The global skin care products market is believed to hit $177 billion by 2024, but what if something as simple as taking a probiotic could be all you need for radiant skin? You could ditch the expensive creams, lotions, and potions and save time on your intensive regime every day by going back to a basic cleansing and moisturizing regime while putting the focus on the health of your gut.

What are probiotics and how do they affect the skin?

Probiotics are microorganisms that are similar to the bacteria that naturally occur in your gut. They play an important role in numerous health functions, including aiding good digestion and supporting the immune system to fight off infection and illness. People take probiotics because the more good bacteria you have in your body, the less chance there is of bad bacteria taking over, leading to gastrointestinal problems.

But what’s all this got to do with the skin? Well, you can get skincare products with probiotics in to target specific skin conditions, but research is also showing that an increased amount of good bacteria in the gut supports a healthy immune system, helps to manage weight, improves mental health, and benefits the skin. Not only can probiotics improve the skin’s appearance, but it can also help specific skin conditions and has even been linked to reducing the chance of skin cancer.

How to consume probiotics

Adding certain foods and drinks to your diet for probiotics is fairly easy to do. Foods like yogurt, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and sauerkraut are good options. Fermented protein powders added to smoothies or shakes is an easy and healthy way to add probiotics. Daily supplements can be taken but you should start with low dosages to begin with as they can cause gas when too much is introduced at once.

Look at supplements that contain 10 to 15 billion CFU each day. You can also look for supplements that have certain strains of bacteria in if you’re trying to address a specific health issue, such as acne or eczema, but diverse ones are good for benefitting all areas of health.

Topical probiotics are the future

Topical probiotic skin care products are becoming more widely available, but research is still being done to see just how they benefit the skin. It’s believed that a barrier forms that stops bad bacteria getting into the skin, keeping it healthier, as well as triggering the production of natural moisturizers that are already in the skin. This essentially increases the balance of good bacteria, helping to fight off the bad that can cause things like acne, eczema, rosacea and numerous other common skin problems.

Potential side effects of probiotics

Most side effects of probiotics are minor and only affect a small percentage of the population, but it’s still important to be aware of them, just in case. That being said, some people with pre-existing conditions, such as a compromised immune system, can experience severe complications. The most commonly reported side effect is gas and bloating, which usually only lasts a few weeks at most before subsiding. Some people also experience headaches and migraines, and some strains of bacteria can increase the body’s histamine level, resulting in redness, swelling, and allergy-type symptoms.

Introducing probiotics to your diet is the best way to get all the benefits, but topical probiotics may suit some people better. Always gradually introduce how many probiotics you consume and stop if you get any adverse effects.

Grief affects people in different ways and everyone has their own unique way of dealing with it. For some people, they choose to get a tattoo as a way to remember their loved one forever, etching a piece of them onto their skin. Memorial tattoos can act as a coping mechanism and help to take people back to a happier time, as well as being a conversation starter that helps to keep the person’s memory alive.

The history of memorial tattoos

The design behind memorial tattoos are usually inspired by the loved one who has passed, but the concept of a memorial tattoo has been around for centuries. Margo DeMello from The Tattoo Project suggests that memorial tattoos have been around for as long as tattooing itself, believing to have originated from Hawaiian tribes. The tribes would tattoo their tongues to remember community members as the painful procedure would represent the emotional pain of grief while being a permanent reminder of the person. This is the same reason people get memorial tattoos today as it gives a permanent physical representation of the loved one who has passed.

Keeping the person’s memory alive

Many people choose to get memorial tattoos in a visible and obvious place so that they can not only see it themselves as a permanent reminder but also so that other people are likely to ask about the tattoo, allowing the person to share stories about the deceased. People are often worried that other people will forget the deceased, so this helps to keep their memory alive. Others will choose to have a memorial tattoo in a more private space to keep the relationship and intimacy they shared with that person private.

A coping mechanism

Eunice Gorman is a professor at King’s University College who is an expert in grief and bereavement. She explains that while some people manage to get through their grief in more traditional ways, others really struggle and a tattoo can act as a coping mechanism that is unique to the individual. Gorman believes that tattoos act as a coping mechanism as it links people to their loved one and offers something physical that they can see and touch, helping to remember them.

