The proper storage of such products is an important aspect of their quality and safety maintenance. The products may be influenced by temperature change, exposure to sunlight, wetness, contamination, and improper storage. The good quality of the product does not guarantee its effectiveness under improper storage conditions.
Every clinic should strictly adhere to the instructions provided on the product label because the storage conditions may differ significantly from product to product. Good storage system helps control expiration date, prevents the use of damaged products, and controls inventory effectively.
Here are the main steps that should be taken when storing aesthetic products.
Follow Label Storage Instructions
The product label and manufacturer instructions should always be the starting point. Different aesthetic products may require different storage temperatures and handling conditions.
Before storing a product, check:
- Recommended temperature range
- Light exposure requirements
- Humidity requirements
- Whether refrigeration is needed
- Whether the product can be frozen
- Expiry date and shelf life
- Instructions for use after opening
Do not assume that all products in the same category have identical storage requirements. Always follow the instructions provided for the specific product.
Keep Products at the Correct Temperature
Temperature can affect the stability and quality of certain aesthetic products. Storing a product in an environment that is too hot or too cold may affect its condition.
Clinics should:
- Follow the stated temperature range.
- Use appropriate refrigerators where required.
- Avoid storing products near heat sources.
- Keep storage areas within recommended conditions.
- Train staff on temperature requirements.
If a product requires controlled storage, clinics should have a clear system for maintaining the correct conditions.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat
Direct sunlight and excessive heat can damage some products and their packaging. Products should not be left on windowsills, near radiators, or in other areas where temperatures can rise significantly.
Choose storage areas that are:
- Away from direct sunlight
- Protected from heat sources
- Properly ventilated
- Suitable for the product’s requirements
This is especially important in warm climates, where room temperatures may increase quickly if storage areas are not properly controlled.
Store Products in a Clean, Dry Place
A clean and dry storage area can help protect products from contamination and unnecessary environmental exposure.
The storage area should be:
- Clean and regularly maintained
- Dry
- Free from excessive dust
- Protected from spills
- Organised and easy to inspect
Products should also be kept away from areas where they could be exposed to cleaning chemicals or other potentially damaging substances.
Keep Products Sealed
Products should remain properly sealed until they are ready for use, unless the manufacturer provides different instructions.
Keeping products sealed can help protect them from:
- Contamination
- Moisture
- Air exposure
- Accidental spills
- Damage during storage
Once a product has been opened, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how long it can be stored and whether any special handling is required.
Check Expiry Dates
Clinics should regularly check product expiry dates and organise stock so that products with earlier expiry dates are used first when appropriate.
A simple inventory system can help staff track:
- Product names
- Batch or lot numbers
- Delivery dates
- Expiry dates
- Storage locations
Regular checks can reduce the risk of expired products remaining in active stock.
Maintain Cold-Chain Storage if Required
Some aesthetic products require continuous temperature-controlled storage from the point of manufacture through shipping and storage. This is often referred to as maintaining the cold chain.
If a product requires cold-chain handling, clinics should ensure:
- Appropriate refrigeration equipment is available.
- Products are transferred promptly after delivery.
- Temperature requirements are maintained.
- Storage equipment is checked regularly.
- Any temperature excursions are documented and assessed.
If there is uncertainty about whether a product remained within its required temperature range, contact the manufacturer or authorised supplier for guidance before using it.
Avoid Freezing Unless Instructed
Refrigeration and freezing are not the same. A product that requires cold storage should not automatically be placed in a freezer.
Freezing can potentially affect certain formulations, containers, or product components. Only freeze a product if the manufacturer specifically states that freezing is appropriate.
Staff should:
- Check the storage instructions carefully.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers clearly identified.
- Avoid placing products against freezing surfaces.
- Prevent accidental freezing during cold storage.
When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact the supplier for clarification.
Monitor Temperature When Needed
Temperature monitoring can help clinics identify problems with storage equipment before products are affected.
Depending on the products being stored, clinics may use:
- Refrigerator thermometers
- Digital temperature monitors
- Temperature logs
- Automated monitoring systems
- High and low temperature alerts
The level of monitoring should match the product’s storage requirements and the clinic’s operational needs.
Regular monitoring can also help identify equipment failures or unexpected temperature changes.
Remove Expired or Damaged Products
Expired, damaged, leaking, or improperly stored products should be removed from active inventory so they are not accidentally used.
Inspect products for issues such as:
- Expired dates
- Damaged packaging
- Broken seals
- Leaks
- Unexpected changes in appearance
- Signs of improper storage
Products with possible storage problems should be separated from usable inventory. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance, local regulations, and your clinic’s procedures for handling and disposal.
Create a Clear Storage System
A well-organised storage system makes it easier for staff to find products and monitor their condition.
Consider organising products by:
- Product type
- Storage temperature
- Expiry date
- Frequency of use
- Batch or lot number
Clearly labelled shelves and designated storage areas can also reduce handling errors.
Staff should know exactly where each product belongs and what storage conditions it requires.
Train Staff on Proper Product Handling
Proper storage depends on everyone in the clinic following the same procedures. Staff who receive deliveries, manage inventory, or prepare products for use should understand the relevant handling requirements.
Training should cover:
- Reading product labels
- Checking expiry dates
- Maintaining temperature requirements
- Identifying damaged products
- Handling cold-chain deliveries
- Recording storage issues
- Following clinic procedures
Clear procedures can help reduce mistakes, especially when several staff members manage inventory.
What Should Clinics Do After a Storage Problem?
Power failures, refrigerator malfunctions, shipping delays, or accidental temperature changes can sometimes affect stored products.
If a storage problem occurs:
- Identify the affected products.
- Separate them from usable stock.
- Record the storage issue.
- Check the product’s storage requirements.
- Contact the manufacturer or authorised supplier if needed.
- Do not use the product until its suitability has been confirmed.
Avoid making assumptions based only on how the product looks. Some changes caused by incorrect storage may not be visible.
Conclusion
Storage is an effective way to keep the quality and effectiveness of the aesthetic product at its highest level. The main thing about storing products is the right storage according to the requirements that were stated by the manufacturer.
The clinic must keep products at the right temperature, protect them from sunlight and overheating, keep the environment in which products are stored clean and dry, and control expiration dates. For products that have to be kept in special conditions (cold chain), there are some additional requirements.
The clinic can also create an inventory system and train the personnel, so the probability of making mistakes will be minimal.
Also Read: What Should Clinics Look for in an Aesthetic Product Supplier?
