Are you the kind of person who cleans your makeup brushes regularly but still experiencing breakouts? Here is a list of items you should clean regularly. Read on to find out where the bacteria-infested areas are!
1. Phone
Be it an iPhone or Android phone, your phone screen retains a lot of bacteria from your fingers. You also leave them everywhere – from lunch table to work desk.
Why it causes breakouts:
Talking and texting without cleaning regularly causes bacteria build-up which leads to breakouts at the side of your cheeks.
How to minimise the problem:
Use a microfiber cloth to clean your screen protector regularly. Lazada retails microfiber cloths in bulk at SGD10.51, get it here. You can also use an anti-bacterial wipe to go over your phone regularly. Alternatively, try to use an earpiece when having a phone call instead.
2. Your bangs
While bangs are useful at hiding blemishes on the forehead, it also accumulates oil from the face and hair and suffocates the skin at the forehead and temples.
Why it causes breakouts:
Suffocation and excessive contact between your bangs and skin will lead to overproduction of sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. At the hairline, hair follicles get clogged and blemishes form. If you already have pimples on your forehead but use your bangs for coverage, you’re actually making your skin oilier!
How to minimise the problem:
There are a few ways this issue can be hindered without having to change your hairdo. One way would be to pin up your bangs when you’re at home or braid it when you’re out to get a chic look (see above for a tutorial)! Another way would be to use no-shine spray and to clean your forehead and temples regularly with an oil blotter throughout the day.
3. Sponges that come with your makeup products
We’re referring to the sponges and applicators that come with your foundation and blushes.
Why it causes breakouts:
With regular use but rare cleaning, a lot of residue will build up and will remain there. This will generate bacteria in the long term. With more bacteria on your face, clogged pores can get inflamed, leading to the appearance of pimples.
How to minimise the problem:
Clean your sponges regularly with a cleansing liquid. You can make your own using baby wash and warm water, check out a tutorial here.
4. Spectacles
Spectacles are fashionable and functional but did you know that dirt can accumulate along the T-zone when you’re wearing it?
Why it causes breakouts:
Nose pads and the front frame accumulate facial oil and bacteria if not cleaned daily. Moreover, if your spectacles are too tight, it would put pressure on your nose bridge which causes further clogging.
How to minimise the problem:
First, always store your glasses after you clean them in a case to prevent dust from accumulating on them. Second, check with your optician to make sure they aren’t too tight for you. Finally, daily cleaning with a microfiber cloth is recommended. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, use soap, water and a paper towel.
5. Makeup bag
You clean your makeup tools, but do you clean your storage?
Why it causes breakouts:
With all your daily essentials stored in one location, it’s easy for loose residue and bacteria to accumulate. Bacteria could get on your brushes or even other makeup items.
How to minimise the problem:
Consider getting a makeup box with different compartments. Try Sephora’s Clear Traincase that’s available at SGD46 here. It helps compartmentalise your products and you see all your products (and dirt) clearly since it’s a clear case. You’ll remember to clean it more regularly when you can see exactly where to clean! Otherwise, get a few makeup bags – use and wash them interchangeably.
6. Pillow case
Yes, where you sleep on affects your skin too. Guilty droolers should take ample note of this section.
Why it causes breakouts:
Pillow cases actually absorb a lot of bacteria from drool and oil from your hair and face. If you’re a fan of sleeping on your side or your face, take extra care! Contact with your pillow case over prolonged nights would suffocate your skin. Also, interaction with your skin and the bacteria-infested pillow case would lead to more clogging of your pores and outbreak of pimples.
How to minimise the problem:
Kudos to you if you are able to train yourself to sleep on your back throughout the night. However, another solution would be to change and clean your pillow cases regularly. Otherwise, use satin pillow cases as they are more gentle on the skin and healthier for your hair! So you can wakeup to a cleaner face and frizz-free hair. For a luxurious option, consider this silk pillowcase by Slip, available at Net-a-porter.
7. Your Hands
Remember when your school teacher reminded you to cut your nails? There’s a real reason why this helps you fall sick less and have clearer skin.
Why it causes breakouts:
Bacteria gets onto your hands and your nails from simple things like pressing the button for the lift or even opening doors. What’s more, it remains if you don’t wash or sanitise your hands properly.
How to minimise the problem:
Washing your hands with soap and hand sanitisers throughout the day would reduce bacteria build-up on your hands. Also, avoid touching your face when you know you haven’t washed your hands properly.