Remembering a better time through art

The image of a loved one passing can be traumatic, such as when it’s due to a decline in health or an accident. Memorial tattoo designs can be chosen to represent a happy memory or representation of that person, helping to distract from bad memories. The artwork can transport people back to a happier time.

Designs like animals that were associated with the loved one, a portrait of them when they were younger and healthy, or a favorite quote of theirs can help people to focus on those happier times. Alternatively, simply having their name, initials or a small symbol can be all someone needs to remember that person.

Memorial tattoos can be small, delicate, and highly private or they can be large and in an obvious place that will trigger conversation. They help people to connect to their deceased loved one and often act as a coping mechanism for dealing with grief in a personal and unique way.

Baby oil is a humble product that is typically 98% mineral oil and 2% fragrance, though it can be purchased as a 100% mineral oil. It’s often walked past and ignored as people make their way to the expensive shelves of chemical-containing skincare and beauty products. However, the benefits of baby oil are vast, varying from a hair conditioning treatment to a savvy shaving cream swap.

Baby Oil Cleansing

Baby oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores, so it’s often used as a base for a lot of expensive oil cleansers. You can use baby oil on its own to get the same great results and you’ll probably be surprised at just how much makeup and dirt comes off your face at the end of each day. You can add other oils to the baby oil based on your skin type and what it’s in need of, such as tea tree oil, which is antibacterial so it can prevent acne, or carrot seed essential oil for aging and sun damaged skin. All you need to do is apply a little of your baby oil or oil mix all over your face and gently massage it in circles, which will also help to clear pores. Massage for 2 to 5 minutes, then wipe off any excess with warm water on a clean cloth.

Eye makeup removal

For people with oily skin, it can be difficult to come to terms with covering your whole face with more oil, despite the benefits of baby oil. However, removing eye makeup can be difficult, particularly for waterproof products that can require a lot of scrubbing which should be avoided around such a delicate area. Apply some baby oil onto a makeup pad and gently wipe to remove mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and any other products. No harsh scrubbing needed.

Baby oil shaving ‘cream’

Using baby oil in place of expensive shaving creams is as simple as it sounds. Just put it on whichever body part you’re shaving and get to it. The added bonus to this is that is acts as a moisturizer for the top layers of skin as it’s an emollient. You can also add some essential oils for additional skin benefits, such as lavender oil or frankincense that are great for dry skin.

Clean and condition your makeup brushes

Professional makeup artists recommend conditioning makeup brushes no more than once every other week as it can make them too soft and difficult to use, but cleaning should be done weekly. Using baby oil can clean and condition your brushes at the same time, which is important for preventing a buildup of bacteria on them and keeping them soft enough, especially if they’re made from real hair. On the alternate weeks, it’s a good idea to use a regular brush cleaning product to keep them clean. All you need to do is apply a few drops of baby oil into your hand or a small container and swish your brush around on it to release any makeup that has built up and remove germs. Rinse with warm water and let them air dry, shaping the bristles first.

Baby oil as a deep conditioner for your hair

Baby oil is not only good for the skin, removing makeup and cleaning your makeup brushes, but it’s also great for your hair when it needs a bit of love and attention. Baby oil can make hair instantly softer, glossier and give it a healthy appearance. Apply a small amount to a makeup pad, tissue or cotton ball and let it absorb it. Rub it over your hair, focusing on the ends and let the oil soak into your hair. If you’re going to style it after, wait for a little while first to get the most benefits. Avoid putting baby oil directly onto your hair as it can weigh it down and make it look greasy.

There are many other uses for baby oil and it’s a great product to experiment with based on your skin, beauty routine and needs. It’s so versatile and inexpensive that everyone should have a bottle of it in their homes.

SilkPeel facials can rejuvenate aging skin, are great for people with acne, and are so quick they can be done on your lunch break. SilkPeel facials, technically known as SilkPeel dermalinfusion microdermabrasion treatments, exfoliate the skin to remove old skin cells, unclog pores, and improve circulation, while a nourishing serum targets aging skin by hydrating it and delivering nutrients. When compared to traditional microdermabrasion treatments, SilkPeel facials are superior, as they exfoliate and nourish in one treatment, while being less abrasive. They’re a non-invasive, painless treatment that offers quick results.

