How to Clean Your Skin Care Tools

Skin care tools are a great addition to any skin care routine, as these tools can help enhance and improve the efficacy of your skin care products, in turn improving the overall look of your skin. But while you may be focused on washing your face, you can’t forget to clean your skin care tools as well. 

Just like with makeup brushes, cleaning your skin care tools is super important so that you don’t transfer any product buildup, germs, or bacteria from your tool to your face. Read on to find out how to clean your skin care tools, as well as how often you should be doing so.

How to Clean Skin Care Tools

Below, we’re sharing the best methods for cleaning four different types of skin care tools.

How to Clean a Gua Sha

Gua sha is a massage technique that originated in East Asia, and the gua sha tool that is used for the massage is a smooth-edged beauty device usually made of jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel. 

To clean a gua sha tool, take some warm water and soap in a bowl (you can even use your face cleanser for this) and gently wash your gua sha. Use your hands to lather up with the soap, dip the gua sha into the bowl, and repeat the process a few times. Then, remove the massager from the bowl, rinse it off with clean water, then let it dry on a towel.

For extra cleaning power, you can spray some isopropyl alcohol on the tool after it’s dry. As for how often you should be cleaning your gua sha, aim to deep clean it once every three to four days, while making sure you wipe it with a soft towel before every use.

How to Clean a Face Cleansing Brush

While you may think your face cleansing brush doesn’t need a deep clean because you’re putting your face wash on it everyday, your face brush still needs to be cleaned regularly, as the bristles on the brush can get caked in buildup and bacteria over time. The first step is to make sure that you’re rinsing your cleansing brush after every use so your cleanser isn’t sitting on the bristles for longer than it needs to. Then, Just hold the bristles under a stream of water for 15–20 seconds. 

To give your face cleaning brush a deep clean, unscrew and remove the brush head, then take some soap onto your fingers or a fresh toothbrush and start to scrub the bristles. Rinse the bristles with warm water and set the brush head aside to dry before placing it back onto the handle. Repeat this once a week. Additionally, you should replace the head of your brush about every two to three months.

How to Clean a Jade Roller

Jade rollers are handheld facial massage tools that are usually made with two jade stones, but some rollers are also made with rose quartz. They’re used for facial massage and are believed to help stimulate blood flow.

Clean your jade roller after each use by wiping down the roller with a damp cloth. Once or twice a week, apply soap to a damp cloth and wipe the roller for 15-30 seconds before rinsing it off with clean water. To further sanitize it, apply rubbing alcohol onto your roller after cleaning it. Just remember not to submerge your jade roller in water for long periods of time, and don’t use water that’s too hot or too cold to avoid damaging the stone.

How to Clean a Microcurrent Device  

Handheld microcurrent devices are used to stimulate facial muscles to reduce wrinkles and give your skin a lifted appearance.

The first step in cleaning your device is to make sure it isn’t currently plugged in. Then, take a damp cloth and wipe the entire tool, taking care to never submerge it in water. For a deeper clean, apply some rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe off the device. Clean your device with water after each use, and clean with the rubbing alcohol once a week.

Next: How to Properly Clean Makeup Brushes and Blenders

Written by: Témi Adebowale, Photo: iStock