Makeup is an important part of many people’s beauty regimens. However, when done incorrectly, makeup can cause more harm than good. If you are having any of the following issues, consider your makeup as a possible culprit, and try these recommendations to alleviate the problem.
- Allergic dermatitis and conjunctivitis
When it comes to makeup, there are countless varieties all with slightly different ingredients. With each new shadow, foundation, mascara and eye liner, you are exposing your skin and eyes to new chemicals. Some of the preservatives and base ingredients in makeups are highly associated with allergic reactions. Our recommendation is to find a line of makeup that works well and stick to it. Make sure that the makeup you choose clearly states all ingredients so if you are allergic we can help you determine the culprit. Symptoms that you may be allergic to your makeup include, red and puffy eyelids, red eyes, flaking skin, itching, and watery eyes.
- Contact Lens fogging
Many makeup is water resistant, which is generally a bad combination for your water-loving contact lenses. Some cases of chronically poor wetting contact lenses are solved by simply reducing, eliminating, or changing the makeup that goes around your eyes. Likewise, some lotions have oils in them that also can cling to contact lenses and cause fogging. This does not mean that makeup and contact lenses can’t live a happy life together, but it is important to take proper steps to ensure success. The American Optometric Association recommends taking these steps when using makeup and contact lenses:
Always apply your contact lenses before makeup. Avoid applying the makeup to the margin of the eyelids that touch the eye.
Remove your makeup at the end of the day before removing your contacts.
Always wash your hands before touching your contacts. Opt for soaps that do not have lotions and oils. Additionally, never use hand, body, or face lotions before touching your contact lenses.
Choose a liquid foundation over a cream foundation. Cream foundations are more flakey, and the dust can get onto your contacts. Avoid water resistant foundations, shadows, and eyeliners, as these will immediately cause nonwetting issues if introduced to the contact lenses. This is one of the most overlooked causes of poor contact lens wetting and coating problems!
- Dry eyes
The most important tears our body produces come from oil glands on the margin of the eyelids abutting the eye. With every blink these glands push out a small amount of oil that the eyelid spreads smoothly across the front of the eye. When eyeliner is applied to the waterline of the eyelids (above the lower lashes and below the upper lashes), it clogs these glands inhibiting their ability to function. Prolonged application of eyeliner covering these glands can permanently damage the glands.
In summary, there is really no reason that you shouldn’t be able to wear makeup successfully, if you are careful and conscious. Choose makeups that meet the recommendations above, and you should avoid running into any problems. If you think you may be having a problem with one or all of your makeups schedule an appointment and be sure to bring the product labels with you!
