Do you store your skincare out in the open on your bathroom counter? Stop that!

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Not to be rude, but you’re probably storing your skincare products incorrectly. If they are scattered all over your bathroom counter, A. I feel that, and B. I’ve been there. Honestly, if you could be a fly on the wall in my home you probably would hear my boyfriend call me messy at least 14 times a day because I can’t seem to find a home for all the cosmetics and skincare products I’ve hoarded, much to my wallet’s embarrassment. Nevertheless, once I realized just how important skincare storage is, I cleared those counters immediately. Well, of the skincare, anyway (😅).

Here’s the thing.

Many skincare products are filled with anti-aging ingredients, like vitamin C and retinoids, and break down easily if stored in a humid, steamy, and bright environment. And because you’re constantly steaming up that space with mega-hot showers, your skincare products may become ineffective. GASP. Not only that, but The Klog mentions your products may melt, oxidize, and (ew) curdle.

According to Skin Better, even storing skincare products on the windowsill or in direct view of sunlight or heat, like your car, can cause your products to become ineffective.

Here are some general rules of thumb when it comes to skincare storage:

• Avoid humid environments

• Avoid direct sunlight

• Avoid heat

Instead, you want to store your products in a dim, dark, cool place. Try to place them under the sink or out of the bathroom entirely. Or, invest in a trendy mini skincare fridge to keep your products cool. You can even toss some of your fav products in your standard kitchen fridge — but keep them a good distance away from your food so they don’t collect any stinky smells from the items in your fridge.

P.S.: Make sure your products are sealed completely, and don’t over-freeze your skincare, or it can have the opposite effect.

And a fun tip for those who use face wipes? Store them upside down. That way, all that moisture seeps to the front of the package, giving you a wet wipe every time. And while face wipes definitely shouldn’t be your sole skincare staple, as they can leave behind chemicals on the face if not properly cleansed after, many love them! In fact, it is just a myth that all wipes are bad, according to Kaia Naturals — especially if you use biodegradable and environmentally-friendly options like NUDESKIN Vegan Bamboo Cleansing Cloths or Almay Biodegradable Micellar Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

We don’t skincare shame here. Whatever works for you, works for you! As long as you do your proper research and check in with your derm, you’ll be golden.

And while I have absolutely no room to talk when it comes to organization and storage, you’ll thank me for this one. ❤️