Makeup Hygiene
During cancer treatment, your weakened immune system is vulnerable to infection. It’s important to be extra vigilant about skin care and makeup hygiene.
Before applying or removing makeup or skincare products…
Wash your hands thoroughly in lukewarm water with antibacterial soap
Use a disposable hand cloth or a clean towel to dry your hands. When on the go, use travel-size hand sanitizers to protect against germs.
Only use clean hands or clean disposable cotton balls, pads, sponges, cotton swabs, or cosmetic spatulas to apply cosmetics
Throw them away after each use
Once treatment is over, you can switch back to your regular makeup brushes. But, make sure they are cleaned often with a mild soap or a specialty brush cleaner.
Product Hygiene Best Practices
Reduce the Exposure to Germs
- When you can, use products with pump dispensers (rather than things in pots or jars)
- If not, use spatulas to remove the product from containers to avoid transferring germs back into the product
- Close all lids tightly and promptly after use
- Don’t ‘double dip’ with a used applicator
- Never blow on applicators or products
- Avoid sharing personal care products – even with close friends or family members
- When purchasing, test products on your hand or wrist, not on your face
Sanitizing Makeup Products
Put 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in a small spray bottle. You can use this to disinfect most of your makeup products. Use a light spray and wait at least 30 seconds until it’s dry.
- Powders and palettes: Spritz the powder directly on the product and let it air-dry
- Liquid foundation: Dip a cotton round into rubbing alcohol and clean the bottle’s nozzle and cap thoroughly
- Eye and lip pencils: Spritz alcohol on the tip before and after sharpening and before each use
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