Authored by: OCC LASIK
Some ladies never leave the house without their makeup. It does not matter whether it is a going to work, attending a holiday party, or even just a quick trip to the grocery store, some of us simply will not be seen without our makeup. It’s true! If you are raising your hand right now, read on.
Gorgeous makeup can be both a blessing and a curse. You can aspire to get the latest smoky eye or cat-eye look, and no one ever gets tired of hearing, “You have such beautiful eyes”. But unless you are careful about its application, the products you use, and its removal, you can cause serious injury to your cornea and eye health. Here are some tips and cautions when using makeup.
Keep All Cosmetics Fresh
It is recommended that you replace all your products regularly. You should not keep most products beyond six months. Cosmetics like mascara should be replaced every three to four months, and never use a dried out mascara wand. Be sure to sharpen eyeliner pencils regularly so the tips will stay fresh and there will be no chance for wood to nick your cornea or get into your eyes.
Never Share
Even though your parents taught you at a young age that sharing is a virtue, here is one instance where it pays to be a rebel. Never allow a friend to use your mascara, eyeliner, or even lipstick, and you should never use theirs. Bacteria collects on applicators and can lead to infection or conjunctivitis.
The Daily Ritual
If you want to protect your eyes, one of the most important makeup rituals is to remove all traces of it every night. Step one is to wash your hands thoroughly. Then using your favorite cold cream or makeup remover, clean your face completely. Never sleep in your makeup. This is especially true if you wear contact lenses. Lastly, use a cotton swab or Q-tip around your lashes and lash line to further remove debris.
Basic Safety
Some of the most common eye irritations come from using makeup. Scratching your cornea with a mascara wand or your fingernail can cause a corneal abrasion. If not treated by an eye doctor, it can lead to a serious infection or corneal ulcer. There are certain basic safety tips to applying and wearing makeup.
- Never apply eye makeup in a car or any moving vehicle.
- Take great care when sampling eye makeup in a department store. Be sure that they clean applicators between customers or use new ones.
- Avoid eye products with glitter, especially if you tend to have dry eyes. These types of products can flake off and cause irritation.
- If your eyes become red, irritated and itchy, or swollen, stop using makeup immediately and call OCC LASIK. This will prevent a potential problem from getting worse.
- If you have had an eye infection, discard all cosmetic products and purchase new ones.
It is possible to have stunning eyes and keep them safe at the same time. Contact OCC LASIK if you have any questions about eye makeup safety or if you are experiencing an eye issue.