Eyes are the most delicate and sensitive organ of the body and it is essential to protect eyes from the external toxic substances. Many women these days spend a lot of time and money on eye cosmetics to gain confidence and to enhance their beauty. Though we are busy trying to look more beautiful at times, we fail to realize the harmful effects of the products that are being used in our daily life. Eye makeup can aggravate many eye problems like irritation, dry eyes, infections, and redness. One of the most common effects of makeup products is dry eyes as these cosmetics can migrate on the surface of eyes and into the tear film. These harmful cosmetic products thin out the oily layer of tear film allowing faster evaporation of tears. If the makeup is not applied appropriately around the eyes it can cause following eyes related problems:
Eye Infections: Makeup around the eyes should not be applied for a long duration. Inappropriate and prolonged application of makeup more than the recommended duration can make the eyes puffy and red. To prevent such a situation, it is mandatory to change the makeup product over time and clean the makeup brushes and applicators d regularly to remove the bacteria and other pathogens from their surfaces. Most common eye infections include bacterial conjunctivitis. Always take note of the expired date and stop using the expired products.
Allergy: Cosmetic products contain several allergens like nickel and oxides of iron that are present in preservatives and fragrances. It is always recommended to avoid using makeup products that contain toxic heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, nickel, lead, and selenium. One should use natural products instead of these toxic cosmetics.
Inadvertent mechanical injury: One must be cautious while using makeup around the eyes. Accidental trauma to eyes can often lead to corneal abrasion. Corneal injury can further serve as a route of entry for various pathogens.
Damage to conjunctiva: Makeup products and makeup remover can form a coating over the conjunctival surface thereby destroying the goblet cells that produce the mucin to prevent eyes from drying.
Impact on the contact lenses: Makeup product debris can bind to the surface of contact lenses thus causing discomfort and irritation.
Pigmentation of skin and conjunctiva: Conjunctival and skin pigmentation can occur due to the deposition of cosmetic debris.
Blockage of nasolacrimal ducts: Use of cosmetic products like mascara lead to obstruction of nasolacrimal ducts that can cause increased tearing in that eye along with infection and inflammation.
The following precautions should be taken to protect the eyes from artificial cosmetic products:
Cosmetic products should be applied outside the lash line and never be applied over the oil glands at the edges of upper and lower eyelids.
Always use products that are paraben-free and remove cosmetic products before going to bed.
Always make use of clean brushes and applicators to keep a check on eye infections.
I know it’s difficult at times, but the safer you are with your cosmetics the less chance you’ll have of developing any eye conditions from your everyday make-up use.
