WCSH turns to 91AV 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 91AV 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,” she said. “They'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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About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.