This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Sharing beauty products may seem harmless, but it can have serious consequences for your skin and overall health. As reported by the Independent, cold and flu germs can live in makeup, making it a breeding ground for easily spreadable illnesses.
One of the most significant risks of sharing beauty products is the transfer of harmful bacteria. This can lead to bacterial skin infections, which can cause noticeable reactions on your skin. To avoid this, it's essential to use a wooden spatula or lollipop stick to scoop out creams and lotions from jars, rather than your fingers.
Breakouts are another common issue associated with sharing beauty products. The acne bacteria can be promoted by the transference of oil and dirt, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. These can appear on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.
Eye infections are also a risk when sharing beauty products, particularly mascara. Eyes are not protected in the same way as skin, making them more susceptible to infection. The bacteria on your eyelashes can be transferred onto the mascara wand, causing eye infections to rapidly occur.