How do SilkPeel facials work?

SilkPeel facials use a machine-operated skin exfoliating treatment. It has an exfoliating diamond treatment head that is connected to a closed-loop vacuum system so that it safely exfoliates the skin while delivering a topical, nourishing serum solution to the upper layers at the same time. It’s a non-invasive treatment that can be done on almost any type of skin, usually takes 30-60 minutes, and can be repeated every 3 to 4 weeks for best results. SilkPeel facials are particularly good for people with acne, acne scarring, skin discoloration, and fine lines and wrinkles. It can also reduce damage done by the sun, such as age spots and hyperpigmentation. People can get back to their normal routine straight after, but it’s recommended that sunscreen is used vigilantly to protect the new skin cells following the removal of the top ones.

Great for people with acne

If pores are clogged, many acne skin care products won’t work as effectively as they could, as the skin is prevented from absorbing them. SilkPeel facials exfoliate these clogged pores, which helps to remove sebum from them, a common cause of acne, and allow for better absorption of topical acne products, as well as reducing pore size over time. In addition to this, simply keeping pores clean can significantly improve mild to moderate acne. SilkPeel facials can also benefit people with acne scarring, as they help to encourage growth of new skin cells.

Rejuvenate skin and improve complexion

What SilkPeel facials do is essentially buff the skin by gently removing old skin cells. The serum used has anti-aging properties that can add hydration to the skin and provide nourishment. This helps to regenerate the outer layers of the skin, resulting in reduced pore size and an improved appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. SilkPeel facials use a dermal infusion serum treatment that contains powerful anti-aging ingredients to improve the signs of aging. Combined with exfoliating, this results in skin that can accelerate its healthy cell turnover and an increased blood flow to the top layers of the skin, further promoting healthy skin cells. The diamond treatment head used to exfoliate helps to give a balanced and radiant complexion.

A typical SilkPeel facial appointment

For the best results, technicians should begin by preparing the skin with a deep cleansing of the skin, followed by a clarifying mask that is applied for a few minutes to help draw impurities out of the skin. While this is on, a deep massage will be done to the face and neck. The SilkPeel treatment is then applied using a customized serum to suit each person’s skin. This takes about 15 minutes. Next, topical vitamins and minerals are applied to the skin, followed by a layer of sunscreen. In total, this takes 50-60 minutes, but can be done in as little as 30 minutes if the extras are skipped and just the SilkPeel facial is done.

How much do SilkPeel facials cost?

Prices vary depending on location, but people can expect to pay around $125 per treatment. However, some places will offer a discount when several treatments are booked at once, as this offers the best results. It’s possible to find cheaper options, but it’s important to go with experienced and trained technicians who can customize the nourishing treatment serum specifically to their patients, the current condition of their skin and what their individual goals are.

SilkPeel facials are great for aging and acne-prone skin, as well as for anyone who wants to improve their overall complexion and the health of their skin.

Chelsee Lewis has been in the beauty industry for over 22 years and has worked with celebrities like Stella McCartney, Gwyneth Paltrow, Suki Waterhouse, and Erin O’Connor. She specializes in making bespoke skincare plans and treatments for each of her clients based on their individual goals. What makes her a little different is that some of her methods are a little quirky, such as using sperm as a face mask and microneedles on your lips.

Reduce stress with sex

Sex helps to lower stress hormones that can cause havoc on the skin, but it also helps to balance other hormones and improve collagen production. Sex will give you an immediate glow as it boosts oxygen and improves circulation. Lewis recommends taking things a little further with a sperm face mask to fight wrinkles. Sperm contains spermine, an antioxidant compound that reduces wrinkles, smooths skin and prevents acne. One thing that the celebrity facialist hasn’t revealed is how she found this out.

