Makeup brushes are a beauty essential that helps in achieving a flawless makeup look. However, a new study has revealed that unwashed makeup brushes carry more bacteria than a toilet seat, highlighting the importance of cleaning brushes regularly.
What does this new study says about your Makeup brushes?
The study was conducted by Spectrum Collections, a cosmetic tools brand. Researchers also swabbed clean and unclean brushes at the end of a two-week trial period and tested where the brushes were stored during the trial. The results showed that unclean makeup brushes stored in common places people opt for such as a bedroom vanity, a brush bag, a makeup bag, a bathroom holder, and a drawer had either the same or a greater number of bacteria than a toilet seat.
Cosmetic scientist Carly Musleh told Spectrum Collections that using dirty brushes could transfer bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil from the face to the product. Although not all bacteria are harmful, repeatedly using dirty brushes could result in acne or other skin conditions.
“Using dirty brushes could increase the risk of causing an imbalance in the healthy microbial community and lead to an increase in the number of pathogenic microbes, which could cause breakouts or more serious issues like impetigo or Staphylococcal (Staph) infections. To reduce the build-up of bacteria, it is important to clean makeup brushes regularly,” Carly said.
Moreover, your dirty brushes can cause other skin conditions besides acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and with each use, they collect any dirt and oil that may remain on the skin. Dirty brushes can expose the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals, which causes a breakdown of collagen and elastin and can lead to premature aging.
The cosmetic tools brand also surveyed its customers and found that 40% of them cleaned their brushes biweekly, and 20% only washed them once in three months. Spectrum Collections co-founders Hannah and Sophie Pycroft insisted on washing makeup brushes at least once a week and said that most people do not understand “the impact not cleaning our brushes can have on our skin.”
How to clean your makeup brushes?
According to experts, cleaning brushes at least once a week is essential to maintain healthy skin. Here are some tips to keep makeup brushes clean:
- Use a gentle soap or shampoo to clean brushes.
- Gently massage the soap or shampoo into the bristles of the brush.
- Rinse the brush under running water until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out the excess water from the brush.
- Reshape the bristles and lay the brush flat to dry.
- Avoid using a hair dryer to dry the brush as the heat can damage the bristles.
In conclusion, cleaning brushes is an essential step in maintaining healthy skin. With repeated use, makeup brushes collect skin cells, dirt, and oils, which become a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Using filthy makeup brushes can clog pores with bacteria and result in acne breakouts and other skin conditions. Dermatologists recommend cleaning makeup brushes regularly to prevent bacteria growth and clogged pores.
Dirty brushes can also trap dirt and old makeup, which can cause skin irritation and other skin problems. Therefore, it is important to clean makeup brushes regularly to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin problems. By taking the time to clean makeup brushes, individuals can ensure that their skin remains healthy and free from bacteria and other harmful substances.
