Unless you use your brush without water and cream or soap the brush itself will never really touch your face. I have used pre shave oil for years and my brushes are as good as new. I do wash them once a month or so and use Borax as a soak. Sme people don't like the pre shave oil but I got hooked on it. i want to try Truefill and Hill oil, it is expensive but at 2-3 drops will last a year or more.