There are no cosmetic reasons to sacrifice your eye health and vision! Makeup may look glamorous but applying foreign pastes and powders near your sensitive eyeball opens you up to a whole host of potentially dangerous chemicals and bacteria. The good news is that not all makeup is bad, and there are steps you can take to mitigate risk while using cosmetics. Optometrists are trained to treat pre-existing conditions, degenerative conditions, and make recommendations for preventative eye care. The following are some of the best tips to protect your eyes against the potential dangers of eye makeup.
What is the Clean Beauty Movement?
“Clean Beauty,” otherwise known as green, natural, or safe beauty, is a recent trend in the cosmetics industry that promises to exclude harmful or toxic ingredients. The movement also extends to manufacturing standards and packaging materials. While the definition is not set in stone, clean beauty is typically associated with non-toxic ingredients and fewer chemicals. However, like any movement, consumers should make sure they are getting their information from reliable resources and reading the fine print.
While looking at cosmetics, check the ingredients! There are a few sneaky chemicals we recommend avoiding during your next eye makeup purchase.
- Fragrance. You may have noticed that some companies list “fragrance” as an ingredient. They do this because they do not actually have to list the ingredients that make up the “fragrance.” These chemicals are often associated with allergens and asthma.
- Petroleum Distillates. This ingredient is commonly found in mascaras and is often produced in the same facilities that make heating and auto fuel. It has also been known to cause itchy rashes!
- Parabens. These chemicals are added to prevent bacteria growth in makeup products but are unfortunately carcinogenic. They have also been known to make Dry Eye worse because they obstruct oil glands.
Tips to Protect Your Eyes and Vision While Wearing Makeup
Even if you are able to avoid all of the harmful chemicals in traditional makeup, you are still applying an external substance near your eyeball. Follow these handy tips to keep your eyes clean and comfortable while wearing makeup.
- Clean Your Brushes. It may feel like a frustrating extra step, but regularly cleaning your brushes, sponges, and other makeup materials are well worth the effort. Brushes accumulate bacteria, dead skin cells, oil, and old makeup. At the very least, dirty brushes can lead to breakouts. More likely, they reintroduce harmful bacteria close to your precious eyes!
- Avoid Waterproof Mascara. If a product sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. Waterproof mascara is one such product. Yes, it is less runny than conventional mascara, but it also contains ingredients that can cause your lashes to weaken, become brittle, and ultimately break.
- Protect Your Water Line. You may see models on magazine covers with stark eyeliner looks that cover their entire eye, but these looks are not for everyday wear. Never put eyeliner on the “water line” of your eye or the inside of your eyelids. This is a sensitive area, and makeup can damage essential glands that help keep your eye hydrated!
- Change Your Eye Makeup Every Three Months. This rule applies to all makeup, not just products geared towards your eyes. Makeup pallets are essentially Petri dishes and are the perfect environment to foster bacteria growth. Regardless of the level of care you put towards your products, there is nothing you can do to avoid the buildup of bacteria.
- Don’t Mix and Match. If you’ve ever wondered how that bright lip liner would look on your eyes, stop wondering! Never apply products that have been near your mouth or other regions of your face near your eyes.
- Look for Alternative, Clean Products! Thankfully, there are many makeup companies that are aware of the harmful effects of inexpensive, toxic chemicals. For example, “Eyes are the Story” is a makeup company that has “blacklisted toxic ingredients found in mainstream cosmetics and skincare.” Both Metairie and Mandeville Eye Wares locations aim to carry “Eyes are the Story” products by the end of May 2021! Stay tuned for makeup updates by following Eye Wares on Facebook and Instagram!
Schedule Your Eye Exam with Eye Wares
When was the last time you checked in on your eye health? Eye Wares provides detailed, comprehensive eye exams so you can track your eye health and vision over time! To learn more about the advanced technology Eye Wares implements to give each and every patient the best experience or about our extensive selection of independent and designer frames, visit either of our locations in Mandeville or Metairie!
