Can Eye Makeup Cause Eye Problems?
Makeup and other cosmetic products quickly help enhance
your appearance and elevate confidence levels. However, makeup contains
substances that are harmful to the eyes and, if worn or removed improperly, can
have catastrophic repercussions.
You probably don't consider the negative consequences
that some of your favourite cosmetic products can have when you're putting on
your mascara and eyeliner. However, your pencils and magic wands may contain
dangerous germs and fungi.
Everyone treasures and values their sense of sight. We
also instinctively know to keep dangerous chemicals and toxins such as bleach,
cleansers, and insecticides away from our eyes to keep them safe and unharmed.
Optometrists tell us that they can severely harm our eyes and even result in
blindness.
But are we gradually and deliberately causing our eyes as
much harm without realizing it? We might be, in a way. To help you recognize
the symptoms and warning indications of a problem, this post includes some of
the more frequent cosmetic-related problems.
Does Makeup Give You An Eye Infection?
Eyeliner, mascara, and other cosmetics might aggravate
dry eye symptoms or create infections. The reliability of cosmetics and poor
care practices are critical reasons for makeup-related infections.
Dry eye symptoms are typically brought on by makeup,
which thins down the tear film's outermost oily layer and speeds up the
dissipation of natural tears. Additionally, one could feel irritated, itchy,
and teary, and occasionally it can lead to the formation of a stye or a painful
lump on the edge of the eyelids.
Old Makeup Causes Severe Eye Infections
The mascara wand is capable of more than merely
lengthening your lashes. It can also infect your eyes. According to
professional optometrists, women have occasionally been permanently
or temporarily rendered blind by eye
cosmetics.
Naturally, eyelashes contain germs on them. According to
specialists, a makeup brush becomes infected when it touches an eyelash or an
eyelid.
The dirty brush causes bacterial accumulation in the
cosmetics container over time. With each use of the item, the risk of an
allergic response or eye infection rises.
What Is In Your Makeup?
Some eye makeup chemicals may irritate already sensitive
skin or worsen dry eyes. Knowing what's in your makeup before you buy is
crucial since some ingredients when used in big doses, may raise your chance of
developing cancer.
In the US, for instance, some cosmetic components have
rigorous regulations or are not permitted for use in cosmetics. These chemicals
include additives, stabilizers, anti-caking agents, and color enhancers. Kohl,
often referred to as al-Kahl, kajal, or Surma, is one such ingredient. It
contains lead and has been connected to infant lead poisoning.
What Problems Can Makeup Cause on your Eyes?
By now, it's pretty evident that makeup has plenty of
risk factors for your eyes. But let's dig deeper into this and understand the
problems it causes in detail.
Cornea Scratch
Your cornea might be harmed if you rapidly apply kajal,
mascara, or eyeliner. In addition, an infected cosmetic pencil or brush might
scrape the eye's surface. In extreme circumstances, the damage could lead to a
severe infection.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
The conjunctiva, which covers the eyeball and serves as
protection, gets irritated, the blood vessels enlarge, and the eye turns red
when mascara or other beauty items touch it.
This may be brought on by irritants or harmful cosmetic
ingredients the eye cannot manage. The makeup may also include germs,
frequently acquired through cross-contamination in the toilet.
Dry Eye Syndrome
The tear film is improperly formed when the glands in the
eyelid are injured or blocked. This results in an unsteady tear film, which
aggravates dry eye conditions.
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome include gritty, dry, and
itchy eyes that frequently wet profusely when the brain tries to restart the
glands that produce tears.
Applying eyeliner to the inner eyelids frequently harms
the glands and may eventually result in dry eyes. Additionally, as the eyeliner
brushes on the tear film daily, extra debris and discomfort are produced. You
may need to head to an optometrist if this issue becomes serious.
Blepharitis
It is an inflammation of the eyelid border that results
in eyelash crusts, redness, dryness, and stinging.
How to Protect your Eyes
Let's explore how you can be careful with your makeup; follow
the mentioned steps, and you'll be good to go.
Remove
Makeup Before Bed
Makeup left overnight can block oil glands and increase
the risk of illness. Be sure to take off all of your makeup, especially
mascara, which tends to adhere to the lashes. Use an oil- and chemical-free
gel-based remover, being cautious not to get it in your eyes.
Avoid applying makeup if your eyes are red, itchy, or
irritated. The danger of eye infections increases while using eye makeup when
the eyes are itchy.
Avoid Damaging Ingredients
Optometrists suggest reading the contents list on your
products as essential. For instance, kohl, a material used to intensify eye
makeup in many countries, has been linked to lead poisoning in youngsters.
Talc, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), urea, sulphates,
and phthalates are further compounds to stay away from.
Throw Away Old Makeup
In particular, mascara creates a moist atmosphere that
might be the ideal setting for germs to grow. You run the chance of getting
pink eye or conjunctivitis as a result.
It is wise to throw away any liquid or creamy eye makeup,
such as mascara and eyeliner, after three months for this reason. You should
throw away your eye makeup immediately if it gets contaminated or if you have
pink eye.
Sensitive Eyes Need Hypoallergenic Cosmetics
If you have a history of allergies or have
sensitive eyes, use hypoallergenic eye makeup. By attentively studying the
labels, look for products designed for sensitive eyes; they are less likely to
irritate. Pharmacies and department stores with a more extensive selection sell
organic, allergen-free cosmetics.
The Takeaway!
The initial danger of wearing makeup
daily is believed to be minor because most cosmetic and makeup products go
through extensive testing before being distributed.
The likelihood of infection, irritability
and long-term harm to the application region rises when makeup is not
thoroughly removed, becomes contaminated, or is applied when a person's
allergies are already apparent.
As a result, excellent makeup hygiene is
necessary. Applying makeup around the eyes with caution helps lessen the risk
of eye damage, which can occasionally result in irritation, infection, and loss
of eyesight.