Mascara was first used by the ancient Egyptians over 4000 years ago and was basically made as a mixture of crushed charcoal or soot, crocodile stool, honey, and water. Today’s products are produced in much cleaner environments, but basically the concoction is similar. That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer. Applying make-up to the eyelids daily, particularly if the kit is not clean or past due date, can lead to problems with the eyelids, the tear film and the eye itself. It can also give you an eye infection.
Soot particles in mascara can also get into the small oil producing pores along the length of the eyelid margin and block them. These Meibomian gland pores produce the essential oil required for a stable tear film. Blocking these pores causes a chronic inflammatory reaction in the eyelid called posterior meibomitis which is the most common cause of red eyes, dry eyes and irritated eyes.
Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics. In rare cases, women have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an eye cosmetic. Eyelashes naturally have bacteria on them. As soon as you use a makeup brush on the eyelash or eyelid, the brush is contaminated.Over time, the infected brush leads to a buildup of bacteria in the cosmetics container. This increases the chance for an eye infection or an allergic reaction with each use of the product. All eyelash curlers need to be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.
Pieces of makeup can land in the eyes and cause redness and irritation. More serious, infections that threaten sight can result if the surface of the eye is scratched with an infected brush or makeup pencil. As a worst case scenario you could scratch your cornea which can lead to a corneal abrasion. Corneal abrasions are potentially very painful, associated with severe discomfort, tearing and redness but more seriously can lead to bacterial infections of the cornea itself.
Most cosmetics have long shelf lives, but since they can be infected with bacteria after only one use, it is a good idea to keep track of how long you have been using products like mascara and eyeliners. Although there are no guidelines for cosmetics use, risk of infection can be reduced if you change them every 3 to 4 months.According to a research over half of make-up users do not check the instructions to see how long they should keep their mascara on for, with almost a fifth admitting they didn’t even know that expiry information existed.
Even wearing false eyelashes can be potentially dangerous both initially and in the long run. Firstly applying any type of adhesive near your eye can cause problems if glue enters the tear film or ocular surface. Glue onto the ocular surface can cause abrasions, bacterial infections which can lead to scars and potentially permanent visual damage
Also, avoid sharing cosmetics. You would never share a toothbrush, so consider why would your share mascara or eyeliner? The principle is the same. Cross contamination happens when two or more people use the same brushes or eyeliners. The main danger with sharing makeup is passing on an infection like viral conjunctivitis or pink eye. Exposure to even a small amount of virus can lead to a very uncomfortable infection.
Safety tips: Following tips for the proper use of eye cosmetics:
1. Immediately stop using eye products that cause irritation. If irritation persists, see your nearby ophthalmologist.
2. Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics. If you don't, the bacteria on your hands could cause an infection.
3. Make sure that any cosmetic tool you place near the eye is clean.Don't allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or infected with dirt or soil. Wipe off the container with a damp cloth if you can see dust or dirt.
4. Don't use old containers of eye cosmetics. If you haven't used the product for several months, it's better to throw it out and buy a new one.
5. Don't spit into eye cosmetics. The bacteria in your mouth may grow in the cosmetic and later use may cause an eye infection.
6. Don't share your cosmetics. Another person's bacteria in your cosmetic can be harmful to you.
7. Don't store cosmetics at temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Cosmetics held for long periods in hot cars, for example, are more at risk of weakening the preservative.
8. Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is red. Wait until the area is healed.Take extra care in using eye cosmetics if you have any allergies.
9. When applying or removing eye cosmetics, be careful not to scratch the eyeball or some other sensitive area of the eye.
Always do a trial check on other part of body for allergy check and clean your makeup with lid wipes available commercially before you go to bed. In case you develop irritation in eyes and redness following your use of cosmetics. See the nearest eye specialist for guidance.