5 ways to germ-proof your makeup bag
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For many women who cling to their makeup, it can be hard to toss it before reaching the bottom of the container. However, cosmetics do have an expiration date. The longer you use a product, the easier it is for bacteria to get into your makeup, potentially causing eye or skin infections.
Dr. Sherry Ingraham with Advanced Dermatology gave us five tips to keeping your makeup and skin clean. Here they are:
- Make up brushes need to be cleaned at least once a week if not more with a gentle cleanser, such as baby shampoo. Also, stay away from anti-bacterial soaps because they often dry out your brushes.
- Make up has an expiration date, so look at the bottom of the container. You'll usually see a number, such as 12M or 18M, which means it expires 12 or 18 months after opening.
- Don't forget to clean your makeup bag! Most women don't think about the actual bag, and it can go months without being cleaned, if it's even cleaned at all. Clean yours once a month to prevent acne break outs.
- Mascara should be tossed after three months, and if you get some type of eye infection, toss it immediately.
- Skin creams should be retired after two years, but get rid of them sooner if you notice a change in color, consistency or smell. Also, Dr. Ingraham said expired acne and skin creams are ineffective, because the active ingredients can break down and evaporate, so pay attention to those expiration dates.
