Do Dirty Makeup Brushes Cause Breakouts?

Makeup applicators like brushes and sponges make cosmetic application a lot better in many ways. Brushes, for instance, give you more control in applying the products, especially with eye shadows. Sponges, on the other hand, enable flawless application with even coverage, and help with blending makeup.

While these tools are helpful, they also collect dust, dirt, and dead skin cells. If not properly cleaned, sponges and brushes can transfer or redeposit residual makeup and bacteria back on your skin. It can clog your pores and trigger breakouts. This is especially true if you wear heavy makeup or use cosmetic products every day. 

If you have been breaking out and ruled out any other cause, your makeup tools may be to blame. Here are some of the things that can happen when you continue to use your filthy makeup brushes and sponges.

• Bad or compromised application – If your tools are already filled with makeup residue from last week or last month’s makeup, application is likely to be cakey. You won’t be able to get the blending or contouring results you want with dirty brushes and sponges.

• Skin irritation – Bristles that are laden with dirt, dust, and makeup residue can become stiff and brittle. They can also be abrasive to your face, which is likely to cause skin irritation. It is advisable to wash your tools regularly to keep the bristles soft and allow smooth application. 

• You may pull out some of your eyelashes – This can happen if your eyelash curler is dirty and has product buildup from previous uses. Leftover mascara can stick to your lashes and pull out some of the hairs. This makes it important to clean your eyelash curler every two weeks or replace the pads. 

• Worsen acne – All the unpleasant things that have accumulated on your brushes can be transferred back and forth every time you apply makeup. This can trigger breakout and exacerbate acne, as well as other skin conditions. It can be a lot more problematic if there is spoiled or expired cosmetic product/residue in your tools.

Cleaning your tools

Don’t make your brushes and sponges a breeding ground for dust, dirt, and acne-causing bacteria. Here are a few tips on cleaning your makeup tools. 

When cleaning brushes – Wet the bristles with lukewarm water and use a mild cleanser, baby shampoo, or dishwashing liquid to remove dirt. Gently massage the bristles in your palm and then rinse them thoroughly. Dry the brushes hanging with the bristles facing down. You can also use a cleanser specifically made for brushes and follow instructions for cleaning. 

When cleaning reusable sponges – Use a bar of soap and place your makeup sponge under warm water to remove dirt and excess makeup. Soap up every part of the makeup blender and squeeze it repeatedly until the sponge is clean. Lastly, dry the sponge in an open area. 

Aesthetic treatments for dealing with breakouts

If you’re already battling with acne, proper skin care regimen and consistent use of acne medication can help. It is also important to make sure that you use noncomedogenic skin care products and clean brushes when applying makeup. 

Aesthetic treatments can also help with acne and improve the tone and texture of your skin. Here are some procedures worth considering:

• VI Peel – this stronger type of chemical peel can clear acne conditions and improve the appearance of line and wrinkles. It can also reduce hyperpigmentation, eliminate acne scars, and stimulate collagen production.

• Laser Genesis skin therapy – this FDA-cleared laser procedure can treat enlarged pores, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. It safely heats the deeper layer of the skin to boost collagen formation.

• Facial with blue light therapy – Sapphire blue light therapy can help minimize pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, and clear inflammation. Facial with blue light therapy is best carried out in an aesthetic clinic or dermatologist’s office. 

Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore offers aesthetic treatments that can help with acne and improve skin quality. Contact our clinic today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out which treatment suits you best.