We've all been there: you're getting ready for a night out in Bogotá or México City, and your best friend asks to borrow your favorite lipstick. It feels like a small gesture of trust, but dermatologists say it's a risk that's not worth taking.
Lipsticks, glosses, and balms are personal care items that come into direct contact with your lips and saliva. When you share them, you're also sharing whatever microscopic organisms live in your mouth and on your skin. That includes viruses and bacteria that can cause infections, some of which are more common than you might think.
The Hidden Dangers in Your Lipstick
Dr. Jack Levy, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, told Today magazine that the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is a major concern. This virus causes cold sores and can be spread even when there are no visible symptoms. Many people carry HSV-1 without knowing it, so your friend might not realize they're passing it on.
Another risk is staphylococcus bacteria, which can cause skin infections. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these bacteria can enter through tiny cuts or tears in the skin, leading to painful and sometimes serious infections. Sharing lipstick can transfer these pathogens directly to your lips, where they can easily enter your body.
It's not just lipstick—sharing any lip product, including glosses and balms, carries the same risk. The delicate skin on your lips is more vulnerable than you might think, and the mouth is a gateway for many infections.
Why Trust Doesn't Matter to Microbes
You might think that because your best friend is clean and healthy, sharing is safe. But dermatologists emphasize that personal closeness doesn't prevent the transmission of microscopic pathogens. Even if your friend has no visible cold sores or other symptoms, they could still be carrying viruses or bacteria that can affect you.
Dr. Levy explains that HSV-1 can be shed from the skin even without an active outbreak. This means that a simple swipe of lipstick could transfer the virus to your lips, potentially causing an outbreak later. Similarly, staph bacteria can live on the skin without causing problems, but they can cause infections if they enter a cut or break in the skin.
So, while it might feel like a sign of trust to share your lipstick, it's actually a risk to your health. The American Academy of Dermatology strongly advises against sharing any personal makeup items, including lip products.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Friends
To keep your lips healthy and avoid spreading infections, follow these simple guidelines:
- Keep your lip products personal. Never borrow or lend lipstick, gloss, or balm, even to close friends or family.
- Wash your hands before applying makeup. This helps prevent transferring bacteria from your hands to your lips.
- Don't apply makeup over open sores or cold sores. If you have an active outbreak, avoid using lip products until it heals.
- Replace products after any shared use. Wiping the tip with a tissue isn't enough—germs can be embedded deep in the product.
- Clean your makeup brushes regularly. Brushes can harbor bacteria and should be washed frequently.
These steps are especially important for those who are prone to cold sores or have sensitive skin. By following them, you can protect your skin barrier and prevent recurrent outbreaks.
Remember, your health is more important than a moment of sharing. Next time your friend asks to borrow your lipstick, you can politely decline and explain why. It's a small boundary that can make a big difference in your well-being.
For more on beauty and health, check out Lady Gaga's at-home makeup routine and Rihanna's Fenty Beauty event.