Microneedling your lips

Microneedling is commonly used to treat and improve wrinkles, acne scarring, loose skin, fine lines, stretch marks, and pigment problems. Lewis recommends using it on your lips instead for plumper, fuller lips that are soft, thanks to a microneedle device that uses 12 small needles. There are no side effects and you don’t need to wait to show off your lips after the procedure as the results are instant.

Braving the ice for brighter skin

Lewis claims that using ice on the skin is one of her favorite ways to wake up tired-looking skin. She recommends filling up the basin with cold water and ice cubes to help drop the temperature. Splash the water onto your face 15 to 20 times to help close pores and brighten skin. If you wear makeup, apply it afterwards and it will sit beautifully

Coconut oil pulling

Oil pulling is becoming a popular trend and it’s something that Gwyneth Paltrow swears by to keep her teeth looking their best, but it’s also believed there are benefits to the skin. Swish a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes before brushing your teeth or eating. This exercises your lower face muscles to tighten the skin and reduce any drop that happens with age. Coconut oil also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties so it can ‘pull’ impurities out of the body, giving you more energy and clearer, healthier skin.

Ultrasound for anti-aging

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a new non-surgical facelift treatment that lifts and tightens loose or sagging skin around the neck and face. It focuses energy to stimulate deep layers of supporting skin without damaging the surface of the skin. This stimulates new collagen growth, which is responsible for firmer, toned skin. Results develop over two to three months, but some clients have reported improvements up to six months after. HIFU essentially offers the results of a facelift without undergoing surgery and with a lot less risk involved.

For some people, if it’s good enough for celebrities it’s good enough for them. Others will be more inclined to ask questions before putting their partner’s sperm around their eyes and may opt for something a little more mainstream. Some of Lewis’ other ideas are easier to get on board with, such as washing your face with very cold water and oil pulling.

The vegan cosmetics industry is set to reach $20.8 billion by 2025 as more and more people are not only turning to a vegan diet, but also a vegan lifestyle. The majority of vegans are motivated by doing as little harm as possible to animals, but the truth is that non-vegan cosmetics contain animal ingredients that can be doing more harm to your skin than good. It’s time for everyone to make the switch to vegan beauty products for the sake of your skin, if nothing else.

What’s wrong with beeswax?

Beeswax is an incredibly common ingredient in beauty products, especially when it comes to the world of natural products. Beeswax isn’t considered a vegan ingredient because it’s a byproduct of honeycomb, which is made by the bees. It’s commonly used as a natural emulsifier or thickener because it does a good job of binding water and oil elements of a product together for a smooth application. It’s also often used in balms because it’s a natural way of creating a barrier on the surface of the skin. This is because the skin cannot absorb beeswax, so it will sit on the skin and can lead to blocked pores and irritated, sensitive skin. It can also leave behind an oily residue and makes products feel quite heavy.

Lanolin and sensitive skin

Lanolin is in everything from shaving cream and manicure sets to eyeliner and lipstick. It comes from a sheep’s sebaceous gland and is used as a lubricant in products to give the skin a soft, smooth appearance. Other than not being vegan, the problem with lanolin is that is can cause sensitivity and allergic contact dermatitis, even in people who don’t usually get reactions.

It’s unclear why, but it could be due to the strong fungicides used on animals to get rid of parasites leaving residue in the lanolin or that a sheep’s skin is so similar to humans that the lanolin can deeply penetrate, increasing the risk of sensitivity. Lanolin also goes through quite a complex process before it’s used in beauty products, so anything along the way could be to blame. Overall, there are much better ingredients that can be used that don’t involve animals or the risk of a reaction.

Vegan products have less ingredients

In general, vegan beauty products contain less ingredients, less chemicals, and more water. Some chemicals will claim to have various benefits for the skin, such as anti-wrinkle properties, but they’re actually counteracting different chemicals that have caused the wrinkles in the first place. No one should be using chemicals on their skin and most vegan products will automatically avoid them, opting for a more natural approach. What skin does need to stay healthy is hydration and vitamins, which vegan products are usually packed with. The skin can absorb plant-based ingredients easier too, so you’ll find that vegan products work more effectively than non-vegan ones.

