You just stepped out of the med spa, feeling radiant after your latest treatment. But how do you maintain that healthy, youthful glow? The answer might surprise you: it all starts with your makeup hygiene routine! Here’s the often-overlooked secret: keep your makeup brushes clean and ditch expired products.

Dirty Brushes = Breakout City

• Bacteria Bonanza: Our skin is naturally home to some bacteria, but a buildup of dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells creates a breeding ground for harmful ones. These bacteria can clog pores, leading to pimples, blackheads, and even more severe infections.
• Weakened Defense: When skin is dirty, its natural protective layer weakens. Making the skin more susceptible to irritation from harsh chemicals and vulnerable to infections caused by fungi or viruses.
• Eye Trouble: Leaving eye makeup on overnight is a recipe for disaster. Mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can trap bacteria and clog delicate glands around the eyes, potentially leading to eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes (bumps on the eyelid), and blepharitis (inflamed eyelids). Luscious lash extensions are no excuse not to maintain a healthy regimen of eye cleanliness; in fact, they may be even more of a reason to establish good habits. Not cleaning your extensions can lead to Demodex mites!
• Healthy Habits: Gently cleansing your face removes dirt, oil, and makeup, allowing your skin to repair and regenerate while you sleep. This leads to a healthier, brighter complexion overall. Post-treatment is really a critical time for your skin to optimize its restorative processes, and cleanliness is key to allowing it to breathe and heal.
• Long-Term Benefits: Consistent cleansing helps prevent premature aging and keeps your skin looking youthful for longer.

Remember: When removing eye makeup, use a gentle eye makeup remover specifically formulated for the delicate eye area. Harsh rubbing can irritate the eyes, so be sure to be gentle.

Imagine applying makeup with a paintbrush you haven’t cleaned since last year. Yuck, right? That’s essentially what happens when you neglect your brushes. Over time, they accumulate dead skin cells, oil, and – yes – bacteria. This bacteria party can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to breakouts, irritation, and even allergic reactions. If you won’t use an old, dirty brush you haven’t cleaned to paint a wall, why would you use it to paint your face?

Expired Makeup? More Like Expired Results

Makeup has a lifespan, just like your favorite yogurt. Expired products lose effectiveness and can break down, potentially causing skin concerns like dryness, redness, and infections. The color payoff and application suffer, leaving you frustrated and with less-than-stellar makeup and skin care results. Additionally, if you double-dip from your face to a palette, the makeup itself can start to harbor bacteria over time.

So, How Do You Achieve Lasting Radiance?

Here’s the good news: maintaining a healthy makeup routine is simple!

• Fresh Start for Fresh Skin: Med spa treatments often involve exfoliation or other procedures that leave your skin slightly more vulnerable. Dirty brushes harbor bacteria, dead skin cells, and old makeup residue. Applying this cocktail of impurities directly onto freshly treated skin can irritate it, clog pores, and potentially lead to breakouts.
• Brush Up on Cleaning: Aim to deep clean your brushes at least once weekly with a gentle brush cleanser. Many beauty brands offer convenient cleaning solutions specifically designed for makeup brushes.
• Out with the Old, In with the New: Regularly declutter your makeup bag. Check for expiration dates and toss anything past its prime. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace the product. This goes for all your OTC oils, such as vitamin C or Hyaluronic acids. Often, these come with carrier oils that, if not checked, can go rancid and be ineffective in your skincare routine.

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your makeup hygiene and application is smooth, flawless, and, most importantly, gentle on your skin. Your investment in med spa treatments will have a longer-lasting impact, and your inner glow will shine through, makeup or not! All these tips are especially true when you have undergone more invasive treatments, leaving the skin open, peeling or changing during the healing process. Make sure when consulting your licensed esthetician to be honest about your skin care and cleanliness regimen, so the experts at Renew Medical Spa can make accurate skin assessments.

Bonus Tip: While decluttering, consider investing in high-quality makeup brushes. They’ll last longer and provide a more professional, even application, further enhancing your results. Remember, a healthy makeup hygiene routine is an extension of your skincare routine. By keeping your brushes clean and your products fresh, you’ll be well on your way to achieving and maintaining that coveted post-med spa glow!