Makeup brushes are integral tools for anyone who uses makeup regularly. However, they often get overlooked when it comes to routine cleaning. Neglected makeup brushes can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and result in a myriad of skin problems. This article highlights the importance of maintaining clean makeup brushes and provides a comprehensive guide to doing so effectively.
Your brushes, when not cleaned regularly, can accumulate product residue, dirt, and oil. This accumulation can lead to bacteria growth, which, in turn, can compromise your skin health causing acne breakouts, rashes, and even serious infections such as fungal, E. coli, or staph infections. Hence, to protect your skin and health, it’s essential to clean your makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days.
Cleaning your makeup brushes may seem like an intricate process, but it’s relatively straightforward. Start by rinsing the tips of your brushes under lukewarm, running water. Be careful to only wet the tips, as immersing the whole brush head could dissolve the glue that holds the brush together.
Once rinsed, prepare a cleaning solution by filling a bowl with lukewarm water and adding a tablespoon of either a gentle or clarifying shampoo. Regular soap could potentially dry out the bristles, thus damaging the brush. Next, clean each brush by swirling its tip in the cleaning solution. To ensure a good lather, massage each brush tip gently in the palm of your hand.
Rinse the brush tips under running water, and continue the cleaning and rinsing process until the water runs clear. After washing, remove any excess moisture by squeezing the brushes with a clean, dry paper towel.
When drying your brushes, lay them flat on a towel, letting the brush tips hang off the edge of the counter. This ensures that any leftover water doesn’t run down into the handle, which could potentially loosen the glue that binds the brush.
In a world where skin infections are becoming increasingly prevalent, maintaining clean makeup brushes is more crucial than ever. It is also important to remember never to share your makeup brushes with others to avoid cross-contamination.
To sum up, cleaning your makeup brushes is not only necessary for preserving their longevity but also for ensuring your skin’s health and safety. The effort put into maintaining your brushes pays off by preventing potential skin problems and providing a better makeup application experience.
For more detailed information and guidelines on how to clean your makeup brushes, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s website here.
Leave a Reply