A 2017 survey showed that 41 percent of Americans ages 30 to 59 wear makeup daily, and 25 percent wear makeup several times a week. There are a few common eye issues that can be associated with improper makeup use, but you can keep your eyes both healthy AND beautiful with a few tips from the Houston eye doctors at Berkeley Eye Center.
1. Avoid old makeup
Eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, should be thrown away after three months. Bacteria grow easily in creamy and liquid eye makeup, so update your collection often.
2. No sharing
Contrary to what we’re taught as children, you should not share everything with your friends. Eye makeup falls into this category. Sharing it with others, or using samples from a store that others have used, increases the risk of contaminants.
3. Beware of allergic reactions
For people who have allergic reactions, it’s important to only introduce one new personal care product at a time, including makeup, lotions, body wash, shampoo, etc.
4. Apply with care
Before applying your eye makeup, clean your face and eyelids well. Always apply makeup outside the lash, away from the eyes. Also, do not apply eye makeup while driving or riding in a car.
5. Watch out for dry eyes
Dry eye sufferers should avoid the use of metallic or glittery makeup as the flakes can increase irritation to your eyes. This is particularly true in contact wearers.
6. Remove at night
Before going to bed, removing your makeup is important, especially mascara. A clean cotton swab can be brushed along the base of your eyelashes to ensure that all mascara is removed. Avoid getting makeup remover in your eyes, and rinse thoroughly after use.
7. Don’t use before LASIK
If you’re going to have LASIK surgery or any other type of eye procedure, your Houston ophthalmologist will advise you to not wear makeup before or after the procedure until cleared to do so.
If you’re suffering from eye irritation related to makeup use, schedule an appointment today with a Houston eye doctor at Berkeley Eye Center.