Makeup from around the eyes

We all want to be healthy and beautiful. Undoubtedly, make-up plays a very important role in our physical appearance, as it can cover imperfections and highlight certain features, but often its improper use can cause eye infections. It is important to take the necessary precautions to protect our eyes from harmful substances and bacteria.

1. Use only cosmetics designed for use around the eyes

Other types of make-up may contain substances that can be harmful to the eyes, causing allergies or even eye infections. The eyelids may become swollen and the eye may turn red, sensitive to light, discharge and excess tearing may occur. All this making make-up application impossible and requiring specialist treatment. This "sensitisation" of the eyes may persist a long period of time, limiting make-up options.

2. Never use other people's make-up products, friends, family and do not offer your products to anyone.

Bacteria can be transferred with easily through the distribution of makeup, there is no difference between a sharing with a family member or a stranger. Our skin contains certain normal bacteria that serve to protect us from certain infections. Normal flora acts as a barrier to the invasion of pathogenic bacteria, any imbalance in it, for whatever reason, leads to infection.

3. Throw away eye make-up after the expiry date or if you have used it before the onset of an eye infection.

Many women keep their makeup on longer than they should, mascara being one of the main culprits of eye problems caused by makeup. Bacteria that cause infections are easily grow in creamy or liquid make-up. Another important point is using make-up after an eye infection. Even if during the infection you did not use make-up products, their use prior to the onset infection has certainly contaminated them. In short, throw away all products and buy new ones.

4. Test products before using them.

 I do not recommend testing products on your skin in stores, because unfortunately the rules of hygiene and product testing are not followed. We don't know who tested the products before and how they were applied. Correct product testing is done with disposable utensils, which are applied to your skin. These disposable utensils should be the only ones that touch the bottle, the container with the product to be tested and then applied to your skin. Unfortunately, in stores, everyone sticks their fingers into the test products, even several times, so there is an effective transfer of bacteria from everyone's hands into the test products.

A good way to test products is by asking for sealed samples and I recommend that you introduce one make-up, care product at a time. Don't add another new product until you know how you react to the first one.

5. Be careful when applying and maintaining false eyelashes

Application of false eyelashes, in particular banded eyelashes, can pose many potential threats to the eye, if not used properly. Firstly, the use of eyelash glue can cause bacterial infections or allergies if the glue would get into the eye, or is old. Aggressive application of eyelashes can cause abrasions and/or eye irritation, and long eyelashes can direct wind into the eye resulting in dry eye. Long lashes can also cause shadows and affect visual acuity and create eye discomfort.

6. Remove makeup before bed to prevent bacteria and sebum build-up.

Always apply makeup outside the eyelash line to avoid blocking the sebaceous glands in the eyelashes. upper or lower eyelid. These glands secrete sebum that protects the surface of the eye. Blocking them leads to eye infections.

7. Avoid applying eye make-up while on the move or when distracted.

Applying make-up to the eye area requires great care and skill. Carelessness causes accidental injuries, such as scratching the cornea, which is painful and can cause damage long-term damage to the eye. Do not apply make-up while driving or talking on the phone.

Ladies, young ladies and even gentlemen, I recommend you to be beautiful, but pay due attention to your makeup/care products and the way you apply them. 

Dr Alexandra Preda

Specialist ophthalmologist

Head of Department - University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Timisoara