By will-buy
Many of us likely don't clean our makeup brushes as frequently once we should.
Expert advice generally recommends washing your brushes at least one time per week. But, in all honesty, are the most of people carrying this out?
However, new information will make all of us reconsider being so lax in letting our foundation brushes be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Teaming up with expert microbiologists, opticians Lenstore undertook research that saw them analyse everyday surfaces, to determine the areas we should be paying most attention to with regards to hygiene.
From our pillowcases and phones, to toilets and makeup brushes, the research team swabbed a range of items.
Under our nails came out worst – with over 50,400 various kinds of bacteria found. The toilet seat was at second place, with a count of two,856 (so yes, our nails are almost 18 times more dirty than a toilet seat – forget about biting), while glasses were in third place, with 1,277 kinds of bacteria.
However, in fourth place came the foundation brush – which was found to possess over 1,176 strains of bacteria lurking within the bristles. Very little less than half what toilet seat- Yet something which we rub on the skin we have, on a daily basis.
Out of all of the makeup items tested, foundation brushes arrived on the scene as the most dirty of all – surprisingly, mascara was only found to possess six kinds of bacteria, while eyeshadow brushes had 106, and curlers had 56.
Not only did the building blocks brush have around 1,000 more bacteria than all other cosmetics analysed, it had been the fourth dirtiest 'everyday item' within the analysis.
It was more dirty than face masks, and kitchen work tops – and 31 times worse than mobile phone screens, .
Disgustingly, it had been also discovered to be 61 times more bacteria ridden than the usual swab from the actual London Underground – one of the most germ infested places on the planet. (Or so you'd have thought – turns out it is your face).
Cleaning your makeup brushes
Cleaning your brushes regularly is incredibly important – which counts even though you weren't with them.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your makeup brushes every seven to 10 days – even if you used them just once.
This is because, whether you use your makeup brushes once a month or daily, brushes that have beeb saturated with makeup products create an atmosphere that allows bacteria to grow.
If it's left sitting for any prolonged period of time in between uses, that's all undisturbed here we are at bacteria grow and flourish – so less use doesn't invariably equal less dirty.
If that wasn't enough to convince you, many reasons exist – both hygiene and health wise – to maintain your brushes clean.
Not only can dirty brushes cause irritation and blocked pores, encouraging break-outs on your skin, they are able to also result in a staph infection, which is caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus.
Why it's so important to wash our brushes
'Bacteria has gained a negative reputation but it's remember this that does not all strains are harmful, with some actually being beneficial for us.
'However, with this everyday essentials it is important we are maintaining good hygiene to prevent any irritation to our faces and eyes especially.
'Many people don't realise how frequently we touch our faces and eyes after handling other things and surfaces. However, with makeup brushes, pillowcases and our goggles being covered in bacteria, our eyes are in even greater risk as we often are exposed to direct contact with these items.
'To avoid a stye, conjunctivitis or any other eye conditions, we need to take extra care of washing our hands and fingernails, as well as the items that come into close connection with these areas.'
Sujata Paul, Professional Services Clinical Lead and Contact Lens Optician FBDO/CL.
Symptoms of the infection include painful red lumps, blisters or sores, red eyelids and eyes or hot swollen skin.
While they can disappear by themselves, they often need antibiotics and can result in more serious infections for example blood poisoning if left untreated.
Since we're often while using brushes to cover our whole faces, you need to clean them throughly with lukewarm water and an antibacterial cleanser – utilizing a cleansing wipe to clear off residue won't quite cut it.
Washing them properly will prevent bacteria from spreading across the face and potentially into the eyes, nose and mouth.
And, it's important to note that cleansers are also far better at removing bacteria out of your face compared to a face wipe – leaving 569 bacteria, when compared with 644 using the wipe.
So, there is no time such as the present to begin a proper makeup brush cleaning routine. And, according to this research, provide your nails a great scrub while you're in internet marketing.