Along with these great reasons to switch to plant-based vegan products is the main reason that started it all in the first place. No animals were used to make the products and most vegan companies are against animal testing too. Not only should vegans be using vegan beauty products, but anyone who wants great skin should be too.

Every year, 45 million Americans go on a diet, many hoping to lose a large amount of weight. For those that succeed, it can mean that their tattoos become distorted, stretched, faded or saggy. Likewise, those that gain weight, intentionally or not, such as bodybuilders, face similar issues when it comes to their tattoos due to how the skin stretches. If weight loss or gain is intentional it’s best to do it slowly and moisturize the skin to improve its elasticity and appearance.

Problematic areas and tattoos

Some body parts are more prone to weight changes as they’re fattier areas, such as the belly, upper arms, hips, and thighs. If you have a tattoo in one of these areas it’s likely that it may distort, move and stretch with the skin when weight is lost or gained. Smaller tattoos, especially in these areas, are more likely to be affected and they’re also more difficult to fix afterwards. Unlike larger tattoos, small tattoos can’t easily be touched up to replace any faded ink or join lines up where stretch marks have separated the ink. Symmetrical and highly detailed, intricate designs are likely to look distorted as they depend on precise linework that can easily change with weight loss or gain.

How to minimize distortion

If you’ve decided to start losing or gaining weight, but you have tattoos in problematic areas, there are some things you can do to reduce how much the tattoo may change. Weight changes should be gradual so that the skin maintains as much elasticity as possible and can stretch and shrink as needed, without overworking it. This can reduce the chance and severity of stretch marks, as well as how much your tattoo will change.

Your skin will benefit from good hydration, so drinking plenty of water will also result in fewer changes to your tattoo. A good moisturizer can also help to keep skin hydrated, as well as reduce irritation and itchiness that can occur with the skin stretching or shrinking. A tattoo-specific moisturizer isn’t necessary, but it can help to care for the ink and they’re often designed to relieve itchiness.

Getting a tattoo ‘fixed’

So, you’ve reached your weight goal and your tattoo is left looking a bit sorry for yourself. Depending on the tattoo and how much it’s been affected, it’s possible to get it rectified to improve its appearance. Large tattoos can often be filled in where stretch marks have separated the ink, but it’s a good idea to wait for the stretch marks to settle. Ideally, a few months at the same weight should give your skin chance to adjust and tattooing over stretch marks will hurt less this way. It also reduces the chance of the new ink distorting if your weight changes again.

Smaller tattoos may become too distorted to fix, but they’ll often fade or become smaller in the process, so they can be easily covered up with a bigger design. Where possible, return to the original tattoo artist. Some artists refuse to work on or go over others’ tattoos, especially if they’re still in business and are nearby, but this is down to artist discretion.

Just because tattoos have the potential to change when you lose or gain weight, it doesn’t mean that they will. Genetics play a part, as well as your overall health, how well you look after your skin and how quickly your body weight changes. Try to avoid getting tattoos on areas prone to fat and wait several months to get tattoos fixed to give the skin time to heal and to stabilize your weight.

The world is getting much smarter, from smart-home technologies like voice-activated lights and climate control to self-driving cars. It’s no surprise the tattoo industry is also considering the implementation of smart tech to improve the overall experience. Smart tattoo inks are currently being developed to create inks that indicate a health issue, such as changing color after too much UV exposure, but a lot of these smart inks would require a different injection technique to the traditional methods. As such, existing tattoo machines are being analyzed to see how they work in comparison to new, smart tattoo machines that are less invasive and more precise.

Needle-less tattooing

The University of Twente, based in the Netherlands, has developed a micro-jet injection technology that doesn’t require any needles at all. It works by using an ultrafast liquid jet that rapidly heats up above boiling point with the help of a laser. As the fluid heats up, it forms a vapor bubble that grows and pushes the liquid out at speeds of up to 100 meters per second, or 360 km per hour. The jet is about as thick as a human hair and can easily penetrate the skin, but it hurts less than a needle and can be compared to a mosquito bite. There’s also less ink waste involved due to how precise the method is, and needles don’t need to be changed and disposed of per person to avoid contamination.

