There are hidden threats in your makeup bag that can be hazardous for your health. Your makeup bag is a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, dirt, allergens and scary chemicals that can cause respiratory illness.
Here are the 4 health threats hiding in your makeup bag:
1. Dirty Brushes
Brushes need to be cleaned at least once monthly. If they aren’t, they become dirty and full of bacteria from constantly touching our skin,” says dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD.
Dr. Joel recommends cleaning your brushes once a week to make them last longer and keep them soft. Wet the brush with warm water. Apply a mild shampoo and gently press through the hairs using your fingers. Rinse and repeat until the water is clear. Once the brushes are clean, rub them on a clean paper towel and let the dry.
2. Expired Products
“Any products that are older than 18 months old should be thrown away and replaced. Liquids, powders, foams, sprays, and the multitude of textures and colors [found in beauty products] are a veritable breeding ground for infectious elements like bacteria and fungi,” explains Florida physician Dr. Faranna Haffizulla.
If you notice your product changing its color, texture or it starts to smell funny, throw it away immediately.
3. Sharing Products
Sharing your makeup with your best friend can be hazardous. When you’re sharing your makeup, you’re swapping germs and that can end up badly.
“If you are diabetic or have a compromised immune system, infections are more severe and can lead to severe consequences. Most common infections involve the eye in the form of blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and sty formation. The skin can also react with pustular infections,” says Haffizulla.
4. Germs
Makeup products are a breeding ground for germs.
“Every time you dip your finger into a jar of cream or foundation, you’re introducing bacteria into it, thereby contaminating it,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, of New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Buy products in tubes and don’t use your finger to apply them, use a Q-tip. Some women apply the cover up stick directly into the pimple and this way they transfer the acne bacteria into the stick where it thrives and grows.
“The best thing to do is clean products whenever possible like wiping tweezers and eyelash curlers down with alcohol,” Dr. Jaliman says.
Even your choice of makeup bag can affect the amount of gems.
“Makeup bags come a dime a dozen; however, what you fail to realize is that dark and moist places are breeding grounds for bacteria. If the bag is dark and the makeup is moist, well, you do the math.”
Get a clear makeup bag that allows the light in.