. Jump in and let’s work on Clean.Simple.Living.
with strength, focus and simplicity,
