Your Makeup Brushes Can Be A Big Skin Irritation Culprit

Did you know that your makeup brushes could be a cesspool of bacteria? Yes, I know it sounds dramatic but it could be happening to your brushes if you’re not cleaning them regularly or properly. If left dirty they become a breeding ground for bacteria which can lead to major skin problems.

Why Are Dirty Makeup Brushes Problematic?

Well who wants to put bacteria on their face again and again. That’s what happens if you’re using dirty brushes.

As dermatologist Dr. Laurel Naversen Geraghty explains:

“Makeup brushes can harbor leftover product, dirt, oil, bacteria and other germs, and if we keep using them on our skin, eyes or lips day after day, week after week, it can be a setup for blemishes, clogged pores, skin irritation and infection.”

Ugh, that doesn’t sound good. Let’s try to avoid all that from happening.

Simple Steps to Clean Brushes

Of course the next logical question is how do we properly clean our brushes so our skin stays glowing and healthy?

Well the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend four easy steps:

1. Regularly Clean Your Brushes – the AAD recommends every 7-10 days. Dr. Geraghty suggests rinsing the tip of the brush under water and then swirling the brush around in a bowl of water with a tablespoon of gentle shampoo or mild cleanser. The doc says to stay away from regular soap as it can dry out the bristles. After swirling, to get a lather, massage the brush in the palm of your hand for 30-60 seconds. Finally rinse the brush out. And voila - a clean brush!
2. Keep the Base of the Brush Dry – try only washing the bristles of the brush. Sometimes when the base of the bristles gets wet, it dissolves the glue the holds the brush head to the handle.
3. Lay Flat to Dry – gently squeeze the bristles with a paper towel and then lay it flat to dry (preferably with the tip laying over a counter’s edge). The reason not to dry the brush standing up in a cup is because water may run down and break the glue that holds the brush to the head.
4. Don’t Share Brushes – think of your makeup brushes like your toothbrush – it’s just something you don’t share. You don’t want to pick up other people’s germs!

Skin Care Smarts

So there you have it – a really simple hit list to keep your brushes clean and skin healthy. Now that you’re done reading, maybe it’s a good time to go clean those brushes. I know I need to right now.

For even more skin care tips, tricks, and recommendations check out our Skin Care series.