Search #BeautyFridge on Instagram right now and you'll see that over 1,000 people are keeping their serums, sheet masks and moisturizers — and everything else in between — chillin' in the cold in tiny mini fridges, specially designed for beauty products and skin care.
Yes, you read that right, a skin care mini fridge: A cute little cube, colored in an array of pastels, positively bursting with Instagrammabilty. Some may call it unnecessary (just like they did about steps two through eight of your 10-step routine) — but hold on now, it may not be as crazy as the haters think: Storing your products at cooler temperatures actually has some major benefits; from boosting their efficacy, to helping them last longer. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about skin care fridges!
Image via @cooluli_usa
Your Products Last Longer
Immediately after you open your products and expose them to air, they start to oxidize — and start their journey to expiration. Refrigerating your products can prolong their life by slowing down the oxidation process.
Refrigeration also protects them from environmental factors that can speed up this process and dramatically change the effectiveness your products. Two huge such factors? Sunlight through a window and heat created from hot showers and steam — and a mini fridge is the perfect solution to both. So, not only does refrigeration make products last longer, it also helps keep them at max effectiveness.
Which products need the most protection?
● Anything 100 percent organic or natural. If it's all natural, then it probably doesn't have many preservatives to give it a long shelf life.
● Anything in a dark bottle: If it's in a dark bottle that means its contents are probably sensitive to light and heat. Products like vitamin C and retinol come to mind when I think of the dark bottle gang.
Image via @teamiblends
The Cooling Effect
This may be less beneficial than actual preservation... but who cares? Applying cool or cold products to your face just plain feels good — especially in the summer! Another cooling benefit: If you have sensitive skin the cold temperature can give your skin care that extra soothing effect. And if you suffer from redness or puffy undereye bags, the application of cold products can help your skin settle and de-puff.
Which products feel good cold?
Anything water-based like an essence or toner, or gel-like products like moisturizers or serum, as well as sheet masks, jade rollers or anything for your under eyes.
Image via @minifridge.co
Get Your Own #BeautyFridge
Ready for the upgrade? These mini fridges are surprisingly affordable, and you can get your own for under $50. Most skin care products cost more than that, so if you think about it... it's not that ridiculous of an idea, right?
I personally use the Cooluli Mini Fridge, $49.99, and love it! It's compact, lightweight — it even comes with shelves. The box even lists "skin care and beauty essentials" for suggested use, so, truly: There's no shame in being this extra.
