How makeup can harm your eyes and what to do to reduce your risk

What problems can cause eye makeup

Discomfort from eye make-up occurs due to the application of cosmetics - mascara, eyeliner or shadows - in the immediate vicinity of the mucous membrane of the eye. Even if you do it carefully, in the process of prolonged wear, the cosmetics can smear on the eyelids, and the mascara begins to crumble - and now small particles of the product end up on the surface of the eye. When itching or burning occurs, you often want to rub your eyes, which only exacerbates the situation.

In the high-risk area - allergy sufferers, people with increased eye sensitivity, dry eye syndrome and contact lens wearers. And if allergic reactions on the skin in most cases make themselves felt immediately, then intraocular changes when using cosmetics can appear much later. Accumulating for a long time, microparticles can contaminate the lacrimal canals and glands, which can disrupt their work and even provoke eye diseases.

Let's list the unpleasant consequences that cosmetics can provoke, as well as lack of hygiene when making up.

• Itching, burning, inflammation and redness of the eyelid skin. Typical manifestations of an allergic reaction, which can be felt if your body does not tolerate any of the components of the product.
• Conjunctivitis, blepharitis, chalazion. The listed bacterial inflammations can develop due to the use of outdated cosmetics. But most often bacteria get on the eyelashes and eye skin from the surface of dirty applicators and brushes, and from there - into the eye.
• Inflammation of the meibomian glands (meibomitis). This disease occurs due to the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that can be brought into the eyes dirty hands or using someone else's cosmetics.
• Corneal injury. The use of glittery eyeshadows can cause scratches on the cornea.

How to prevent discomfort using cosmetics

The easiest and safest way is to skip eye makeup altogether. And this must be done if you have received such a recommendation from an ophthalmologist - for example, in case of severe dry eye syndrome or allergic reactions. If you are not ready to stop using cosmetics and do not want to harm your eyes, follow these important rules.

1. Choose hypoallergenic products

Especially if you suffer from eye sensitivities and allergic reactions. As a rule, the packaging of such products has the inscription "Approved by ophthalmologists". Despite this, study the composition of the products yourself. For example, the natural dye carmine in hypoallergenic mascara can irritate your eyes. And mascaras with a "long eyelash" effect contain nylon fibers that can crumble, causing inconvenience to owners of sensitive eyes.

The safest formulations contain water, glycerin, panthenol, beeswax (but not carnauba), and various vitamins. Mascara with a similar composition will also be the best option for those who wear lenses.

2. Keep a close eye on the expiration date of your cosmetics

Remember that eye makeup is applied very close to the surface of the eye. One awkward movement and pigment particles accidentally fall inside. So never use stale cosmetics.

3. Choose specific decorative means

Eyeshadow lovers should opt for creamy, rather than crumbly and compact (powdery) versions, the particles of which crumble after long wear.

For girls with sensitive eyelid skin and a tendency to allergies, liquid shadows are not recommended due to alcohol in the composition - it is better to give preference mineral shadows. Their composition is safer, but there are nuances: such funds are less persistent and pigmented.

Glitter eyeshadows should be abandoned by girls who wear contact lenses: glitter easily sticks to the lens surface. Such lenses should not be worn; if they become dirty, they should be removed immediately and replaced with a clean pair. Also, glitter can injure the eye if it gets caught in the space between the eye and the lens.

3. Keep brushes and applicators clean

Rinse them thoroughly regularly to avoid buildup bacteria on the surface. It is best to use special cleansers, but soap can be used as well. And of course, brushes, as well as mascara and leash, should be as individual as a toothbrush.

4. Use moisturizing drops

Apply natural tear substitutes half an hour before applying the make-up. This is especially true for those who suffer from dry eyes. To choose a remedy, it is better to consult a specialist.

5. Do not paint over the inner edge of the eyelid

Draw the line away from the mucous membrane - this way you will avoid clogging of the ducts of the meibomian glands and the tear film.

6. Apply mascara without touching the roots

This will reduce the risk of injury to the mucous membrane.

7. Don't sleep with makeup

Makeup remover is a must. Take off your makeup before going to bed, it will help to avoid redness of the eyes.

8. Put on and take off your lenses correctly

If you wear contact lenses, insert them first and then apply makeup. Make-up should also be removed after removing the lenses.