WCSH turns to 51品茶to learn what types of bacteria can grow on makeup brushes

Meghan May tests a makeup brush for bacteria

Meghan May, Ph.D., associate professor of Biomedical Sciences and infectious disease in the 51品茶 College of Osteopathic Medicine, was featured in a recent story about the bacteria found on makeup brushes.

For the segment, May tested several makeup brushes that had not been cleaned in about a year. She said that some microorganisms that can be found on these makeup applicators are those that live in or on pets, fecal coliforms and staphylococcus, which is what causes staph infections but can also live harmlessly on our skin.

"All humans, every single one of us, have microbes living on our skin,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey're actually doing us quite a service, they're protecting our skin from other infectious agents. They're very important to our health."

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