So many of us do whatever we can to halt the ageing process and strive for younger looking skin. We all know that spending too much time in the sun or under sunbeds, not getting enough sleep, smoking and not moisturising can all prematurely age the skin. But did you know there is one bad habit that so many of us have that can cause wrinkles and make us look older? That is using dirty make up brushes!
Over time as we use our make up brushes they become clogged up with dried make up, dead skin cells, oils and bacteria. All of this dirt can expose the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals, which then leads to wrinkles that can make you to look older!
But what are free radicals?
Well to understand this we need to go back to school chemistry lessons. Everything is made up of atoms. Electrons surround atoms in orbiting layers known as shells. Each shell has to be made up of a specific number of electrons and when that shell is full, electrons begin filling the next shell layer. When the outer shell of an atom isn't full (it doesn't have enough electrons) it might bond with another atom by using its electrons to complete its outer layer. These atoms are know as free radicals.
Ok, so what's the oxidative thing then?
As the free radicals take electrons from other stable molecules, they lose the correct number of electrons in their outer shell and become free radicals themselves. This can become a chain reaction and as your body loses the ability to control the free radicals a process called oxidative stress begins.
So what harm does this cause?
A prolonged period of oxidative stress can cause damage and premature ageing to your skin. It contributes to the loss of collagen and elastic fibres which will result in wrinkles. It can also decrease the barrier function of your skin as well as drying it out. In more serious cases it can cause mutations in your DNA which can sometimes increase your risk of skin cancer.
So what do I need to do?
Whilst some exposure to free radicals is beyond our personal control, such as pollution, there are many things we can do such as having a regular skin care regime and not smoking. But one really simple way to help reduce oxidative stress is to clean your make up brushes.
Using Natural Essentoils Brush Soap is probably the easiest and quickest way to clean your brushes and sponges. Simply rinse the brush, rub it against the soap surface, rub and rinse the brush and allow to dry. It really is that simple. Better still all of our Brush Soaps are made from 100% natural ingredients, are cruelty free, suitable for vegans and packed and shipped with zero plastic.
Brush Soaps are available in 3 different scents and cost £10.99 with free UK delivery on all orders.
Original – Tea Tree, Lemongrass & Thyme
Floral – Lavender & Geranium
Fruity – Orange, Grapefruit & Lemongrass
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