Face paint, shimmering eyeshadow, and lengthy, vibrant eyelash extensions. While they may appear to be a benign method of enhancing your Halloween attire, improper application of certain cosmetic products available at your local drugstore could lead to harmful eye infections. Keep these guidelines in mind for the safe application of makeup and cosmetics in the eye area.
Eye Makeup Safety Tips
Adhere to these fundamental guidelines to safeguard your eyes during makeup application. Should you have inquiries regarding your cosmetic regimen, or if you possess an eye condition that necessitates particular attention, consult your physician
Avoid Glitter Eye Makeup
Exercise caution when using metallic, glitter, sparkle powder, or face paint. Particles may fall into the eye, enter the tear film, and cause irritation. Glitter eye makeup frequently leads to corneal irritation or infection, particularly among contact lens wearers. Larger glitter pieces or inclusions in cosmetics can scratch the eye, similar to the sensation of having sand or dirt in the eye. When applying face paint, ensure that you steer clear of the lash line.
Applying Faux Eyelashes
Eyelash extensions can be safely applied when performed by a qualified professional. The majority of eyelash extensions are affixed using tweezers along with a specially designed, semi-permanent adhesive. Additionally, there are magnetic eyelashes that are applied using an eyeliner containing small magnetic particles.
Both magnetic and adhesive lashes may cause irritation to the delicate skin surrounding the eyes or could potentially come into contact with the eye and scratch the cornea if not applied correctly. To minimize the risk of these potential issues, it is advisable to wear false lashes solely for special events and ensure that a professional applies them. Should you encounter any discomfort, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist immediately. There are numerous factors to take into account regarding eyelash extensions, which is why we have created an entire article dedicated to the safe application of eyelash extensions.
How to Avoid Eye Infection
• Only utilize cosmetics specifically formulated for application around the eyes. Steer clear of products that include untested or harsh chemicals.
• Discard eye makeup after a period of three months and acquire new products. Bacteria that can cause infections thrive easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup.
• Prior to applying makeup, ensure that your face and eyelids are thoroughly clean.
• Always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to prevent obstructing the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid. These glands produce oil that safeguards the surface of the eye.
• Refrain from sharing eye makeup, even with family members or close friends.
• When testing makeup in retail environments, utilize only fresh applicators and samples that have not been tainted by multiple users. The most prudent option is to avoid store samples entirely.
• If you experience an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, promptly dispose of all your eye makeup and refrain from using eye makeup until the infection has resolved.
How to Avoid Allergic Reactions
• Introduce only one new eye makeup or care product at a time, particularly if you are prone to allergic reactions. Refrain from adding another new product until you have confirmed that you are not reacting to the initial one.
• If you observe an allergic reaction to makeup:
o Identify the ingredients so you can be cautious of them in other products. o Inform your doctor. Your doctor may be aware of products that are likely to cause reactions, as well as gentler alternatives.
How to Avoid Eye Injury
• It is advisable to refrain from applying makeup while the vehicle is in motion.
• In the event that your eyelashes become clumped due to mascara or any other product, avoid using sharp objects to separate them, as this may result in injury to your eye.
• Should you have undergone recent eye surgery, it is important to avoid wearing makeup around the eye area until your ophthalmologist confirms that it is safe to do so.
What About Heated Eyelash Curlers?
Heated eyelash curlers can offer a longer-lasting lift compared to their mechanical counterparts. However, excessive heat near the eyes poses significant risks. It may lead to lash loss, harm the skin surrounding the eyes, or even injure the eyes themselves.
“Human skin can endure first-degree burns at 118 degrees Fahrenheit and second-degree burns at 131 degrees. Given that the skin on the eyelids is particularly delicate, it is more susceptible to damage at lower temperatures,” stated Natasha Herz, MD, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. These devices typically operate within a temperature range of 100 degrees to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. “An additional concern arises if the user’s hand is unsteady or inadvertently makes contact with something, resulting in the curling iron touching the conjunctiva or cornea. This could lead to a thermal injury that, at a minimum, would require a week to heal. If a burn occurs in the center of the cornea, directly over the pupil and within the line of sight, it may result in a scar that could lead to permanent vision loss.
If you are using a heated eyelash curler, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Check the exact temperature of each setting and start with the lowest temperature possible
- Be careful not to pull too hard on the lashes
- Do not repeatedly go over the same area multiple times; this can cause heat damage
- Avoid using this product if you have sensitive eyes. If you’re unsure if this product is right for you, talk to your ophthalmologist
What About Latisse?
Latisse is a prescription medication designed to enhance eyelashes. It is applied along the lash line to encourage the development of longer and thicker eyelashes. There are potential side effects to consider, which is why it is only obtainable through a prescription.
You may have encountered non-prescription beauty products for eyelash enhancement available in retail stores, but Latisse remains the sole eyelash growth product that has received FDA approval. As these alternative products have not undergone FDA testing, their safety and effectiveness in promoting eyelash growth have not been officially validated. The most reliable way to ensure the safe use of eyelash growth products is to seek advice from an ophthalmologist prior to use.
How to Remove Makeup From Around the Eyes
It is essential to remove all eye makeup before going to bed, particularly mascara, as it can adhere to the eyelashes. Failure to remove eye makeup adequately may result in irritation. For instance, a 50-year-old woman who consistently slept with mascara on for over 25 years experienced the development of painful black lumps beneath her eyelids, ultimately resulting in follicular conjunctivitis.
- Vaseline is a very effective makeup remover. It’s lubricating, soothing to skin and helps makeup slide off without unnecessary tugging and pulling.
- Baby shampoo is an inexpensive and ophthalmologist-recommended product for washing eyelids and the area around the eyes. These ‘tear-free’ soaps are often recommended to people prone to styes, chalazia and blepharitis for washing their eyes.
- Whatever eye makeup remover you use, avoid getting it in your eyes.
- Thoroughly rinse any remover off your eyelids.
- Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants.
- Be especially careful with exfoliating scrubs and don’t use them around your eyes. Cleansers with scrubbing beads or gritty additions can scratch and irritate your eyes.
- Be gentle with your eyelashes and the delicate areas around your eyes. Eyelashes are important for keeping dust and dirt out of your eyes. They also keep your eyes from drying out by blocking air movement over your tear film.
