Health Risks Associated With Eye Makeup

When a mascara wand or eyeliner brush comes into contact with the eyelashes, the applicator becomes contaminated because the eyelashes naturally contain bacteria. Over time, the brush and container get contaminated, increasing the risk of infection or allergic responses. Sharing cosmetics is not recommended since bacteria can affect the other person even if the original user does not experience any reactions or diseases.

Apply make-up away from the eye and eyelid junction to prevent obstructing the vital Meibomian oil glands and creating dry eyes. Fortunately, most people will not have any issues applying make-up for more than three months. If irritation occurs after applying make-up products, cease using them right away. If the inflammation persists, you should see an eye doctor.

Risks Connected With Eye Makeup

Before going to bed, make sure to remove your makeup. Dana Robaei, an ophthalmologist, wrote a case study in 2018 on a patient who experienced chronic foreign body sensations in both eyes. The article outlined the negative consequences of leaving mascara overnight. 

Robaei examined the eyes and saw subconjunctival mascara deposits behind both eyelids. This resulted from more than 25 years of heavy mascara application without adequate removal. Small bits of mascara had accumulated inside the eyelid and solidified into concretions that scratched the cornea, causing irritation and discomfort. Following a surgical treatment to remove the accumulated concretions, the patient was left with lifelong scarring on the cornea and eyelid. Although Robaei notes that it was an uncommon and extreme event, it emphasizes the need to properly remove eye makeup each night.

Other cases have suggested that mascara can cause harm to the lacrimal drainage system, with one patient producing a dacryolith (a concretion made up of lipids, epithelial cells, and other debris) filled with mascara. Other reports in literature reviews on mascara-related concerns include eyelid dermatitis, infection keratitis, and mascaroma.

Furthermore, not all eye makeup remains in the region where it was applied. For example, mascara can flake off and send microscopic particles into the eye, producing redness or irritation. In other circumstances, makeup brushes or pencils might scrape the eye, resulting in serious eye infections. Making sure that any applicator used near the eyes is clean can help to lessen the risk of scratch-related infections. However, the damage generated by scratching may still result in difficulties or reactions.

Tips For a Safe Makeup Removal

Proper storage of make-up products is vital. Cosmetics' preservatives are more likely to deteriorate if stored in specially heated circumstances, such as over 85°F (29°C). 

The skin around your eyes is more sensitive than the rest of your face and is also slimmer. That is why you should take your time, use delicate but effective products, and wipe instead of rubbing. This is one of the most effective ways to remove eye makeup without creating wrinkles. To avoid blocked pores and acne, use a gentle, hypoallergenic eye makeup remover that does not include comedogenic oils.

Use a micellar makeup remover to gently rub the skin without pulling it. Finish with a face wash to remove any residual makeup. Following makeup removal, cleanse, treat, and moisturize your skin to address any issues and maintain a healthy complexion. 

The bottom line

Due to extensive testing prior to sale, daily makeup usage poses a negligible risk. However, when makeup is not properly removed, becomes contaminated, or is applied when particular allergies are already present, the risk of infection, irritation, and irreversible damage to the application area increases.

A microbiological study invited forty women to apply one of two types of non-waterproof mascara every day for three months. Microbial growth was discovered in more than 36% of the mascara containers among the 33 samples taken from 40 women.

As a result, the importance of proper make-up hygiene is obvious. In rare circumstances, careful application of makeup around the eyes might lessen the risk of eye injury and consequent inflammation, infection, and vision loss.