When it comes to caring for the items that we use on a daily basis, from our cars to our dishwashers, some level of maintenance is often required. Most people understand that taking their car in for an occasional oil change and tire rotation is simply part of the responsibility of owning a vehicle. However, every morning, women across America put on their makeup, and despite countless hours of use over the course of a year, it’s common for makeup brushes to go uncleaned indefinitely. While it may not be on your to-do list already, keeping your makeup brushes fresh is an integral part of ensuring that your skin stays clean and free of acne causing bacteria. At the Harley Institute Institute, we help men and women of all ages look and feel their best. We understand that maintaining proper habits is essential to maintaining healthy, younger looking skin long term. Ensuring that you’re properly cleaning your makeup brushes is an excellent habit to develop for those who want to make sure they’re staying in control of their skin care routine.Â
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
Your makeup brushes may be intended to apply cosmetics and products to your skin. However, with every swipe against your cheek, your brushes are picking up oils and other debris into it’s bristles. Over time, an accumulation of these materials will develop creating an environment that breeds bacteria. Using these unclean brushes can cause many problems including adult acne and an increased risk of skin infections. It’s also not good for the brushes themselves, and can reduce their longevity and effectiveness at applying makeup evenly. Cleaning your brushes will help remove the grime, germs and excess products, which will keep your bristles soft and your skin clear many years into the future.Â
How Often Should They Be Cleaned?
The frequency of cleanings will vary from person to person, depending on how often makeup is applied and how many brushes are used in the process. As a general rule, it’s important to clean brushes at least once a month, and twice a month for items used to apply makeup around the eyes. However, most dermatologists and skin care professionals recommend once a week to get the best results.
Simple Method for Cleaning Makeup BrushesÂ
Use lukewarm water from your faucet to gently wet the bristles. Avoid aggressive cleaning at the base of the bristles, as this can disintegrate the glue that holds it to the handle. Use a small drop of makeup brush cleanser or facial cleanser to the tips of the brush and massage the bristles into the palm of your hand. Rinse and squeeze out all excess liquid. Make sure to reshape the brush head, and then leave them to dry. Avoid leaving them on a towel or placing them back into your makeup organizer too soon, or your brushes could develop mildew. Hang the bristles off the edge of your countertop or hang them upside down using brush holder like The Brush Bar which attaches to the side of your sink.Â
Keep your skin feeling beautiful with help from the skin care experts at the Harley Institute Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. From microdermabrasion and chemical peels to Platelet Rich Plasma treatments and Laser Genesis, Dr. Harley and her team of specialists are ready to make your skin look amazing. Call or visit the Harley Institute Institute today and schedule your first consultation.