A Microbiologist Reveals The Impact Of Dirty Beauty Tools

A microbiologist has issued a warning regarding the potential harm that can be caused to your skin by using dirty beauty tools.

The research, which was commissioned by online luxury beauty buyers club Beauty Pie, found that one out of every six UK skincare users admits to never having cleaned their skincare and makeup tools.

The powder brush image illustrates up close what can embed within the bristles of a makeup brush – alongside the old makeup residue, minute particles of dust, dirt and oil can be seen lurking in between the bristles.

Dr. Joe Latimer, skilled microbiologist and antimicrobial resistance lecturer from the University of Salford partnered with Beauty Pie to shed light on how the use of unclean beauty tools can impact your skin. "Our skin hosts a diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that coexist harmoniously,” explained Dr. Latimer, “Normally, our skin maintains a balanced bacterial composition. While these bacteria contribute to skin health and infection prevention, an overgrowth can lead to problems such as acne, dermatitis, or infections."

The Gua Sha is revealed to have a slimy surface with built-up reside and dirty fibres, which is likely a result of being used with different products from serums to facial oils and again, not cleaned afterwards.

The study carried out by Beauty Pie involved surveying over 1,000 active skincare users in the UK to understand how often they clean their skincare and makeup tools. The findings indicate that face ice globes and facial toning/sculpting devices are the least frequently cleaned items, with an astonishing 73% of owners admitting to never cleaning them. Similarly, 68% of people using fake tan mitts do not wash them, opting to apply new fake tan over the old layer on the mitt each time.

Additionally, over half (53%) of beauty blender users and 45% of foundation brush users have not cleaned these tools. On the other hand, tweezers seem to be cleaned the most frequently, with only 33% of users admitting to never washing them.

To address this issue, Beauty Pie employed the services of professional macro photographer Matthew Doogue who unveiled a series of startling images depicting the concealed dirt, grime, and residue that accumulate on skincare and makeup tools when they are not cleaned regularly. These detailed photos reveal years of accumulated grease and dirt, showcasing remnants of old makeup, hair, grease, and filth embedded in the fibers and surfaces of each tool. Neglected beauty tools can serve as breeding grounds for bacteria, which, when applied to the skin, can result in skin irritation, breakouts, and other skin problems.

The gruesome images also highlight the importance of taking time to regularly clean your skincare bottles - the bottle in this study looks perfectly fine to the human eye, but once zoomed in, you can see it is saturated with grease, dirt and various fibres. As many of us touch our skincare bottles with our hands and then often apply product directly to our faces with our hands as well, dirt and bacteria on the surface of the bottles can be transferred to our skin.

Why do I need to clean my skincare and makeup tools regularly?

Each time we use beauty tools like makeup brushes, facecloths, or facial rollers, we transfer some of our skin's bacteria onto these tools. Over time, bacteria, dead skin cells, and residual skincare and makeup products accumulate on these tools, providing a breeding ground for bacteria to multiply. Consequently, when we reuse these tools, we reintroduce a large number of these microbes to our skin. Bacteria thrive in warmth and moisture, making damp storage environments particularly conducive to their growth.

To prevent bacteria from reaching potentially harmful levels, it's important to eliminate their sources of sustenance, moisture, and warmth to inhibit their growth. Regularly cleaning and properly storing skincare and makeup tools in a dry environment is the most effective strategy. This approach restores a harmonious balance between your skin and its resident bacteria, reducing the risk of breakouts or skin irritations.

A Closer Look at the Unsanitary Reality

To create compelling images, the photographer utilized a mirrorless camera, macro lens, various attachments, and magnification up to 10 times. Both natural light and flash were employed to highlight the textures and details of the unclean areas.

For instance, the ultra-close-up image of a foundation brush reveals the extensive buildup of years-old makeup residue and oil, accumulated from continuous product application without proper cleaning.

Every fiber of an eyeshadow brush glimmers with remnants of glitter from past makeup applications and traces of dust due to improper storage. The beauty sponge image illustrates the gradual accumulation of stains over time, penetrating deep into the material.

Zoomed in on a powder brush, you can observe the particles of dust, dirt, and oil lodged between the bristles alongside old makeup residue. The facial roller's tips display staining, despite appearing clean in the non-magnified image. A Gua Sha stone exhibits a slimy surface with accumulated residue and soiled fibers, likely from using various products without subsequent cleaning.

The images emphasize the importance of consistently washing skincare accessories like headbands in the machine, as microscopic views reveal embedded dirt and hair in the fabric.

Furthermore, the images underscore the significance of cleaning skincare bottles. Though seemingly clean to the naked eye, magnification uncovers a film of grease, dirt, and fibers. Since we frequently touch these bottles and apply their contents directly to our skin, surface contaminants can transfer to our skin.

Similar to the face cloth, the structure of the skincare/makeup bag traps dirt and fibers, highlighting the necessity for regular cleaning.

How do I clean my beauty tools?

To better understand the proper methods of cleaning and storing skincare and makeup tools and preventing the accumulation of bacteria, dirt, dust, and grime, refer to the BEAUTY PIE Skincare Cleaning Guide.