We read a lot about how important it is to wash your makeup brushes, but I have firsthand experience that proves just how much it matters. When I had hormonal acne in 2025, one of the big lifestyle changes that helped most was washing my pillowcases regularly, changing out my towels often—and washing my makeup brushes after every one or two use(s).
We seriously underestimate just how much this can impact our skin; from product buildup to bacteria, dirty sponges and brushes can do so much harm to skin health. "From a dermatology perspective, makeup brushes can easily become a reservoir for oil, bacteria, dead skin cells and product residue," explains Dr Alexis Granite, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder of Joonbyrd. "When brushes aren’t cleaned regularly, these impurities are repeatedly transferred back onto the skin, which can contribute to clogged pores, irritation and breakouts."
