Raw meat, spoiled fruits and contaminated veggies are typically the places you would expect to find the bacteria responsible for serious strains of food poisoning: E.coli.
However, according to microbiologist Amy-May Pointer, who carried out a study for PrettyLittleThing, it turns out E.Coli, amongst other bacterias, are turning up (uninvited) in our beauty cupboard.
During the petri dish experiment, comparisons between frequently-cleaned beauty tools, including sponges and brushes, were up against ones that were rarely, if ever, washed.
Within these findings were bacteria responsible for skin conditions as severe fungal acne, which appears in the form of itchy, inflamed blemishes.
Comparing the beauty products side-by-side, the regularly cleaned example had just one organism growth compared to the uncleaned example, which indicated an extremely high density of bacterial growth including E.coli and differing types of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S.epidermis).
And according to Amy-May, “S. epidermis is found as part of the normal skin microbiota, but also has been found to contribute to the inflammation of acne”.
E.coli, on the other hand, is not found in our normal skin microbiota but actually originates in our gastrointestinal tracts.
So, the explanation for its cameo on our makeup brushes? You guessed it, fecal matter (gross, sorry, we know).
In short, if you’re storing your brushes or sponges near a toilet in your bathroom, we suggest you go and conduct an immediate rescue mission.
If these findings have urged you to go conduct a COVID-style clean on every beauty brush and blender you’ve ever laid eyes on, here is our step-by-step guide on how to clean your makeup brushes properly.
Source: beautyheaven.com.au
