Wearing makeup can be a fun way to express creativity and boost confidence. The eyes seem to benefit most from makeup. They are already stunning, often the centerpieces of the face and the window to the soul.
And because the eyes have different parts, there are many products, including eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, and artificial eyelashes. However, if you are not careful when wearing and storing these products, they can cause eye infections and injuries.
You may experience irritation, itching, discoloration, and tearing. Sometimes it can even lead to a sty and eye infections.
Eye makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Many are safe and free from contamination when new. However, use past the expiration date or improper storage can trigger bacteria and mold growth.
So, continued use will transfer these bacteria to the skin around the eyes, eyebrows, and eyelashes upon application. Bacterial and fungal infections trigger symptoms like redness, pain, irritation, itching, watering, and crust on the eyelashes.
Following the basic guides for choosing, applying, and storing eye makeup safely can protect your eyes from this kind of harm. Below are some tips you should consider to maintain good eye health.
Apply makeup outside the eye
Putting makeup so close to the eye’s surface increases the chances of an eye infection. Doing this can block oil glands which secrete the protective oils on the eye’s surface.
Always be careful when applying eye makeup to avoid smearing makeup too close to the inside of the eye.
Accidents like poking and scratching your eye with your mascara wand or eyeliner can damage the eye. It is important to apply eye makeup in a well-lit room and in front of a mirror to avoid missing your targets.
Do not share eye makeup
Sharing products can lead to cross-contamination, increasing the risk of eye infections. When you share makeup, you introduce new bacteria to your eyes. The person may have an eye infection which would transfer to you if you share brushes and products.
People react differently to bacteria exposure. So even if the original user does not experience any reactions, you may develop severe symptoms affecting your vision. Therefore, it is important to avoid sharing your eye makeup.
Replace your eye makeup frequently
Replacing your makeup every 3 to 4 months reduces the risk of bacterial contamination on the eyes.
Keeping makeup products past the expiry date can trigger bacterial growth. Infection-causing bacteria grow quickly and easily in creamy or liquid makeup.
Always check for the expiry dates when buying eye cosmetics. It is also important to check the expiration date before use to ensure the product is still good.
Always clean your face and hands before application
Before applying makeup, clean your eyelids and face thoroughly. Also, clean your hands to ensure that germs and bacteria do not transfer from your hand to the eyes.
It is also important to clean the brushes and makeup sponges before using them. Even with proper storage, they could have dirt, mold, and bacteria clinging to the surface.
Additionally, if you did not clean them the last time, the old makeup could harbor harmful elements that can affect your eyes.
Ensure you clean the sponges and brushes thoroughly before use. It is also advisable to clean these tools after use to make them less prone to dirt and bacteria. Use warm water and soap– always scrub between the fibers. Ensure you rinse all the soap, as small traces could also affect your eyes.
Remove eye makeup before sleeping
Keeping makeup on when you sleep increases the chances of getting it in your eyes and causing irritation.
It is because you may rub your eyes and smudge your eye makeup against the pillow when sleeping. These actions could force small amounts of the product into your eye. Even a small spec of eye cosmetics like mascara, eye shadow, or eyeliner can cause an infection or irritation. Use eye solutions and gentle brushes to remove all makeup flakes from the eye.
Do not apply eye makeup while driving or in a moving vehicle
The sudden jerking of cars on the road increases the risk of scratching the eye surface with a makeup tool. This could lead to infections and compromised vision.
Applying eye makeup while driving or in a moving car is not advisable. It is especially frowned upon if you are driving since a lack of concentration could lead to a road accident. It is always advisable to apply eye makeup before leaving the house.
Lens first rule
Always wear your contact lenses first and then apply your eye makeup. This rule should also apply when removing your makeup. Always remove the contact lens first and then take off your eye makeup.
It prevents your contact lenses from getting contaminated by makeup products. But even if you follow this rule, always clean your contact lenses and store them well to keep them free of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
The Takeaway
If you develop an allergic reaction to makeup, stop use immediately and examine its ingredients to find the trigger. Compare them to other products to help you determine what caused the reaction.
If you develop an eye infection or irritation, do not use eye makeup until your eyes have cleared up. Additionally, throw away any products that have recently come into contact with your eyes. If you had eye surgery, wait until your doctor says it is okay to use eye makeup again.
You should apply eye makeup near or around the eyes only. Exercising a little caution when using eye makeup can go a long way in preventing eye complications.
Contact our doctor for diagnosis and next steps when you notice any signs or symptoms of eye problems. You can easily treat issues caused by eye makeup using prescription eye drops, oral antibiotics, and steroid drops. But always ensure you get the prescription from a qualified medical practitioner such as ours. Book your consultation today.
