Can makeup harm the eyes?
Cosmetics like to sensitize. Also those for eye makeup. If you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes, you should pay special attention to the composition of cosmetics. Even hypoallergenic ones can cause irritation – especially if we use them in excess, borrow them from someone or reach for cosmetics that are out of date or from an unreliable source.
Among the ingredients that most often irritate the eyes are:
- Preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC) – a preservative used in cosmetics, drugs, but also in… lens care solutions – and parabens(Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben)
- natural and synthetic fragrance oils
- lanolin
- honey
- chemical UV filters: Benzophenone -3 and -4, Ococrylene, Avobenzone, Octyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA
- Iron (II) oxide – a black pigment in cosmetics,
- paraphenylenediamine and other synthetic dyes present in colored cosmetics,
- mineral oils, petroleum derivatives: Mineral Oil, Vaseline,Petrolatum, Ceresin, Cera Microcristallina, Ozokerite, Isobutane, Isopropane
Although all cosmetics, before they hit the store shelves, are dermatologically tested, we cannot predict what ingredient may sensitize us. It also happens that an allergic reaction appears suddenly, after many years of using well-known and proven preparations.
The daily heavy use of eye makeup products causes bacteria to accumulate on them. So, if only we have the opportunity, let’s buy cosmetics in small packages, which we use up quickly. Under no circumstances should we borrow mascara or eyeliner. Such passing of cosmetics from hand to hand can also result in the transmission of parasites between people, such as the nuisance worm, which causes a disease called nematosis. Its presence often leads to inflammation of the eyelid margins. For similar reasons, we should abandon the use of so-called testers in drugstores.
Cosmetics can cause eye irritation, which manifests itself in the form of, among other things:
- tearing and burning
- conjunctival redness
- excessive dryness of the eyes
- swelling of the eyelids
- purulent discharge from the eyes
Particularly insidious are cosmetics that we use directly on the mucous membrane, such as eyeliner or so-called kajal for drawing along the waterline of the eye. Even by maintaining sanitary rigor, we can make the cosmetic particles enter the eye and irritate it. Also, mascaras with extension particles can irritate the eyes more than others.
Makeup particles like to get under contact lenses, so always choose products recommended for contact lens wearers. And remember: always put on your lenses BEFORE you start painting.
Let’s also never do our makeup in the car at a red light! No, this is not a joke. A sudden change in the traffic situation can cause us to react violently and injure our eye with mascara or eyeliner.
It is equally harmful not to remove makeup overnight. Leaving cosmetics on the skin around the eyes can lead to infections, swollen eyelids or conjunctivitis. It is also worth remembering that just as makeup products can sensitize, so can makeup remover products. If you find an allergic reaction, it is essential to look for another line of cosmetics.
