Are you someone who always wears makeup to look beautiful? So, have you ever thought about the brushes in your makeup kit? We often don't think much about these small tools that we use to look beautiful, right? But did you know that if these makeup brushes are not cleaned properly, they can cause serious damage to your skin? This can cause problems ranging from acne to serious skin infections. So let's talk about this today.
Why should you clean makeup brushes regularly?
Simply put, your makeup brushes can be a haven for bacteria. Think about it, when you apply makeup, all the oil, dead skin cells, and dirt from your skin get on your brushes. Then you put makeup on your brushes again and use them again. This moist environment, where old makeup, oil, and dirt accumulate, is a breeding ground for bacteria.
What happens when you rub this dirty brush over your skin over and over again?
- Acne: There is a high chance that the bacteria and oils on the brush will get stuck in the pores of the skin, causing acne, blackheads , and whiteheads.
- Skin allergies and swelling (`Skin Irritations`): The skin may become red, itchy, and start to blister.
- Skin Infections: Sometimes, especially if you have a small cut or wound on your skin, these bacteria can get into the skin and cause serious infections.
Therefore, to keep your skin healthy and beautiful, cleaning your makeup brushes regularly is a must.
How often should these be cleaned?
This really depends on the type of brush and the type of makeup you use. Not all brushes get dirty in the same way. In general, it's a good idea to wash your brushes at least once a week or every ten days .
To make it easier to understand, let's look at this in a table.
| Brush type and use | Time to clean | why is that? |
|---|---|---|
| For Liquid Products Ex: Foundation, Concealer, Cream Blush | Definitely once a week | Liquid products are more likely to harbor bacteria, which are absorbed into the brush. |
| Brushes used around the eyes Eg: Eyeshadow, Eyeliner brushes | At least once every two weeks | The eyes are a very sensitive area, and the risk of infection is very high. |
| For powder products Ex: Face powder, Blush, Bronzer | Washing once a month is enough. | Powders have less moisture, so bacteria growth is reduced, but they do collect dust and oil. |
If you use makeup sponges, you should also clean them regularly. Because sponges absorb water and makeup, they are more likely to harbor bacteria and yeast.
Here's How to Clean a Makeup Brush Properly
Okay, so now let's see how exactly to do this. If you follow these steps, you can easily keep your brushes clean as good as new.
1. Rinse the tips: First, hold only the bristles of the brush in a stream of warm water. Do not soak the entire brush. This is because the glue that holds the bristles together can melt in hot water and cause the brush to come off.
2. Shampoo the brush: Dissolve a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo, in a cup of lukewarm water. Do not use harsh soaps, as they can dry out the bristles of the brush and make it rough.
3. Swirl and massage: Now swirl the tip of your brush in the shampoo mixture. Then, gently massage the tip of the brush in a circular motion on your palm. This will create a good lather and remove all the makeup stuck between the bristles.
4. Rinse again: Now hold only the tip of the brush under running water and rinse out all the shampoo.
5. Rinse until clear: Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 until the water running off the brush is completely clear, with no color. If the water is clear, that means there is no makeup left on the brush.
6. Squeeze out water: After cleaning, gently squeeze the bristles of the brush with a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess water.
7. Dry correctly: This is where most people make a mistake. Lay the brushes horizontally on a clean, dry towel. The most important thing is to place the bristles of the brush over the edge of a table or counter. This will allow air to circulate and dry them properly.
Warning: Never dry your washed brushes by standing them upright (like in a cup). Doing so can cause water to seep into the bristles of the brush, melting the gum and causing the bristles to come loose.
Does the brush become coarse when it dries?
Sometimes the bristles of the brush can feel a little rough after washing. If that happens, apply a little conditioner to the bristles, leave it for a while, then rinse with water and let it dry properly. This will soften the bristles again.
Things you can find at home to clean your brushes
You don't need to buy special cleaners. You can easily do this job with things you already have at home.
| Cleaner | Method used |
|---|---|
| Baby Shampoo | This is the best and safest method. It is gentle on the hair and removes dirt well. It can be used as mentioned above. |
| Liquid Dish Soap | This is good for removing stubborn, stubborn makeup. But don't use too much. Mix a small amount with water and use. Then rinse thoroughly. |
| Vinegar and Lemon | This is a natural disinfectant. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar in a cup of hot water and wash the brush tip. Then rinse with water and rub the brush tip with a lime wedge to remove the vinegar smell and give it a nice scent. |
When do you need to see a doctor?
If you keep your brushes clean like this, but your skin continues to break out in pimples, becomes red, itchy, or infected, there may be something else causing it. In such a case, don't just ignore it and see a doctor right away. It's best to see a dermatologist if you can.
Also, if your brushes are very old, the bristles are fraying, or the shape has changed, don't use them anymore. They won't apply makeup properly, and they can damage your skin. So get rid of such brushes and buy new ones.
Take-Home Message
- For the health of your skin, make it a habit to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week or every ten days.
- Brushes, especially those that use liquid products like foundation and concealer, should be washed regularly.
- Use a mild shampoo (like baby shampoo) when washing brushes.
- When drying washed brushes, place them horizontally with the bristles hanging down. Never hold them upright.
- Do not share your makeup brushes or makeup with others.
- If you have persistent acne, allergies, or skin infections, see your doctor immediately for advice.
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