Sharing is caring – but not when it comes to beauty and skincare products.
While you may be tempted to borrow your friend’s mascara if you’re in a pinch, it’s best to get your own. Find out why sharing beauty products isn’t the best thing for your skin health.
Reasons you shouldn't share beauty products and the consequences
It’s easy to get in the habit of sharing products with friends, but it comes with a cost. Those with sensitive skin may have flare-ups due to ingredients that aren’t a match. Plus, beauty products that work for your friends might not match your skin type. Even worse? Sharing products also comes with transferring bacteria.
What skin products shouldn’t you share?
Many products come in jars, and most people use their fingers to scoop the product out which spreads bacteria with just one swipe. You run the risk of picking up skin cells or even active ingredients from other products that your friend last used. How can you share then? For jar-based products, use a sterile ladle to avoid direct contact.
Bars of soap are another danger zone. They take a long time to dry out after each use, and bacteria love moist environments. These bacteria can transfer from person to person, adding an unwanted third party into your friendship.
Cleansing devices are also hot spots for bacteria, which cling onto wet bristles. While your friend may rave about their skin cleansing brush, don’t share it. It’s better to keep your bacteria, and the Proactiv® Charcoal Cleansing Brush, to yourself. The Proactiv brush features different speed settings and tapered bristles for a gentle cleansing experience that’s ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
What makeup products shouldn’t you share?
Some questions that come up often are: "Can mascara cause acne or eye infections?" and "Is it ok to share eyeshadow?"
Let’s jump into a few makeup products that are on the "no share" list.
Mascara is probably the worst of the bunch. Sharing mascara is an easy way to spread eye infections. While it may feel stingy to say no, remember that sharing tools = sharing bacteria.
Let’s talk about reusable makeup brushes or sponges. These products are hosts for bacteria from your bathroom counter and your skin. Avoid sharing brushes or sponges at all costs – unless you know they’ve been freshly sanitized and washed. If you’re in a bind and need an alternative, use a Q-tip or paper towel instead.
Lip product sharing is another no-go. Whether it’s a tube of lipstick or lip-gloss, you’re running into a sticky issue – and that’s bacteria. It’s best to use your own products.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, sharing beauty products does come at a cost. Dirty makeup and brushes are hosts for bacteria that can easily transfer when sharing products. While we recommend not sharing the beauty and skincare products, there are ways to do so safely. Choose products that can be sprayed with alcohol to sanitize between uses.
Develop personal habits for cleaning your makeup products. You’ll want to regularly clean makeup brushes, applicators, and sponges once a week to avoid transferring bacteria. You can use alcohol-based makeup sprays or even your daily cleanser.
Remember, it’s important to give your skin a break so it can breathe between makeup wearing. And if you do wear makeup, fully remove it before bedtime each night using a cleanser like those in the skincare system options proactiv offers.