Little development in current tattooing methods

Tattooing dates back thousands of years, starting with a very simple hand-poked method where the ink, often made from soot or charcoal, was pushed into the skin with thorns or a specially-designed tool that is hit by a hammer, often made from bamboo or stone. This moved onto the commonly used method today of an electric machine, which used to be powered by foot, to speed up the process and with commercial inks that are sterile and safer.

Other than this, there hasn’t really been any evolution of the tattooing process until now. Researchers behind the micro-jet have said that, surprisingly, the classic needle application has never been thoroughly researched in the way they have been doing, such as by using high-speed images.

Direct comparison of traditional needle vs. smart machines

The University of Twente recently published a study in the American Journal of Applied Physics comparing a needle with their fluid jet method. They used various commercially available inks as professional tattoo artists would. The micro-jet was found to consume very little energy, does minimal skin damage and the efficiency of the injection is much higher than a needle, as well as a small cross-contamination risk.

Currently, the micro-jet is a single jet, whereas a lot of artists will use multiple needles at once, depending on what they’re trying to achieve, such as shadowing. The volume of ink that the jet can currently deliver is too low and needs to be increased before it can be considered for wider use. These are the next steps that the researchers are working on to achieve needle-less tattooing.

Other applications

As with most technology, the application of the micro-jet fluid and delivery system has applications to other areas that can benefit the skin. Techniques that resemble tattooing are already used for masking scars and treating hair diseases. This new method could be used for these to give a smoother process and is also being considered for vaccinations. The health benefits of using smart inks with a smart tattoo machine are huge, but the biggest problem is making a tattoo serve for both cosmetic and health purposes at the same time.

Combining smart inks with smart tattoo applications could transform the industry, as well as overflowing into other skin care technologies. The research is a little way off still to be able to combine an aesthetically pleasing tattoo that serves a functional health benefit, but it’s only a matter of time.

Red light therapy (RLT) uses red low-level wavelengths of light to treat a variety of skin problems, from cosmetics issues, like improving the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles, to treating serious conditions, such as slow-healing wounds and the side effects of chemotherapy. Originally, it was used by scientists to grow plants, where they discovered that it promotes growth and photosynthesis. They then used this to increase the energy inside human cells in the hope of treating muscle atrophy, slow wound healing, and problems with bone density caused by space travel. Today, RLT is used for a wide array of conditions, particularly problematic skin.

How does RLT work?

A lot of research has been done into RLT, but there’s still a lot to learn about how it works. It’s believed that RLT produces a biochemical effect in cells that results in mitochondria strengthening. Mitochondria are the parts of a cell where energy is created. The molecules that carry this energy in cells is known as ATP. By making mitochondria work more effectively, a cell can make more ATP. Essentially, what this means is that cells will have more energy, which means they can function better to rejuvenate themselves and repair damage.

What can RLT be used for?

Using RLT is considered an experimental treatment, as research into it is still being conducted, but there is enough evidence to show that is can be used for plenty of conditions. Skin conditions include wound healing, ulcers, psoriasis, preventing cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, and improving scar tissue appearance and tightness. Cosmetically, it can also help with the skin’s complexion and build up collagen to help with the appearance of wrinkles.

RLT can promote hair growth for androgenic alopecia, and provide pain and inflammation relief for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and Achilles tendons. RLT can also be used to prevent oral mucositis and other side effects caused by cancer treatments, as it helps to activate some of the medicines used.

Are there any side effects?

Laser and pulsed light therapies work by damaging the outer layers of the skin in a controlled way to promote tissue repair. The good thing about RLT is that it doesn’t cause any damage, yet still stimulates the cells to have the same results as other light therapies. Generally, RLT is safe and painless, but some people have experienced burns and blistering. However, most of these have been caused by people falling asleep on RLT beds in salons or using devices with faulty wires or corrosion that shouldn’t have been used in the first place. There’s a risk of RLT causing damage to the eyes, the same as other laser therapies do, so wearing eye protection is essential during treatments.

