Makeup, skincare, hair products: chances are all of these have a few of these in your bathroom cabinets. They help us look and feel our best, and they’re becoming increasingly popular. The cosmetics industry grew 15% just last year!
Not only are these products becoming more popular, but they are also becoming safer. There is a movement towards “clean” products that don’t have some of the dangerous ingredients, like talc.
But this doesn’t mean that all cosmetic products are now totally safe, especially when they have the ability to get into places they shouldn’t be. When we use cosmetic products, we run the risk of getting them in our eyes, which are very sensitive. This can cause irritation, infection, or even long term complications.
Makeup is one of the main offenders when it comes to cosmetic-related eye complications. After all, there are few products we put closer to our eyes. To avoid any issues, you should always avoid sharing mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. These products can hold onto bacteria, and sharing them with friends or family could spread eye disease and infection. Never put makeup directly in your eye; instead, carefully apply it outside of the lash line. Bacteria grows easily in wet environments, so products like mascara should be replaced every three months.
When it comes to products that you apply to your face, it’s best to follow similar rules. Be wary of applying face makeup with dirty hands, especially if it’s creamy. Products can easily slide into your eyes and cause irritation. You should also avoid putting skincare products with harsh chemicals near your eyes. These products can get in your eyes and cause irritation to delicate skin surrounding them.
One of the best parts of cosmetic products is getting to test out and play with new ones. However, you should use caution when it comes to eye products. Never share testers at the store, and go slowly even when trying new products at home. Allergic reactions are a common occurrence that can be painful and wreak havoc on your eye health. Aim to only introduce one new eye product at a time, testing it out in a small area. This way, if a reaction does occur, you’ll know for sure what caused it and can better identify which ingredients might be the issue.
If you experience an allergic reaction, talk to your optometrist the next time you see them. They will be able to tell you about other similar ingredients that may cause a reaction. Additionally, they may know of products that could offer a good replacement option.
Removing cosmetics at the end of the day is a whole other challenge. When you take off makeup and skincare products, you run the risk of getting products in your eyes. Always remove your eye makeup at the end of the day, because not doing so can result in serious infection or conjunctivitis. To take eye makeup off, you can use a special remover or even baby shampoo as a gentle option. When washing your face, avoid scrubbing. Harsh scrubbing formulas can scratch your eyes. Instead, opt for a gentle, unscented cleanser.
If you do end up with cosmetic products in your eye, what should you do? If you wear contacts, take them out right away, as makeup can get stuck behind them. After this, flush your eyes out with tap water. Once you feel you have everything out, use some lubricating drops to soothe your eye.
If you notice your eyes are constantly irritated, it could mean that some of your cosmetics have become an issue. Start by replacing your eye makeup, and if the problem persists, slowly replace whatever else may come in contact with your eyes.
If you’re not careful, cosmetics can pose a risk to your eyes. But with the proper practices and care, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to play and experiment with new products. If your eyes are always sensitive, it could be a sign of an underlying issue like dry eye disease. Our experienced optometrists will be able to diagnose and treat this issue.
