Loofah:  Whether it’s a natural sponge or one of those plastic mesh sponges, you need to be washing it at least once a week in the dishwasher or washing machine Loofahs and mesh sponges both carry bacteria, which can easily infect you via an open cut or even acne!  Natural loofahs should be thrown out every few weeks; mesh sponges are more resistant to bacteria and can last up to eight weeks.

 

Disposable Razor:  Toss after three uses, razors get clogged with dead skin cells that will  grow bacteria which can cause skin irritations and infections. 

 

 Towels:  The average person sloughs off 1 million skin cells an hour and bath towels harbor those cells and their bacteria.   Towels should be changed and washed every 3 days and when in use should be hung and unfolded to air dry.  And when it comes to towels, lets not share.

 

Shower Head:  Yes, your shower head and this one is extra gross.  New studies are showing that potentially disease-causing germs can get trapped inside shower heads causing biofilm to grow…biofilm is basically slime which gets blasted over your head while you’re taking your morning shower.  A great solution is a filtered show head that you replace every few months or a metal or stainless steel head that is less likely to grow bacteria.

 

What is shelf life?
The amount of time an open and used product is considered good.   Stick to these simple rules and you should be safe! 

3 Months for mascara~~~ Mascara can grow bacteria and can cause Pink Eye and styes!  

1 year for liquids (i.e. lotions, body butters, cleansers, foundation ) 6 months if it is a container that you have to put your fingers in to access. 

3 yrs for powders (i.e. eyeshadows, blush, mineral found.) 

Lipstick: 2-3 years. 

And remember when in doubt throw it out!