Where to get RLT treatments

Where you get RLT treatment will depend on what you want to use it for. For cosmetic treatments, there are plenty of salons, gyms, and spas that have options available, including the use of RLT beds. You can also buy your own devices to use at home, but if you plan to do this, make sure it’s an FDA approved product. These are generally used for treating the signs of aging and improving complexion. For conditions that need targeted and more intense treatment, you should see a dermatologist. It’s likely you’ll need several treatments before any difference is noticeable.

For serious medical conditions, like psoriasis, using RLT for pain relief and cancer-related treatments, you should discuss the options with your doctor. Currently, RLT isn’t covered by insurance companies as its effectiveness is still questionable, but some providers will cover its use for cancer patients.

Despite still being considered an experimental treatment, there’s plenty of research to prove the effectiveness of RLT. You should always speak to a dermatologist or doctor before self-treating, particularly for more serious conditions, but RLT does offer promising results.

You may be surprised to learn that harmful bacteria is lurking in your makeup, which can lead to infections and diseases, particularly if you share your makeup. For this reason, it’s important to store your makeup correctly and replace it after it’s been open for a certain amount of time or if it starts to look or smell off. It’s also crucial to avoid sharing any makeup, whether it’s with your friends or samples at the store. The ultimate goal is to have the perfect makeup look while putting your health first.

Safe storage of makeup

Bacteria will thrive in a dark, moist environment, which is exactly what some of your favorite makeup containers offers, such as the inside of a lipstick lid. Most products will contain preservatives to help prevent bacteria from growing, but this depends on them being stored correctly. Firstly, make sure you close containers correctly to stop air, moisture and germs getting into them. Secondly, always store makeup at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight as this can not only ruin your products, but speed up bacteria growth. According to the FDA, it’s dangerous to store makeup above 85℉, or 29℃.

Common bacteria found in sample makeup

Researchers took makeup tester products and found the staph, strep and E.coli bacteria bacteria in them. Another commonly associated condition related to sharing makeup is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an extremely contagious infection of the lining of the eyelid that causes redness, itchiness and watery eyes for up to two weeks and may need to be treated with prescription medicated eye drops. Additionally, the herpes simplex virus has been found in lip products.

The virus causes cold sores and, while the sores can be cured, the disease cannot be. You should be particularly aware of how easy it is to contract herpes through shop samples and avoid them unless there is a disposable sample applicator that prevents people from directly touching the product. You should also bear this in mind if you ever get makeup applied at a store as they tend to use the same products on all customers.

How often should you replace your liquid eye makeup?

It’s not a requirement for makeup manufacturers to put an expiration date on products, largely because it can vary so much. However, there are some general guidelines that should be followed to reduce the chance of bacteria growing in your own makeup supplies that could lead to infections. Mascara and liquid eyeliners should be disposed of after three months of opening as they are in dark containers with a moist product inside that is being applied to the eyes, one of the most likely body parts to contract an infection. However, if your mascara or eyeliner starts to look different, smells off or has been exposed to extreme temperature changes then it’s a good idea to replace it. Also, if you’ve had an eye infection of any sort, replace all of your eye makeup regardless of how long you’ve had it.

Expiry date of other makeup

Any other liquid products, such as foundation, lip gloss, and highlighter, should be replaced after around six months, along with any other products that contain water, including creamy eyeshadows and blushers. This is because they’re a moist environment that bacteria will thrive in if left too long. For this same reason, never add water to products as it can not only cause a breeding ground, but also stop preservatives from working.

Anything that contains little moisture and is a powder-based formula has a much better shelf life, lasting up to two years. This includes pencil eyeliner, lip liner, powder eye shadow, foundation and blush. Again, if it smells or looks different before two years, take it as a warning sign and replace it.

Clean your makeup brushes

85% of women spend at least $10 on a single makeup brush. And that’s understandable as a good brush can make applying makeup easier and result in a better look. Yet 39% of people clean their brushes less than once a month and 22% don’t clean them at all. Even without sharing brushes, your own skin is covered in oil and bacteria which will get transferred to your brushes where it will harbor and can increase your risk of infections and acne breakouts.

You can still have a makeover with your friends if everyone brings their own products and brushes to avoid spreading bacteria. You’ll also be confident that your products have been stored correctly, which will help you to have healthy, glowing skin that makeup will sit on perfectly.