Because makeup is a fun way to express yourself, it's easy to forget about the impact eye makeup can have on the health of your eyes. We've compiled a list of things to remember to decrease the risks of injury and infections while maintaining a fun way to express yourself and look great.
Most eyes have a normal amount of microbial organisms such as bacteria and even some fungi. They don’t usually cause infections but under the right circumstances have been known to do so. Wearing eye makeup is one way to increase your risks but these risks are significantly lower if you follow some simple steps to protect your eyes.
Here are 6 Simple Steps for Eye Health with Makeup
- Choose the highest quality products: topnotch brands have safety testing measures that limit too many toxic ingredients and promote more natural solutions. This will reduce risks of contact dermatitis which is a type of allergic reaction that is not only very uncomfortable but also very unattractive!
- Apply your makeup in good light and with a gentle touch: never apply your makeup while driving in the car or when you're in a hurry. Be mindful and take your time with a closeup mirror. Poking yourself in the eye with a mascara wand, eyeliner pencil, or makeup brush is a surefire way to ruin your day and possibly cause serious trauma or infection to your eyes.
- Always remove your makeup before going to bed: wash your face with a gentle cleanser and remove eye makeup with a warm and moist cloth or saturated warm-water cotton ball before you go to sleep. Avoid using oil-based products to remove your makeup, as it can clog the glands which produce necessary oils for your tear film causing dry eyes.
- Don't allow others to use your makeup stash: what's yours needs to remain clean and untarnished. We all have a normal flora of bacteria but your normal flora is not the same as another person’s so sharing makeup can lead to severe bacterial infections.
- Replace your eyeliner and mascara often: pay attention to expiration dates but ideally at least every six months. Because we have natural amounts of bacteria on our eyelids and lashes, putting those bacteria back into the same container creates a little petri dish over time. The dark, moist environment of a mascara tube is an especially excellent breeding ground for nasty bacteria and other organisms.
- Wash your makeup brushes and tools regularly: washing the brushes you use around your eyes should be done at least twice a month to protect your eyes from bacteria that accumulates on them.
See Your Eye Doctor
If you wear makeup, it's important to make sure you're taking precautions to promote good eye health. If you experience any redness, itching, or a severe reaction to your makeup, it's time to request your appointment. We know eyes, and we know how to treat yours with care.