What are Signs of Nail Polish Expiration & Expert Tips
Nail polish is something that we all love. It transforms the empty canvas of our boring nails into artistic yet attractive designs. So, for any nail geek, it is something important. With a limited shelf life, there’s the time when it’s finally expired, and using the expired item can have adverse effects as well.
So, how can we know if the polish is expired? Or how can we extend the shelf life of them? Answers to such other questions are answered in this blog.
So, nail enthusiasts stay tuned, and know what’s worth it!
The Shelf Life of Nail Polish
As a mix of solvents, resins, pigments, and ingredients the close bonds of molecules resultantly create a smooth textured, glowy finish polish.
With time, the bonds of the molecules break down and affect the quality of the polish, leading to the expiration.
Although the polishes don’t have exact expiration dates, they generally have a shelf life of two to three years, during which time they can be safely used.
Signs of Expired Nail Polish:
The thickened gloopy texture of Polish:
One sign that shows up and you know that now your polish is expired is when the solvents in it evaporate resulting in a thickened and uneven texture of oil. It becomes difficult to apply smoothly and it becomes impossible to achieve a flawless manicure then.
Separation and layering:
When you witness the solvents rising to the top and pigments lying at the bottom of the polish, this clear layering shows the breaking down of the formula. This is a significant expiration sign of polish and if you see this polish should be discarded immediately.
Maybe giving a good mix to it temporarily solves the layering issue but the condition persists and it becomes like that again.
Changes in color and consistency:
Another sign of nail polish expiration is when your polish changes the color of the originally bought product and does not more a smoother consistency.
Pigment may have faded down or maybe is completely changed into a completely different hue and the texture is clumpier now. If it happens to you, know, that your polish is past its prime time.
Unpleasant odor:
An unpleasant pungent order can be another sign of the expiration of your polish. When the solvents of the polish evaporate your polish starts producing strong bad odors. Dispose of it immediately as it is none of your use now.
Proper Storage to Extend the Lifespan
To maximize the shelf life of your nail polishes and delay their expiration, follow these storage tips:
The place where you store it matters:
Direct exposure to sunlight or other heat sources can speed up the expiration process. If this does not occur, the pigments may fade early. If you don’t want the signs of early expiration you should keep the product in a cool, dry place.
Keep the caps tightly sealed:
The cap of your polish bottle has double duties, first place it stops air from entering the bottle resulting in drying the formula of it, second place it works as a barrier to stop solvents from evaporating from the bottle. So, buddies, keep the cap rightly sealed and you will save your polish from signs of early expiration.
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations:
A cool place does not mean the bathroom and dry place are not near windows, instead keep the polish in a place where there are no temperature fluctuations aas thn they will not expire immediately.
Clean the bottlenecks:
As time passes, with frequent usage the solution can accumulate at the bottleneck, this condition makes it difficult to tightly close the cap and then the immediate expiration signs occur.
Risks of Using Expired Nail Polish:
- Using expired or degraded nail polish can have several potential risks and drawbacks.
- Your polish will not be applied as smoothly as before no matter how much effort you put in.
- Your polish will take too much time to dry out, much more than a manicure needs to set.
- The expired polish weakens and damages your nails.
FAQ’s
How do I know that my nail polish has expired?
If you witness, thickened clumpier polish or a bad odor know that your polish is expired.
Can I still use expired nail polish?
No, you can not use it anymore and immediately discard it because it is no longer going to provide you with a flawless manicure plush it will have adverse effects on your nails as well.
How can I extend the shelf life of my nail polishes?
Yes, if you care for them properly by cleaning the bottlenecks, keeping the caps tightly sealed, and keeping them in a cool and dry place you can contribute to extending their shelf life.
How often should I assess my nail polish collection for expired polishes?
You should keep checking on your polishes frequently maybe six months to a year.
Conclusion:
Nail polish expiration is an unpleasant reality that every one of us has to face with our favorite polishes. But, with proper care, we can contribute to extending their shelf life.
Happy nailing!
