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Cosmetics are not only designed to help individuals improve their appearance, but they also can be used to treat various ailments and condi- tions. Millions of people enjoy the benefits that cosmetics pro- vide, and while cosmetics are largely considered female prod- ucts, men can use them as well. Makeup, skin creams, oint- ments, and many other items can be found in homes across the world. It's not uncommon for people to keep beauty prod- ucts long after these items are past their prime without realiz- ing that these products have shelf lives. According to Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatol- ogy at the University of Southern California, most beauty products are designed to stay fresh and stable for a limited time. Failure to rou- tinely update makeup collec- tions can result in products threatening health, as bacteria can hide away in containers and cause infections. The best way to avoid any issues is to regularly go through cosmetic products, tossing out old merchandise and buying new items when necessary. This can be done every few months or at the start of the new year. The following is a listing of the shelf life of many popular items and when to replace them. • Unopened products: If you have some cosmetic prod- ucts that haven't yet been opened, they might remain stable for a couple of years at room temperature, according to chemists at Cosmetech Laboratories in New Jersey. Air can cause formulas to oxidize, and germs can be transfered to products when they are touched. • Eye products: Mascara and eyeliners make contact with the eye, an area of the body that is sensitive and vulnerable to infection. These items should be discarded every three to six months to prevent the formation of bacteria. Eyeliner pencils have longer shelf lives than mascaras because they're being sharpened, but should be replaced once a year. • Foundation: Liquid foun- dations last around a year, and storing them in a cool, dark place will help them last even longer. When applying founda- tion, avoid using your fingers, which can cause bacteria to build up more quickly. • Body brushes and loofah sponges: Acne and infections on the body may be a result of products and beauty items that are kept in the shower. Constantly being wet and in a warm, dark place makes these items the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. Discard these items every few months, and make sure they're washed out and allowed to dry com- pletely after each use. • Lip gloss and lipstick: People run the risk of mouth sores by using old lipsticks and lip glosses. Bacteria can easily be transferred from the mouth to these items. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to discard lip products between six months to a year after purchase. If makeup and other cosmet- ic products have been sitting around for a while, it's likely time to buy a new collection to maintain safety and function. SPRING 2017 / HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 8 For health reasons, update cosmetic collections Inflammation can affect any- one, and those who have battled it likely have nothing positive to say. But while few people may associate inflammation with something good, inflam- mation is actually a process by which the body's white blood cells and the substances those cells produce protect the body from infection at the hands of bacteria, viruses and other foreign organisms. While inflammation is pro- tective by nature, sometimes an inflammatory response is triggered by mistake. When that happens, the body's immune system, which is designed to protect the body, begins to damage its own tissues. The resulting symp- toms of this faulty immune system response may include joint pain, joint stiffness, loss of function in the joints, and swelling of the joints. None of those symptoms are comfort- able, and people suffering from them may be on the lookout for ways to alleviate their pain and suffering. While anyone battling per- sistent inflammation should speak with their physicians to explore their treatment options, a preliminary search of how to best treat inflamma- tion will no doubt turn up information about heat thera- py and cold therapy. The follow- ing breakdown should not replace a physician's advice, but it can help patients battling inflammation better under- stand both treatment options. Heat therapy Heat works against inflam- mation by increasing blood flow and making connective tissues more flexible. Heat also can be used to combat edema, a condition characterized by an excess of fluid in the tissues of the body. Upon application, heat can temporarily reduce pain and alleviate stiffness in the joints. Heat also may temporarily relieve muscles spasms. Heat can be effective at relieving pain associated with worn-away cartilage in the joints because it eases chroni- cally stiff joints and relaxes tight muscles. In addition, moist heat can relax painful neck spasms linked to nerves or blood vessels in the head or pain emanating from muscles in the neck. Heat can be applied via hot packs, infrared heat, paraffin baths, and hydrotherapy. Cold therapy Cold therapy, sometimes referred to as "cryotherapy," can relieve pain associated with inflammation that has developed recently. Cold can help numb tissues and relieve muscle spasms and can also be used to alleviate pain associat- ed with injuries. Ice bags or cold packs can be used to apply cold, use a barrier of sorts like a thin towel to protect the skin from direct contact with ice. In addition, fluids that cool by evaporation, including ethyl chloride, may be applied topi- cally. Some medicines may interact with ethyl chloride spray, so inflammation suffer- ers should consult their physi- cians before applying such sprays. According to the Cleveland Clinic, ice can be used to calm flare-ups and numb pain asso- ciated with chronic, inflamma- tory arthritis. Ice also can ease inflammation and numb pain linked to pulled muscles or injured tendons. Pain and inflammation resulting from the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the joints may also be eased by applying ice to the affected area. Heat and cold therapies can effectively combat symptoms associated with inflammation, but such treatments should always be discussed with a physician before being insti- tuted. The differences between hot and cold therapies

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