Acne.org Products
I just wondered if you throw away your make up that has been opened a while? I threw away a few lipsticks the last couple of days (and bought myself a really lovely hydrating one as a reward - Wing Woman by Benefit) even though there was loads left.
I keep a file on my computer of when I open each product (I am geek LOL) so I know when to bin them because of the bacteria in them. I used to be more lapse at this but the acne situation has made me review this.
I have a compact fundation that i stopped using about 2 years ago. I haven't thrown it yet but there is no way i 'll put that on my face. I have a liquid one from last year, i think they last for 6 months to a year but i don't use make up anyway because i have many comedones and i don't want to make it worse. If i had only hyperpigmentation i would use it.
I keep a black sharpie in my makeup drawer....I mark the month date I buy things on the back....
and I do toss them out after about a year...
we have enough problems on this site, the last thing we need is bacteria from old cosmetics...so it may be a bit cautious but yeah I toss it
over the years I've simplfied to a few things I really like and stick with the basics....
If you can figure out a way to stop acne at the beginning of the chain of events (e.g. hormones...lipid profile...), then a little extra bacteria on your face from old makeup won't be much of an issue. I think about more primitive cultures that rarely bathe...or use antibacterial soap...and are probably exposed to more bacteria and fungi that we can dream of. If things internally are working out, then some bacteria in your makeup isn't going to make a bit of difference.
So to answer your question, when I still had acne, I was very very conscientious of any exposure to bacteria. Threw out makeup. Had a clean pillowcase every single night. Never touched my face. Carried around hand sanitizer. etc.
I have been using up two bottles of MAC liquid foundations that are approaching four years old. Yes, I know it's gross. Whatever. It's not giving me any skin problems and the foundation hasn't oxidized so the pigment is the same. I'm not throwing out $80 of foundation when it's functionally the same as when I bought it.
Hope I grossed you out enough
There's probably more bacteria on my keyboard than in that foundation anyhow.