Spring is the ideal time to take a proper look at what’s actually on your skincare shelf. Many of us accumulate products over the winter months but rarely stop to check whether they’re still in date or even safe to use. Unlike food, skincare doesn’t always come with a clear expiry date, which is where the PAO symbol becomes important.
PAO stands for ‘Period After Opening’ and is shown as a small open-jar icon on the back of products, usually marked with a number such as 6M, 12M or 24M. This tells you how long a product remains stable and effective once it has been opened. Using skincare beyond this period can mean reduced performance, irritation, or changes in texture and smell that indicate the formula is no longer reliable.
As you move into spring, it’s worth being honest about what’s been open too long, what hasn’t been used consistently, and what your skin no longer needs. Clearing out expired products isn’t wasteful, it’s protective. Fresh, in-date skincare works better, feels better on the skin, and reduces the risk of unnecessary reactions, your skin will thank you for it.
UltraCeuticals Ultra C+ Rejuvenating C Chebula Serum
This new next-generation Vitamin C serum from UltraCeuticals combines 15pc pure L-Ascorbic Acid with Chebula Extract, a powerful anti-glycation antioxidant, to help defend skin against oxidative stress and sugar-ageing — two major contributors to collagen breakdown and visible skin ageing. Designed as a high-performance morning antioxidant serum, it works to brighten, strengthen and protect the skin over time, supporting firmness, resilience and a healthy glow with consistent use.
Alongside Vitamin C and Chebula, the formula features Microcollagen and Microelastin peptides to help visibly improve skin elasticity and structure, supported by Triple Action Collagen. A results-driven serum that focuses on long-term skin health as well as immediate radiance, €89 from ultraceuticals.ie and Ultraceuticals stockists and clinics nationwide.
Genosys Barrier Repair System
Korean skincare brand Genosys addresses a common skincare concern with its Barrier Protecting Duo, a targeted daily routine designed to restore comfort, strengthen the skin barrier and protect against ongoing environmental stress. The duo combines the Genosys Sensitive Serum (€52 / €46) with the Skin Barrier Protecting Cream, making it a supportive option for dry, sensitive or compromised skin. The lightweight Sensitive Serum helps calm irritation, reduce inflammation and support the moisture barrier, while the Skin Barrier Protecting Cream complements this with ceramides, botanical extracts and an Amino Acid Complex to prevent moisture loss and reinforce barrier function, while MultiEx BSASM®, Shea Butter and Macadamia Oil help soothe, nourish and protect the skin, Serum €52, Cream €87, available online from genosys.ie and Genosys stockists nationwide.
Brow Aid Brow Blueprint
New from Irish brow specialists Brow Aid, Brow Blueprint (€21) is a cleverly designed dual-ended brow tool that focuses on creating natural structure, dimension and realistic hair-like detail. Central to its design is the colour duo system, which uses two complementary tones to add depth and avoid the flat, blocky look that can happen with single-shade brow products. One end features a 30° angled two-prong tip, ergonomically designed to follow the natural angle of the hand for a steady glide and precise control. This allows for seamless application and ultra-fine, hair-like strokes, making it ideal for refining shape and filling sparse areas. The other end is a petite multi-stroke marker, an industry-first brush innovation that uses a flexible multi-bristle head to lay down several fine strokes in a single motion. This instantly builds soft structure, texture and lifelike volume, enhancing brow density in seconds. Lightweight, waterproof and long wearing, The Brow Blueprint is your new brow best friend. Available online from browaid.com and in selected Brow Aid stockists nationwide.
To book in for one of my Advanced Facial Treatments | Medical Microneedling | Byonik Laser | Dermalux LED Light Therapy |Slimyonik Body Airstyler | Teen Facials head to www.shernamalone.ie
