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The Hidden Dangers of Dirty Makeup Brushes and How to Protect Your Skin
Beauty

The Hidden Dangers of Dirty Makeup Brushes and How to Protect Your Skin

11 March 2025


Are Dirty Makeup Brushes Really That Bad for Your Skin?




Putting on makeup can be a mindless and even self-indulgent task. You sort through your makeup bag and think to yourself a swipe of product here or there might be in the cards for you today. But when it comes to your makeup brushes and their maintenance? That’s an easy thing to forget about completely.



You might not notice how dirty your brushes have gotten until they don’t work as well, and by then, we’re sorry to say, they’re way too gross to be safe. We spoke with two dermatologists about the dangers of dirty makeup brushes and what they can do to your skin. We’re confident that you’ll be cleaning them more often after reading.




The Concern With Dirty Makeup Brushes



Unfortunately, a dirty makeup brush can hold onto a lot more than just some leftover product. “When it comes to makeup brushes, I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep them clean for maintaining healthy skin,” says Hannah Kopelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the host of the Derm Club podcast. “Makeup brushes provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, and the sources range from your skin to your immediate environment,” explains Donald B. Yoo, M.D. a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and the Medical Director of HALO Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery & MedSpa.




He tells us that ” everything from common skin flora such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species to those from the gut such as E. coli, from water faucets and hot tubs such as Pseudomonas, and even fungi, can find their way onto makeup brushes and divide rapidly.”



Once those bugs get there, they continue to grow. “It’s alarming how easily these microbes can multiply on brushes, especially when they’re stored in damp environments or used frequently without cleaning,” Kopelman explains.




Common Skin Concerns Caused by Dirty Makeup Brushes



Acne




It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the nasty critters on your brushes are transferred onto your skin with continued use. “Transferring bacteria, oils, and other detritus from dirty makeup brushes promotes the clogging of pores and sebaceous ducts, amplifying the inflammatory processes leading to acne breakouts,” says Yoo. Kopelman notes that “the combination of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria on the brushes creates the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive,” and adds that “this is particularly concerning for my patients with sensitive or acne-prone skin—using dirty brushes can make these conditions worse.”



General Irritation




You may have noticed that a dirty makeup brush doesn’t feel the same on your skin as a clean one. “I’ve also noticed that beyond acne, dirty brushes can be incredibly irritating to the skin,” Kopelman tells us. Yoo says that’s because “sebaceous glands found along hair follicles throughout the skin secrete sebum as a protective barrier to moisturize and lubricate the skin. Dirty makeup brushes interrupt this process of sebum secretion by blocking the sebaceous ducts, creating inflammation and damage to your complexion.” The longer you let things go, the worse they can get. “Over time, I’ve seen how using unclean brushes can weaken your skin’s natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation and infection,” says Kopelman.



How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?




By now, you might be worrying that however often you’ve been cleaning your brushes, it’s not enough. If you’re like most people, that’s completely true. Both experts agree that you should clean your makeup brushes once a week. “Regular cleaning is key to preventing skin issues and ensuring that your brushes do what they’re supposed to do,” says Kopelman, who notes that “when my patients keep their brushes clean, they tell me their makeup applies more evenly and smoothly, which makes a big difference in the overall look.”



Cleaning them will also make them last longer. “Cleaning your brushes positively impacts their functionality,” Kopelman says. “It keeps the bristles soft and flexible, which is crucial for proper makeup application.” She adds a word of caution though. “I always advise my patients to clean them carefully. If they’re not cleaned properly or are left to dry in a way that distorts the bristles, it can affect how well they perform.” To clean your brushes, Yoo recommends warm water and baby shampoo, then drying them flat, to enhance their longevity and functionality.




When Should You Just Throw Away a Brush or Sponge?



No matter how well you take care of your brushes, which we hope you’re more inspired to do now, they won’t last forever. “Regular cleaning will extend their lifespan, but once the brush stops performing well, I believe it’s best to invest in a new one,” Kopelman says. “Makeup brushes should be thrown away when excess residue remains despite cleaning, or the bristles have lost their original flexibility and shape,” suggests Yoo. Kopelman recommends, “paying attention to the condition of their brushes. If you notice that the bristles are fraying, shedding, or losing their shape, it’s a sign that it’s time to replace them.”




The Final Takeaway



Dirty makeup brushes can be harmful to your skin. They can harbor everything from E. coli to fungi, picking up bacteria and flora from the environment they’re stored in and your skin itself. In turn, they can give you acne, cause irritation, and weaken your skin’s natural barrier. Thankfully, this is easy to avoid. All you have to do is clean them once a week. A clean brush will work better and last longer. Eventually, they will need to be replaced with a high-quality, affordable brush set, but the better you take care of them the more beneficial it will be in the long run.










































DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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