Sometimes it’s hard to work as a skin care professional. I feel so passionately about products and methods that I often run my mouth about these types of things and inside worry I seem snobby or judgmental. But here’s the deal: I really, REALLY don’t mean to be. I am genuinely invested in you looking amazing and putting stuff on your skin that works and isn’t poisonous or rotten.

Lucky for all of us, products that are non-toxic or not expired are pretty easy to come by and aren’t automatically unaffordable.

Freshness matters, and not just for beer, fruit, and personalities. It matters for skincare products, too. When a product is old (this usually means older than 18 months for organic and 24 months for pharmaceutical), it loses its effectiveness or worse—causes skin reactions. Whoops! If the product that used to make your face shine like the youthful cherub you are all the sudden makes your face appear flushed or blotchy, it might not be fresh anymore. If it’s not gone, that’s not only a bummer but also a big waste of money.

Okay, I hear you: “My product doesn’t have a ‘born-on’ date, Sarah. How am I supposed to know these things?” The best response to this is to purchase your goods from a known source (and I seriously won’t be offended if it isn’t me but hope it is).

When purchasing a discounted professional product from Amazon, Ulta, or another big box or online store retailer, you run a much higher risk of buying products that are expired, a fake replica, or even stolen (seriously this happens. Once I had a box full of product stolen from my porch which is easily sold on Amazon for a profit).

When you buy from a trusted source, you’re not only assured freshness, you also have the opportunity to review the list of ingredients and discuss their purpose and benefits. I want you to know what you’re putting on your body and I want you to be using things that provide a purposeful and personal benefit. Everyone’s skin’s needs and reactions are different so just because your bestie experiences the best ever results from her serum doesn’t mean you will, too. After all, a skin care product is only a good choice if it addresses your specific concerns.

Many plants have similar vitamins and nutrients, and using an exotic botanical extract over a more common one doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an improvement, as the underlying nutrients may be quite similar. Plants are not like gold or precious metals for goodness’ sake; just because a plant is rare in skin care applications doesn’t mean it’s more valuable. Instead, the most important aspect of analyzing an ingredient is seeing whether it will actually have a specific benefit for your skin. And, guess who can tell you these things? You got it! Me.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to go through your skin care regimen and toss formulas that are old (and therefore no longer effective) and replenish your favorites. Then, if you are ready for my professional advice you can book a virtual consultation or an in person appointment for a skin consolation and I can work with you so when you replenish your favorites, you’re getting the right amounts and products that will work.