If you have a girl gang, you’ve probably enjoyed countless get-togethers where getting ready together was half the fun. Now, go down memory lane and reminisce about the best parts of those sessions. Gossips are a given, but so is trying out each other’s makeup and skincare products.

Isn’t there always a friend whose shade of lipstick you like better than yours or someone who always has the best eyeshadow palette? And was it even sisterhood if you didn’t share lip balm?

However, it’s time to face the reality, sharing makeup and skincare products is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. This seemingly innocent habit can lead to unexpected skin problems and infections.

Skin care is a necessity and makeup is a must

Skin care is the foundation of healthy and glowing skin. “It helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier, prevents various problems and promotes a youthful appearance,” explains Dr Debjani Chakraborty, senior beauty therapist and head of aesthetics at The Wellness Company in Delhi-NCR. india today,

A tailored skin care routine tailored to individual skin type and problems can significantly improve skin texture, complexion and overall health.

Makeup, on the other hand, is an essential tool for enhancing your facial features, expressing creativity, and boosting self-confidence. It allows individuals to hide imperfections, highlight their best features, and experiment with different looks.

Apart from this, Dr. Rinky Kapoor, dermatologist at The Aesthetic Clinic, Delhi, says that good skincare makes your skin soft and glowing. It also ensures that your makeup glides on easily and lasts all day.

Makeup and skincare cost sharing

According to Dr DM Mahajan, senior consultant, dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, sharing makeup and skin care products can lead to various negative consequences, mainly related to hygiene and health concerns.

“The biggest risk is the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms between individuals, which can cause infections or aggravate existing skin problems,” the doctor says.

• Sharing eye makeup can result in conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other eye infections.
• Lip products can spread colds or other oral infections.
• Skin-to-skin contact through shared brushes or applicators can spread bacterial or fungal infections such as ringworm.

In addition, sharing skincare products can introduce foreign bacteria into the skin’s microbiome, potentially disrupting its balance. There’s also a risk of cross-contamination between products, which can affect their efficacy and safety.

In addition, Dr. Chakravarti says that sharing products can also aggravate acne by transferring oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This can clog pores and lead to acne. Products like brushes and sponges, if not cleaned properly, can contain bacteria that contribute to acne development.

Cross-contamination of products can cause allergens that may not affect one person but can cause allergies in another. These reactions can range from mild redness and itching to severe swelling and hives.

Not only that, but for individuals with existing skin problems, sharing products can introduce new microbes that delay the healing process. For example, a person with eczema may experience a flare-up when exposed to bacteria or allergens through shared products.

Threats to the skin barrier

When makeup and skincare products are shared, the risk of contamination increases significantly. Contaminated products can alter the skin’s natural microbiome, weakening the skin barrier.

A damaged skin barrier is less effective at retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stressors.

“Sharing makeup and skincare products may seem harmless, but it can cause significant damage to your skin health,” says Dr Kapoor.

It is important to remember that the products you use are chosen according to your skin type, so they may work wonders on your skin but cause acne and inflammation for others. And the same applies when you borrow products.

Compromising your skin barrier can increase your sensitivity and make your skin look dull.

What to share and what not to share

Shareable products:

• Powder-based products: These are less likely to harbor bacteria than liquid or cream-based products. However, it is still advisable to use a separate applicator.
• Tools such as brushes and sponges: these can be shared, provided they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Products that should never be shared:

• Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow): Sharing these can spread eye infections and other infectious diseases.
• Lip products (lipsticks, glosses, balms): These can spread oral infections and viruses such as herpes simplex.
• Cream and liquid-based products: These are at a higher risk of bacterial contamination, especially those stored in open jars.
• Products containing actives and acids: Skin care products containing active ingredients such as retinoids or acids should be kept personalized, as they can cause irritation if not suited to the skin type.

You should also avoid sharing beauty products that come in jars. You may often use your fingers to use them, which increases the risk of contamination. However, it is okay to share products that come with a pump dispenser or squeeze tube to reduce direct contact.

Before you get glamorous, here are some hygiene tips:

• Clean your makeup brushes, sponges, and applicators frequently to remove built-up product, oils, and bacteria.
• Always wash your hands before applying makeup or skin care products to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Pay attention to expiration dates and replace makeup and skin care products regularly to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
• Never add water or other substances to products to extend their life, as this may cause contamination.
• Store your beauty products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent degradation and bacterial growth.
• Make sure you close your makeup products after use to prevent bacteria and germs from entering.
• Touching your face randomly throughout the day is a common habit. This can lead to skin problems like acne, rashes, pimples, allergies, swelling, and redness.
• No matter how sleepy or tired you are, don’t sleep with makeup on as it can make your skin problems worse.
• When sampling products in stores, use disposable applicators and avoid applying the tester directly to the skin, especially around the eyes and mouth.
• For skin care, always patch test new products before using them fully to check for allergic reactions.